A computer virus is a piece of code or an executable program that gets downloaded onto your computer through an email, software download, or an outside storage device. It’s a contagious element that can go from computer to computer, causing your device to perform poorly.
Like a human virus, computer viruses can cause great harm if left untreated. Viruses can destroy files and even steal or broadcast your most sensitive data.
Where do they come from? Hackers and criminals create and spread them through the things we do on our computers every day. You may have no idea that the free software you downloaded had a virus. The email attachment you opened could have one too. That’s why it is important to protect yourself and know what to do if a virus gets through to your computer system and files.
Signs you have a computer virus
How can you know that your computer has a virus? While a good security software product should alert you to problems and remove them automatically, it’s smart to know the symptoms of a sick PC. Some of the most common signals that you have a virus include:
- Frequent loss of internet connection or unstable connection speeds
- A computer that freezes or crashes often
- Pop-ups and other disruptive ads
- High resource usage, as seen in the task manager
- Inability to remove unwanted programs or applications
- Files that appear out of nowhere and can’t be deleted
- Unauthorized changes to your settings, internet IP, or computer permissions
- Unwanted spam messages sent to your family and friends without you knowing
Symptoms vary by virus and may not affect computers in the same way.
How to get rid of a computer virus
Similar to a cold or flu virus in humans, the best way to rid yourself of a computer virus is not to get one at all. Prevention is the best medicine for anything. If you’ve found that your computer is infected, there are things you can do to remedy the situation. Take action fast to get rid of the virus before it does the most possible harm.
Antivirus software is the single most effective and least complicated way to remove a virus. This type of program is designed to stay connected to the internet and continually update its library of possible viruses so that it’s aware of new ones as they are discovered and reported.
The software’s frequent scans should catch and delete most viruses before you’re even aware of them. You can also choose to specifically target files or places on your computer that you think is infected, such as your hard drive.
How to prevent getting computer viruses
It can’t be stressed enough that preventing viruses is the best strategy. While no security product is 100% foolproof, following these practices can keep you safer. They are generally good enough for most consumer computers:
1. Use a firewall
All computers that come with major operating systems installed should have a firewall product. Microsoft Windows, for example, includes a firewall as part of its Windows Security Center. If you purchased a third-party product, such as McAfee LiveSafe antivirus, this should have a firewall by default. Adjust the settings to get the protection level that’s best for you.
2. Adjust your browser settings
Whether you use Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, or another browser, adjusting the security settings can help. You can require that your browser asks for permission before loading certain pages or sending personal information. Some software products also come with safe browsing features to handle these settings for you.
3. Surf smart
Your computer can be less susceptible to viruses if you engage in safe practices. These include the following:
- Only visit websites you trust, and only accept downloads or programs from those you can verify
- Avoid websites that don’t have a URL starting with the secure HTTPS:// format or that prompt your browser to issue a security warning
- Don’t accept the terms of service for new programs or games without reading them first. Understand what software or apps will do to your operating system. Don’t automatically accept terms or allow programs to make changes to your computer without careful examination
- Don’t open an email or social media attachments from someone you don’t know. If something seems suspicious – like an email from a friend with a weird attachment – start a new email or social media message chain to ask your friend about it
- Before downloading free software or tools, search the web to see if it’s legit. Many antivirus software providers have published guides or come with specific removal tools designed to verify the content you download. See if others have experienced issues with these tools before you put your PC at risk
4. Keep software updated
Even the best antivirus software won’t work if you don’t regularly accept updates. The same is true for your operating system and other software programs. Because many of the new updates specifically address security flaws, it’s essential to allow your PC to perform updates and that you keep your antivirus program connected to the internet to accept them.
How to Remove Malware on your Windows PC
When you experience major issues with your computer, knowing how to get rid of malware safely and thoroughly is one of the most important things you can do.
But how can you find out which systems are impacted? Can you trust your regular malware scanner? Is it fine to try to troubleshoot on your own, or is it safer to get professional help?
Part One
In this article, we’ll take a thorough look at malware, including a basic exploration of malicious software and how it can work to manipulate or take control of your PC’s operating system. We’ll also explore the basics of how you can know if your computer is infected, plus information on how Disk Cleanup can be part of a good preventive maintenance routine.
Part Two
Once you’re caught up on the basics of the problem, we’ll move on to a survey of reliable malware scanner services. There are a variety of popular free and subscription options to consider. We’ll also provide some more hands-on solutions to persistent problems and offer some help building a strong security profile.
