What is a Simple Way to Know If My Computer Has a Virus?

Viruses or any kind of malware can cause huge damage to your device. These harmful viruses can enter your device from the internet, infected files, flash drives, etc and cause chaos to your device. Viruses can corrupt and damage your files on the system. Some malware can monitor all your device activities and can steal your data. Once your device gets compromised, you can face lots of issues. These viruses can enter the system from anywhere and detecting these threats is not easy. You can’t manually detect a virus on your device. However, there are a few signs that can show that your device is under virus attack.

Common signs of a virus attack on a PC

Your PC will start running slow

One of the most common symptoms of virus infection is speed issues. These viruses start multiplying in your device and eat your space. They run in the background and also use your RAM cycles. Due to this, when you are using other applications, they can’t get enough RAM cycles. Your applications start running slowly. Getting poor speed on an old device is common. But if you have a new device with good RAM but still your device is lagging then it is under a virus attack.

Loss of data

Viruses can corrupt your files easily. If you have viruses, you may face issues in opening various files. You can find that some files that were working correctly are not opening. Whenever you are trying to open those files; an error message appears. This is because the virus has corrupted your files. These viruses can infect all types of files and documents if you are not using a good security program.

You will see a system freeze of BSOD

When your device gets infected by viruses, its performance starts degrading. Whenever you open any file or any video; the screen freezes or crashes. Sometimes, you may also face BSOD whenever you try to open a file. The viruses in your device restrict the device to function properly.

Unknown downloads and apps on your device

Some malware can also perform by themselves. When you open the downloads folder, you may see lots of downloads that haven't been done by you. Sometimes, these viruses can also download and install unwanted apps on your device. When you open the Apps folder, you may notice some unknown apps on the list.

The browser may work strangely

Malware can also infect your browser. Once the browser gets infected, it may start working on its own. You can see changes in font, browning, etc. These viruses can change the browser settings as you may only be able to browse in Yahoo or Google. Whenever you try to make changes to the browser settings; they change to other settings automatically. 

Ways to prevent your device from virus attack

Install a good antivirus

The best and easiest technique to secure your device from malware is to install a good antivirus. You can find lots of security apps on the market; look for a program that offers good malware protection. Not all security apps offer the same features. Some antivirus programs are free to use. But those apps only provide basic security tools. Get a good premium program that offers all advanced security. If the subscription expires go for renew Avast free. Premium security tools can protect your device from viruses and all other types of malware.

Use a firewall

Viruses can easily enter the device via the internet. If you are an internet user then you must use a good firewall on your device. This firewall will actively check all the incoming traffic on the network. If any suspicious data like a virus enters the network; the firewall blocks it and protects the device. Look for a good firewall for your device. These firewalls are available as hardware as well as software. Get a personal firewall and protect your device.

Use your device securely

No app or service offers full security. New viruses appear every day. If you want to keep your device secured; you need to use your device securely. Never connect your device to an unsecured connection like a public network. Public networks are the hub of malware. Whenever you connect a flash drive, scan it. If any file seems suspicious then don’t open it on your device. Try to access only save files on your device. These small and crucial practices will help in securing your device from various threats.