So, your computer is slowing down and you are afraid that it is because of the fact that your computer is infected. In this article, we are going to talk about the Symptoms of a Computer Virus.
What is a Computer Virus?
Computer Viruses are venomous software/application often referred to as Malware. They have the tendency to destroy files, steal personal information, and damage your computerβs delicate parts such as its RAM.
What are the Types of Computer Viruses?
Computer Viruses can do a lot of bad things and can harm your computer in many different ways. Here are eight of the most common computer viruses waiting out there for you to put your guard down.
1. Boot Sector Virus
The Boot Sector virus attacks your master boot record. It is very severe and at the same time very easy to prevent kind of a virus. It transmits via USB drive or email attachments.
Itβs replacing the current boot code with your own infected code so when you boot your PC next time, you will be loaded into your PC as part of the master boot record.
2. Network Virus
It is relatively a new kind of virus. It transmits over your network and does need to drop a file-based copy. Our computer is fairly protected from this virus as the network VirusWall Enforcer scans the network traffic, identify, and kill this virus.
3. File Infector
This virus slows your computer down and attacks system files by targeting the files with the β.exeβ extension. These files are called Executable Files.
Some File inspector viruses are also damaging the Host file of your system, which will cause your PC to send your PC request to malicious links.
4. Web Scripting Virus
The Web Scripting Virus tends to break your web browsers security which will eventually make your Personal Information Vulnerable to hackers. They are generally used to attack social media sites and can extract your personal information.
5. Over Write Virus
Over Write Virus as the name suggests overwrites file content to poison folders, files, and your important and delicate programs.
6. Direct Action
This virus is one of the easiest to detect. It attacks specific files generally this files with extension (.exe), such types of files are called executable files. They attack the file, replicating and infecting that file.
7. Multi-Parasite Virus
Multi-Parasite Viruses do not target a specific kind of file, they infect the whole computer. They expand their reach by doing unauthorized actions on your OS, files, and programs.
8. Browser Hijacker
If you are redirected to a particular site and that site is malicious then you might want to run a quick scan afterward. Browser Hijacker redirects oneβs browser to malicious websites. Therefore, detecting them is also very easy.
9. Resident Virus
They are the smartest of them all, as they have the ability to attach themselves with your anti-virus as well. They target and recites in your RAM and play with your OS.
These were eight of the most common virus out there.
What are the symptoms of a Computer Virus? π€
After knowing the different types of viruses out there. You might be curious to know if your computer is infected or not.
If you can relate to the points mentioned below, then, unfortunately, your computer is infected.
1. Sluggish Computer
The first thing that comes to our mind while thinking about the aftereffects of the Virus is that it is going to slow our computer. It will not only slow your computerβs speed but will also decrease your internet speed.
So, if you know that you are not running tons of applications on your system and still your computer is slowing down then you should consider going for a total scan.
2. Crashing
One of the things that will make sure that your computer is infected by the virus is the appearance of an unwanted guest BSOD(Blue Screen of Death). The blue screen of death is mostly because of the Boot Sector Virus. Although there are many reasons behind the BSOD, it is the most common cause.
2. Pop-ups
If you are annoyed by the βPop-upsβ and are going to break your screen by the wrath of your anger.
Then you should first get a glass of water and then flush your computerβs virus by running an anti-virus. As the βPop-upsβ are one of the most common symptoms of viruses/spyware/Malware.
4. Break Down of Hard Drive
Although there are multiple reasons behind the malfunctioning of your Har Drive the one due to computer virus is the easiest to solve.
If you want to confirm whether your PCβs Hard Drive is breaking down because of Virus, then trying checking your activity. If your hard drive is exhibiting high activity without you using it then it means that your Hard Drive is infected.
5. Shortage of Storage
Computer Viruses has this nack of creating duplicate files. These files are often stored in a shortcut format. This will eventually fill up your computerβs space.
So, if you are observing that your drivers are filled without you stuffing files in them, it is a high chance that your computer is infected.
6. Starting of Unwanted Programs or Messages
If your window is shutting down without any notice, or your programs are opening and closing automatically or you are receiving a message that βyou lost access to your driveβ, then the chances of your computer being infected is high.
7. Disabled Security
I want you to do one thing, just remember when was the last time your anti-virus received an update. If you are not able to remember then not you, itβs your computer that needs attention.
There are some viruses out there that will first kill your soldiers and then it will attack your king(processor). They will disable your security making your system defenseless.
8. Application not responding
If you have tried starting your computers a hundred times and it is not responding. Then, do not go for the 101st attempt as the file that you are opening is under the wrath of the computer virus.
9. Suspicious Network Activity
If you are noticing that your network activity is high without you being connected to the internet. Then this implies that your computer is infected.
10. Error Messages
If a dialogue box is constantly appearing with the message βmissing filesβ then your computer is smarter than you as it has deducted a virus or a malware.
11. Ads
If you are not browsing and out of nowhere and add pops-up. The Poping of add is a clear symptom of Computer Virus.