How to handle malware on your own with Windows Disk Cleanup
Fortunately, you have some options built into your Windows system tools for getting rid of the malware. Disk Cleanup is a very simple, albeit effective, utility that primarily removes old and unnecessary files. Many users add it to their routine to clear up extra space on a crowded drive, but it has the potential to catch some low-level malware too.
This can be a good option to explore when you have small issues or just want to improve your security or hard-drive maintenance. To make sure you know how to handle things, here’s how to access the Disk Cleanup utility in just a few easy steps:
- Click the Start button in the lower-left corner of your screen
- Scroll down and click on Windows System
- Click on Windows Administrative Tools in the dropdown
- This should open a new window with a selection of shortcuts to different Administrative Tools. Look for the Disk Cleanup shortcut here and double click it
- A new window should appear with the prompt “Select the drive you want to clean up”
- Make your choice with the dropdown menu and then click okay to begin a quick scan of the drive
- Select what you want to delete from the drive and click okay
If this is your first time performing a cleanup, you stand a good chance of clearing up a lot of new space on your drive. It may even be enough to help you get a handle on your malware problem, but read on for more information on independent anti-malware software you can download and start using fast.
The 6 best malware removal options
Are you wondering how to check for malware? For more persistent problems, you’ll want to take a look at some anti-malware scanning and removal options. There are both free and paid options available online. Here’s a list of the options we’ll profile today:
- McAfee Total Protection
- SpyBot Search & Destroy
- Malwarebytes
- AVG
- Avast Antivirus
- BitDefender
Some of these options offer free versions so that you can deal with your malware problem as quickly as possible regardless of budget.
1. McAfee Total Protection
Well-known and highly regarded in many offices, McAfee is a long-standing brand with a big footprint in the world of tech security. They offer a huge variety of services tailored to both the consumer and enterprise markets.
McAfee Total Protection is their flagship offering, and there are 3 pricing tiers designed to support individual users up to larger households with more diverse needs.
While the solo plan provides a lot of great features, your savings quickly scale as you move up to their plans for 5 and 10 devices. Take a look at what each has to offer in McAfee’s pricing and features charts.
2. SpyBot Search & Destroy
One of the longest-running options on our list, SpyBot Search & Destroy has had a lot of staying power. It’s a relatively simple interface with reliable features, but it has been a popular option for years thanks to its robust free version. The SpyBot Free Edition provides thorough system scanning plus immunization options and easy updates so you can stay ahead of new types of malicious software.
To access more extensive features, you need to buy a 1-year subscription. For home users, as of today, that will cost you $15.99 per year. Check out the full range of SpyBot subscription options or download the Free Edition now.
3. Malwarebytes
Malwarebytes is another long-standing option that features a simple, easy-to-use interface. Their free version boils things down to just core functionality, with a streamlined scan and remove system. You won’t have to worry too much about costs or configurations with this setup.
For users with bigger security or IT budget, their paid home and business offerings provide more comprehensive real-time protection and support. The current price of their basic plan is $39.99 per year, but there are plenty of tiered options and bundle prices if you need to protect multiple devices at home or in your small business.
4. AVG
With extra real-time protection, while you’re surfing, the anti-malware suite from AVG is a great option to consider. Featuring a conventional scan and removal system, AVG also offers additional in-browser protection and easy updates from the free plan and then more if you opt for the paid version.
Are you sick of security issues with your web browser? AVG offers a free secure browser that you can download and use essentially like any other. The advantages include tracking and ad protection, plus easy security controls and better integration if you’re already using AVG for your routine malware protection.
5. Avast Antivirus
Avast Antivirus is a popular option that offers a comparable slate of free and paid services with some small differences. In particular, their free plan includes an option to protect your passwords, so your login credentials are secured in the application rather than your browser.
Avast has some pretty comprehensive protection if you want to soup up your overall security, with integrated plans like Avast Omni that can protect a whole range of networked devices. You can compare different pricing options or read more about the free plan.
6. BitDefender
Another increasingly popular option, BitDefender offers good basics and competitive multi-device pricing. It’s particularly great if you want to secure an entire household of devices as opposed to just your personal computer.
With the free plan, you get the same sort of standard protection you can expect from our other entries, minus the typical scanning routine. BitDefender runs in the background and they take pride in their minimalist approach to interface design. Compare their other paid protection plans here.
