A computer virus is a code that acts maliciously in your computer by copying itself and infecting your computer without your approval or knowledge. There are two distinct characteristics of a computer virus: the capacity to replicate and the capacity to append itself to a different computer file. There are different types of virus and they have varied effects on data in the computer. Some scan your computer to steal confidential information such as banking details while others encrypt your data for ransom.
How do you know that your computer has a virus? Here are some telltale hints of a digital virus:
1. Presence of unknown programs
When your computer starts, you will notice that unknown programs are automatically opening. You may also notice unrequested pages or windows displaying when you connect to the internet. The virus will redirect the user to specific websites against their will. You may not even realize that you are on an illegitimate website.
2. Frequent computer crashes
Does your computer screen suddenly freeze or does the computer just crash? This is an indication that a virus has managed to get into your computer. You can also notice that programs in the computer start and close automatically with strange error messages. Another pointer that you have viruses is the recurrent restarting of the computer without you initiating the action. This is an indicator that you should start worrying about your data.
3. Battery drains fast
A battery that drains faster than it was before is another telltale sign that there is a virus in your computer. This is because as the virus multiplies, it increases the number of activities performed by the computer. As a consequence of numerous activities, the battery overworks hence drains fast, and you have to keep charging and this is even causing more danger to your computer.
4. Numerous pop ups and spam
Unusual windows and dialog boxes are an indicator of viruses in your computer. The virus may prompt fake virus cautions saying that there is a threat in the computer. The warnings will direct you to click on a link to solve the problem. When you see such a pop up message, ignore the prompts and instead look for the best computer virus protection to clean your computer.
5. Decreased computer performance
When your computer has a virus, it slows down the computer’s performance. Since computer viruses replicate themselves inside the computer, they take up all computer resources while they run on the computer. This will automatically slow down the computer as it is executing numerous tasks at once. But, before you conclude that your computer’s slow performance is as a result of a virus, check the space on the hard disk and RAM memory. This is because the computer can slow down when all its memory is full. If this is not the case you have to scan and clear the viruses.
Luckily, you can clean up a computer virus pretty easily by following these instructions:
- Initiate a security scan using anti-virus software to establish the extent of virus infection.
- Remove the detected malware and viruses using the best antivirus for mac if it suits your computer and then restart the computer.
- Update your virus protection malware software with current protections. You need to update your antivirus software frequently to counter the viruses as a new computer virus is created each day.