12. Hardware Malfunctioning
If you are noticing some kind of error in your Display, there is a jitter of pixels. This means that your computer is suffering from malware disease.
This can be also be concluded if your printer is not working properly.
13. Spam Emails
Emails are one of the most common sources of infection. So, I want you to check your Outbox, and if there are emails that you have neither sent nor received then the chances of your PC being infected are very high.
14. Weird Computer
Viruses can make your computer do lots of weird stuff, such as opening files on its own or clicking a key by itself. Next time your computer does the same then scan your computer. As it is another symptom of the computer virus.
15. Weird Application
There are some viruses that were build considering a specific application in mind. They tend to attack that application only. So if a specific application is behaving abnormally then try reinstalling that application.
16. Blocked anti-virus Sites
If you are using an infected computer than there is a chance that you wonβt be able to access anti-virus sites. Viruses that attack browsers usually do such malicious activity.
17. Un-readable Dialog Box
Sometimes in an infected computer ton of dialogue box appear all at once. Which includes a lot of Gibberish that can not be decoded.
18. Slow Startup
If your computer is infected then the first symptom it will exhibit is starting up slowly. There are a lot of computers that do not open quickly but if it is taking even longer to open this means that your computer is infected.
19. Printer Issues
If your printer is behaving in a very weird manner as it is opening on its own or randomly printing a document. Then it means that you have to witness a fight between your anti-virus and virus.
Now a question might have throttled your mind βCan my printer catch a virus?β
No, your printer can not catch the virus. Well, theoretically it is possible but practically not. If your printer is behaving weirdly then it does not mean that your device(printer) is infected, it is the interface that is causing the tantrum.
But, nothing can be said for the future of printer, As the new printers are built with its own operating system and with an added AI feature. Therefore making it vulnerable to threats.
20. Fake βVirus Alertsβ!
Sometimes when we are browsing or downloading something from the internet. A message saying βVirus Alertβ flashes up. Do not panic as it is fake. The main aim of this Alert is to redirect you to an antivirus buying portal. There it will either ask you to buy or download it(if it is free).
If after reading all the symptoms you suspect that your computer has a virus, then try the following options.
- Run your computer in safe mode and scan it via an anti-virus.
- If your computer is slowing down, then before concluding anything try clearing temporary files.
- Use anti-viruses and anti-malware software to get confirmation.
Thatβs it, just implement the following tips and tricks to attain complete virus protection.
Symptoms of a Computer Virus: How To Prevent it
If you want to prevent your computer from being infected then the best thing you can do is to be attentive and to follow the tips prescribed below:-
1. Keep your computer up-to-date
If your aim is to prevent your computer from the malicious virus then try enabling automatic updates on your Windows OS. As these upgrades generally have security patches that will fill all the security voids.
Do not be lazy on this one as your laziness can make your computer pay.
Itβs too easy to make your PC to keep up to date, Just Click on the Start in your Windows 10 PC and click on the Setting option.
Now click on the Update & Security tab and click on the βCheck for updatesβ to get the new updated in your Windows PC.
Click on the βAdvanced Optionsβ and turn on the βReceive updates for other Microsoft Products when you update Windowsβ.
2. Install an Anti-Virus
This should have been the first step. Find, download, and install the best anti-virus you can afford. Not only that try keeping your anti-virus up-to-date because with new updates come new security patches.
One question might be hitting in your mind, once windows 10 PC already came with βMicrosoft Defenderβ do you really need a third-party antivirus?π€
If you ask this question to me with Windows 7, XP, or Windows 8 then my answer is for sure you need a third-party antivirus program in your PC.
But with Windows 10 Microsoft is working hard to improve the βMicrosoft defenderβ program that is more than enough to protect your PC against viruses and malware.
You are able to access Windows Security under Settings ( Click on Start and click on the Settings).
I will recommend you to enable the below security options to enhance your PC security with Microsoft defender.
Core Isolation:- Itβs using virtualization-based security to protect your PC memory integrity. To enable this click on the βDevice Securityβ
and click on the Core isolation option here and turn on the βMemory Integrityβ option here.
Enable Periodic Scan:-
Windows defender came with periodic scan option but by-default itβs turned off that you need to enable it to get the best security.
Click on the βVirus and Threat Protectionβ and click on the βWindows Defender Antivirus optionsβ and turn on the βPeriodic Scanningβ Option here.
Exploit Protection:- Vulnerability is called weakness in the system or application and a piece of code that is going to get the benefit of current vulnerability is called exploits.
Windows defender came with the feature of Exploit protection that is protecting your PC against attacks like ransomware.
You can access Exploit protection under βApp & browser controlβ. Click on the βExploit Protection Settingsβ
By default, itβs protecting all the top applications but you can add your own applications also here.
Click on the βProgram Settingsβ option and click on the βAdd a program to Customizeβ option to add your application here.
Still, you are looking for an Antivirus solution? π€ if yes then go with Malwarebytes (Download Here).
Malwarebytes is providing the best protection against Malicious sites, Malware & PUPs, Ransomware and Exploits.
