How do you make sure there are no viruses on your computer?

Identify in this way that there is no virus on your computer

We all know that there are many types of Viruses on the Internet, that are always looking for a computer that does not have any protection i.e. if your PC does not have Antivirus or Malware removal software, then these viruses can easily come through the Internet.

By coming to this virus to your PC, it will not only steal all the information but can also corrupt your PC.

Whenever we open a mail, there are many spam mails in Inbox in addition to the required mails, so try to know that before opening these spam emails, know whether it is necessary to open them or not because Virus attacks may occur in PCs sometimes through spam mail.

So, friends, let's discuss about various methods for detecting viruses on your computer.

• If an account in your PC is getting signed out of its own or if the PC crashes repeatedly, then it is a sign of virus infection in the PC. It must be scanned with a good anti-virus.

• If the speed of your PC suddenly slows down, then understand there may be a virus or malware in your PC.

• If the PC restarts again & again means there is something wrong with your PC may be some virus come in your PC or Laptop

• If in your PC automatically starts popping up a message that does not go even after closing it, then you should understand that some malware or virus has arrived on your PC.

• If the size of the saved files in your PC starts changing its own, then understand that there is a problem in the software of the PC and pc is infected with some virus or malware.

Other symptoms if your PC/Laptop is infected with virus or malware 

• PC will be bombarded with ads on your screen and you will not be able to use the PC

• You will observe sudden high hard disk consumption with junk or wanted files & folder 

• If malware is implanted on your PC Some suspicious process may be running other than a well-known window or Linux process 

• You may observe High memory usages in case of PC is infected with a virus or malware

• virus or malware may cause high network interface utilization and you may experience a slow internet  

• It may cause a connection establishment to suspicious websites. 

Now let us know How Malware Infects your PC/Laptop

Malware infection occurs when malicious software infiltrates your systems. Infiltrate occurs when-

• If you download software from an unknown source or download freeware (free software) your PC may surely be infected with viruses. So don't download any freeware from an unknown source, download it from its official website if it is a genuine freeware

• User unawareness-accepting without reading - During the installation of any freeware read the terms and conditions carefully then accept and install.

• Don't download Video files and mp3  from suspicious sites it may infect your system. Download from a genuine website.

• Be careful in opening  email and attachment download from the source which you are not sure about

• Using an infected pen drive may infect your system.

Hello!! Do you know what malware is? 

Malware (Malicious Software)-created with the intent of damaging the victim’s computer.

It can-

1.     Steal private information, spying online activates on computers without user consent.

     2.     Slow down and locking down your computers. 

Malware maybe Viruses, Trojans, Spyware, Adware, Worms, Rootkits 

 

• Rootkit- Obtain an administrative privilege that allows you to download and install other malware like  AV disablers, key loggers, stealers of passwords & credentials, enable systems as BOT, and use it for DoS attacks.  

• Info stealer-Trojan that is designed to gather information from a compromised machine(ex-Trickbot, Dridex, and Pony) 

•  Virus- Program that attaches itself to another program, replicate itself, the program must be run to take in effect. 

• Virus Purpose-To infect the vulnerable systems and steal user sensitive data 

• Worm- Replicate itself, a stand-alone program spreads via a network.

• Worm Purpose-To infect other computers

• Trojan horse- Program that pretends to do one thing but does something that user unable to detect. 

• Trojan  Purpose-To control activity   

• Antivirus- Protect from Virus 

How to protect your computer/Laptop from Virus?

Updated Antivirus Software

Having reliable and updated antivirus software is the first line of defense against viruses. Regularly update your antivirus(AV) software to make sure it has the latest antivirus definitions and security patches. This ensures that your computer is protected against the most recent threats. Set up automatic updates to keep your antivirus software current and capable of detecting and eliminating emerging viruses effectively.

Regular System Scans

Performing regular system scans is essential for detecting viruses that may have slipped through the cracks. Schedule periodic scans of your computer using your antivirus software to identify any hidden threats. These scans thoroughly examine your system, files, and applications for signs of malicious activity. If any viruses are detected, follow the recommended actions provided by your antivirus software to remove or quarantine them.

Safe Browsing Habits

Practicing safe browsing habits is key to preventing virus infections. Be cautious when visiting websites, especially those of unknown or suspicious nature. Stick to reputable websites and avoid clicking on suspicious links. Additionally, be wary of pop-up ads, as they can sometimes be vehicles for malware. Employing a secure web browser with built-in security features can further enhance your protection against viruses while browsing the internet.

Email Attachments and Downloads

Exercise caution when dealing with email attachments and downloads. Viruses often spread through infected files attached to emails or disguised as seemingly harmless downloads. Avoid opening attachments or downloading files from unknown or untrusted sources. Always scan files with your antivirus software before opening or executing them to minimize the risk of virus infection.

Suspicious Behavior

Be vigilant for any suspicious behavior on your computer. This includes unexpected system crashes, slow performance, or unusual error messages. These signs may indicate the presence of a virus. If you notice any such behavior, perform a thorough system scan and investigate further to identify and remove any potential threats.

Firewall and Security Settings

Ensure that your computer's firewall is enabled and properly configured. Firewalls act as a security barrier between your computer/PC/Server/Laptop and external networks, monitoring incoming and outgoing network traffic. This helps block unauthorized access and prevents viruses from infiltrating your system through network connections. Regularly review and update your firewall and security settings to enhance your computer's protection.

Monitoring Network Connections

Keep an eye on your computer's network connections. Unusual network activity can indicate the presence of a virus. Monitor incoming and outgoing connections using network monitoring tools or built-in operating system utilities. If you detect any suspicious or unauthorized connections, investigate further to identify the source and take appropriate action.

System Performance and Behavior

Pay attention to your computer's overall performance and behavior. Viruses can cause system slowdowns, crashes, or unexpected errors. If you notice any significant changes in your computer's performance or behavior, it could be a sign of a virus infection. Conduct thorough system scans and investigate any anomalies to ensure the integrity of your computer.

Identifying Unusual Processes

Monitor the processes running on your computer to identify any unusual or suspicious activities. Use the Task Manager (Windows) or Activity Monitor (Mac) to view the list of running processes. If you come across unfamiliar or suspicious processes consuming excessive system resources, it may be an indication of a virus. Research the process online or consult with an IT professional to determine if further action is required.

Suspicious Pop-ups and Advertisements

Pay attention to pop-up windows and advertisements that appear on your computer. Some viruses generate deceptive pop-ups, urging users to click on them or download malicious content. Avoid interacting with such pop-ups and advertisements, as they can lead to virus infections. Use ad-blockers and browser extensions to minimize the display of intrusive ads and pop-ups.

FAQ

1. How frequently or how often should I update my antivirus software?

  It is recommended to update your antivirus software at least once a week or enable automatic updates for real-time protection against the latest threats.

2. Can I rely solely on free antivirus software?

 Free antivirus software can provide a basic level of protection, but premium or paid versions often offer advanced features and better threat detection capabilities.

3. Is it safe to download files from torrent websites?

 Downloading files from torrent websites carries a higher risk of virus infections. Be careful and only download from trusted sources/official websites.

4. Should I disable my computer's firewall if I have antivirus software?

 No, it is important to keep your firewall enabled along with antivirus software for layered protection against various types of threats.

5. What should I do if my computer gets infected despite precautions?

 If your computer gets infected, isolate it from the network, run a full system scan, and follow the recommended actions provided by your antivirus software.