Consider reinstalling Windows from scratch
Reinstalling Windows may be the last resort for most users, but it can be performed safely and relatively easily. Because you’re essentially resetting your system, this is often a very effective way to clear out malware that seems too difficult to dislodge otherwise.
Your Windows interface should contain more specific guidance regarding reset and recovery operations, so we’ll just provide a quick step-by-step of how to access your options.
- Click the Start button
- Click the gear-shaped Settings button near the bottom-left of the Start menu
- Select Update & Security from the new window
- In the left toolbar, click the Recovery tab for a comprehensive guide to your recovery options
A few other ways to boost your device’s security
If you download a new malware scanner or start using Disk Cleanup more regularly, you are already taking some big steps toward a better security profile for your PC. It’s important to make sure your device is properly updated, especially older ones, and good maintenance can make a difference. Actively addressing browser security and staying aware during your browsing are also great ways to boost your security potential
The Best Ways to Improve Corporate Cybersecurity
Corporate cybersecurity is an issue many businesses are facing today, and there can be a lot of risks involved with not having a comprehensive strategy for protecting customers’ information.
As a business, you have worked hard to create a relationship of trust between you and your clients, and it’s important to keep it that way. This may mean that you need to bring in additional security measures to avoid data breaches and stolen files.
Thankfully, there are some simple ways you can retain your customers’ business while avoiding a security crisis. Here are some measures you can put in place to potentially prevent these issues.
1. Consider any physical threats
While the most common form of compromised computer security tends to be through online hacking, physical threats are still common. This is particularly true if you happen to keep physical files that, once discarded, can be used to gather information. If there is an actual break-in, documents can also be stolen or destroyed.
To avoid any of these scenarios, there are some simple solutions. One is regulating who has access to your company’s buildings. Make sure to limit keys or passes to areas that you don’t want frequently visited or that may contain information you don’t want to be shared. This can help to mitigate giving access to those who would use your clients’ information inappropriately.
It’s also a good idea to upgrade your security hardware regularly. This can include:
- Installing new cameras
- Hiring more security staff
- Equipping your building with new locks
- Upgrading windows and doors
Again, these are easy ways to keep out those who may want to compromise any data that you have located inside the building.
If you have any documents or items that you feel could harm your business outside of your offices, they should be shredded or destroyed before being discarded. It may seem like a small way to avoid issues with security, but it can end up saving you a lot of worries, knowing that your business’s and your customer’s information isn’t in the hands of someone who could take advantage of it.
2. Prepare for cyberattacks
A more common security issue businesses face is having their data stolen by hackers. Because it is often unperceived, cybersecurity threats have only recently been taken more seriously by businesses as many are looking to move their records and communication online.
It has become normal now for more files and documents to be stored on a server, but there are ways to prevent losing your clients’ trust even in the event of a hack.
Internal security
One of the first steps is to decide which documents need to be protected in case hacking occurs. Prioritize which documents should be watched most by identifying information that is the most sensitive and could cause the biggest issues within your business if it was to be released.
Not all of your records will need to be protected so thoroughly, but you can formulate a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy if you have a good idea of which records should be kept the most secure.
Share carefully
You’ll want to take some time to identify what you share with others as well. You may be giving out sensitive information that could lead to bigger problems down the line. Just as you want to limit physical access to certain files and documents in your office, you should do the same with your digital information.
Double-check before sending out emails and notices so you know that you’re sending them to the correct people.
Remote worker safeguards
You should also consider additional protection for remote workers and employees who need to access company information while away from the office. Learning how to work remotely and securely will benefit your business and your clients.
Educate your entire staff
Your employees should have a clear understanding of what can and cannot be shared with customers and amongst each other. Encouraging responsibility for cybersecurity can go a long way toward making sure that they don’t share data that they shouldn’t.
Encourage them to be extra vigilant about what they send and to whom. It shouldn’t just be your concern as a business owner, because it’s important to let your employees know that this should matter to them too. Private company information should not be shared on social media – but sometimes it needs to be said anyway!
Management as cybersecurity advocates
Upper management should also make corporate cybersecurity a priority. Your CEO and other leaders need to be advocates for enhancing and promoting cybersecurity awareness because phishing and sharing passwords can cause serious problems.