I will also recommend you use Malwarebytes AdwCleaner (Download Here) to removes toolbars, adware, hijackers, and potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) from your web browser.
This new release can also scan and remove the preinstalled software bundled with new PCs (as opposed to programs Microsoft includes in Windows). This can improve your PCβs performance. AdwCleaner creates a system restore point when it detects preinstalled software.
3. Scan Malware
Malware Scanner or anti-malware is different from the typical anti-virus. As they will protect the computer from fresh viruses such as polymorphic malware. So, scan your computer by Malware Scanner once a week.
if you have doubt about your current antivirus means its detecting virus or no then itβs time to use Online virus scanners.
There are many online virus scanners are available but I am recommending Eset Online scanner (Download here), You can try it for free.
itβs a One-time scan solution to remove malware and threats from your computer for FREE.
Use VoodooShield to protect from malware and hack attacks
Even if you have a reliable, fully up-to-date antivirus program on your PC, it doesnβt mean youβre completely immune from malware or hack attacks.
VoodooShield (Download Here) provides another level of very clever protection to keep you safe. It offers two modes: in the Off mode, your PC is unlocked and VoodooShield learns which programs to allow; in On mode, your PC is locked and only currently running software (and specific Windows system files) are allowed.
You can whitelist anything you donβt want blocked. However, you need to upgrade to the Pro version for $29.99 (Β£23.62) a year if you want to unlock additional features and configuration options.
4. Scan E-mail attachments
Sometimes you will open an email attachment without scanning it and βBOOM!β. Your email is hacked.
It is one of the most common and easiest ways of hacking a computer So, at first do not open an unauthorized email, even if you do end up opening an email then make sure to scan the attachment before opening.
Most of the paid antivirus solutions are scanning your email attachments but still, you have doubt about attachments, send your attachment to [email protected], they will do the scanning for you.
Read more in detail here virus total email submission.
Note:- Virustotal.com is one most trusted platform to Analyze suspicious files and URLs
5. Say NO to suspicious web sites
We spend most of our time on the internet, scrolling through our social media feed or just browsing something. As the expansion of Intenet comes with many merits it also has some demerits as well.
Because of the internet expansion, the number of sites has gone up to trillions among which thousands of them are malicious. So, next time if you are browsing try to have a close look at its URL.
We are recommending the WOT Web of Trust (Download Here) browser extension to get rid of suspicious web sites.
Once you are visiting the safe websites, you will see the green icon in your browser.
It will stop you from accessing any malicious websites. Even once you are doing your search you are able to see which link is safe. As seen in the below screenshot itβs showing the green icon of WOT in front of my search results.
6. Back-up your important files
This is not something that you can do to prevent your computer from getting infected but it will ensure that your important files are safe and secure.
Sometimes you are left with no choice other than deleting all your files and installing a new window, at that time these files will play a major role.
It is not possible to have a perfect virus prevention strategy buy this is as close to perfect as it gets.
At the time of our research on What are The Symptoms of a Computer Virus, we found a video about β12 Signs Your Computer Has Been Hackedβ which is worth watching.
How To Remove Most Difficult Virus From Your PC
1. Using Microsoft Defender Offline Scan
Microsoft Defender Offline can help find and remove them using up-to-date threat definitions. This will restart your device and will take about 15 minutes.
To use Defender offline scan, navigate to Windows Security and Click on the βScan Optionsβ
Now Click on the βMicrosoft Defender Offline Scanβ option and click on the Scan to start the Scan, it will reboot your PC and start the scanning.
2. Using Third-Party Antivirus Live CD
Approx all the antivirus are coming with a Live CD and most of the live CDβs are coming for free, only you need is download them and make a bootable USB or DVD drive and boot your PC from USB and start scanning.
We are recommending Avira Live CD (Download Here)
After download, make it bootable USB ( Check our guide on How to Create a Bootable USB Flash Drive for Windows 10) and run it to scan your PC.
How to Scan Files For Virus Before Downloading
The Internet is full of bogus and cracks software and you donβt have any idea about the files, that are downloading. Most of the time hackers are able to bypass your single installed software as they are aware of antivirus technology.
But they are not able to bypass 40 antivirus engines at the same time. Yes, you heard right, You can scan your files with 40 antimalware-engine for Virus before download.
Metadefender for Chrome, by OPSWAT, allows you to scan all downloads, or specific files, for malware using 40+ commercial anti-malware engines.
Using many anti-malware engines helps ensure that more viruses, spyware, Trojan, and other threats can be detected β malware that might be missed by a single anti-malware engine.
Open Chrome Web Store and search for βMetadefender for Chromeβ and click on the βAdd to Chromeβ option to add this extension in your Google Chrome browser.
Now itβs available on the Right-click menu when you are on a web page. Right-click on the File that you want to download and select the βScan with Metadefender before downloadingβ option.
It will start the scan and show you the MD5 and SHA value of the file.
also the scan result status with all 40-antivirus engine.
Conclusion
We with this detailed guide on Symptoms of a Computer Virus, we tried to cover up the topic like the type of virus and their symptoms and way to protect your self against these viruses.