Cybersecurity is a very sensitive issue today, following the recent global ransomware attacks , such as WannaCry or Expetr , which put thousands of companies worldwide in check and demonstrated how little we are prepared to confront internet criminals.
You need to take care of yourself or you will end up looking for ways to remove malware from your computers, which may not be cheap…
What these latest cyberattacks have taught us is that malware comes in many forms and can attack network-connected devices differently, depending on their design and purpose.
If you notice that your computer, smartphone or tablet, to mention some of the most used by people, are running slower than usual or if you have noticed strange activity in your daily life or advertisements or propaganda that appear in places where they shouldn't, it is likely that your computer is infected with some type of malicious code.
There are several signs that can warn you that your computer has been the victim of cybercrime. The easiest way to do this is to see if your computer is slow or unstable.
Other signs may be more annoying, such as pop-up windows with ads, browser pop-ups, or even repeated spam emails that may suddenly appear on your screen.
Typically all security programs that aim to stop or remove malware contain a scanner, which should be used regularly to detect any intrusions.
What is malware?
Malware, translated as malicious software, is a type of program that has been created by cybercriminals, including federal agencies in many countries, who seek to access a device without being discovered by the user.
For what purpose were they created?
Their objectives include asking for a ransom to unlock it, stealing your information, spying on what you do on the Internet, or destroying your memory and storage units.
They have many names and forms. Among the most common we can mention spyware , philippines business email list phishing , viruses, trojans , worms, adware , rootkits and ransomware .
Some cybersecurity companies, such as Kaspersky Lab, have discovered that this type of malicious code can be introduced into your technological equipment through the Internet (such as via email or by clicking on a fake site, music files, movies on the web or free software).
Even when connecting a peripheral device such as a USB flash drive, virtually anything you download over the Internet can be risky.
How to prevent it?
Something you should keep in mind is that even if you have antivirus software, which is already installed by default, such as in Windows, it does not mean that your computer is totally immune to the effects of malware.
If you suspect that there is something wrong with your desktop or mobile device, it is best to try several malware scanners to be sure and, if possible, to remove it without the presence of a specialist, which can cost you quite a bit.
For Windows computers
For Windows platforms, if you think you have been affected by some type of malware, we recommend that you restart your computer in the safe mode offered by Microsoft.
If you notice that your PC is running much faster, especially in Safe Mode, I'm sorry to say that this is a sign that your machine is under the influence of malicious code.
Safety Recommendations
Cybersecurity experts recommend keeping your computer running in “safe mode” to prepare the Windows platform to eliminate any type of malware.
However, it should be noted that due to the sophistication of many malicious codes, especially ransomware , it is sometimes almost impossible to clean your computer without the support of an expert in these matters.
How to remove malware?
The best way to start removing malicious code from your devices is to get a good anti-malware from a specialist store. The cheapest or free option is not always the best…
After this first step, completely disconnect your machine from the Internet (remove the Ethernet cable or turn off the Wi-Fi), as this will stop online communication, prevent malware from spreading, and prevent your private data from being stolen.
Before you begin running the malware scan, delete all temporary files on your computer. This can speed up the detection of intruders, free up disk space on your computer, and get rid of any malware in the process. Microsoft says this can be done, if you're running Windows 10 right now, by using the Disk Cleanup tool . Simply type Disk Cleanup into the search bar or after pressing the Start button and select it.