They should all be aware of how data can be compromised through cyberattacks and should learn cybersecurity best practices. You may also want to send out occasional updates on ways to avoid these issues, such as through a newsletter, email, or your company blog.
Password variation
Limiting access means that you should also make it difficult for cybersecurity attacks to infiltrate your company’s computers and other devices. You should have a variety of passwords that are generated at random. And never use the same password for multiple accounts.
Be discerning about who you choose to give any login information to and change your passwords often so hackers have less chance of guessing what they might be.
Password protection
Regarding passwords, try to encourage your employees to consider two-factor authentication. This means that you choose something you know as your username and password. Then you would require a physical item to access files. This could be an app on your smartphone, a USB drive, or a smart card.
This extra step adds a layer that can make it harder for hackers to gain entrance to logins. You can even add another factor by using fingerprint readers, voice recognition, or biometric data.
It’s also worth looking into hiring a third party to monitor your various types of files to make sure that there aren’t any warning signs. An IT department can keep an eye out for any suspicious activity and can install necessary cybersecurity software to help you avoid a hack.
While it may seem excessive to add another department, you can always use a remote option to assist those who need additional help when it comes to dealing with new applications or issues with devices.
3. Consider additional cybersecurity tools and software
You can also mitigate the chances of losing your valuable information by using a few types of cybersecurity solutions. Most are easy and quick to install and can add an extra layer of security that you may not have otherwise.
If you use any login information or send emails containing sensitive data, having this software on your work devices can be necessary to keep everything safe.
Types of cybersecurity solutions
Firewall
Every computer should have a firewall. Many devices come with one already installed but it may not be enough to protect you from those who are good at hacking through corporate accounts. It’s worth investing a bit more than you would for your account because you are in charge of others’ data.
Several firewall options have been created for businesses. These can help destroy viruses or malware that could compromise your security.
VPN
A VPN can also be a great way to throw off hackers looking to track your online trail. A corporate VPN scrambles your IP address and makes it more challenging for those looking to acquire login information or your company’s files.
Personal VPNs offer the most basic protection, so it’s important to find one that will also monitor the traffic on your business’s server. This allows you to see if there is any suspicious behavior and if there are any gaps that a hacker might be able to get through.
These VPNs can also be used to encrypt data itself, so even if hackers do manage to find a way to download your information, they won’t be able to open it.
Keep backups
Just as you would make sure to back up a personal computer, you’ll also want to make sure there are copies of your important business files on another server. Many hackers not only hold data for ransom and sell it to other companies, but they can also threaten to not give it back.
Backups can keep you from having to pay large amounts of money to get it back because you can download it again from another source. While hackers may still have access to your data, you won’t be without it.
There are plenty of types of backup software available, and it’s a good idea to make sure that where you choose to send your files has security measures in place. Whether you choose to place them on a USB drive or CD, or you would like to have them on a cloud storage service, backups can save your company a lot of resources if you ever find yourself at the mercy of a hacker ransoming your files.
Encrypt emails
Encrypting your emails is another essential action that you should consider. Even if you aren’t sharing hyper-sensitive information through your communication, it can often still be traced back to login data and passwords. Email encryption often requires additional screening for clients or other employees to open attached files or to read the message.
Along with a VPN, this can make it much more difficult for hackers to access the files you’re sharing with others.
4. Have a contingency plan
Cybersecurity is a common problem. You may find yourself dealing with an attack. Just in case, it’s recommended that you have a plan. Time is of the essence when you are facing a security breach.
How quickly you and your employees respond can make a big difference in how much of your data is stolen and how you should deal with the situation.
First responders
The first thing you should consider is which staff members will be involved and who you should immediately contact to resolve the problem. Including an IT expert should be your first step because he or she may be able to shut down the attack or control how much data is stolen.
Do you need a system-wide shutdown?
While this should be seen as a last resort, if the attack is bad enough it may be necessary to shut down your entire system. This can stop an already-occurring attack and lockout any additional hackers.
On the other hand, staff and clients will immediately know that there is a problem. You’ll want to have an expert on hand to help you get things back up and running again with enhanced security in place, and you’ll want to alert management to what has occurred.
Ongoing audits
Finally, the best way to avoid dealing with a problem with security is to have regular security audits and to pay attention to any potential threats. Be aware of any cause for concern and make sure that your employees will contact you if they notice any suspicious activity.
When you have created a company culture where cybersecurity is a priority, then your staff is more likely to recognize anything that could be a threat.
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