ICTworks

PandaLabs, the anti-malware laboratory of Panda Security, has produced a simple guide to the 10 most common symptoms of infection, to help all users find out if their systems are at risk:

1. My computer speaks to me: There are all types of pop-ups and messages on the desktop either advertising things, saying that the PC is infected and needs protection… This is a typical, surefire case of an infection. There is either spyware on the computer, or it has been infected by a fake antivirus (also called “rogueware”).
2. My computer is running extremely slowly… This could be a symptom of many things, including infection by a virus. If it has been infected by a virus, worm or Trojan, among other things, which are running on the computer, they could be running tasks that consume a lot of resources, making the system run more slowly than usual.
3. Applications won’t start. How many times have you tried to run an application from the start menu or desktop and nothing happens? Sometimes another program might even run. As in the previous case, this could be another type of problem, but at the very least it’s a symptom that tells you that something is wrong.
4. I cannot connect to the Internet or it runs very slowly. Loss of Internet access is another common symptom of infection, although it could also be due to a problem with your service provider or router. You might also have a connection that runs much more slowly than usual. If you have been infected, the malware could be connecting to a URL or opening separate connection sessions, thereby reducing your available bandwidth or making it practically impossible to use the Internet.
5. When I connect to the Internet, all types of windows open or the browser displays pages I have not requested. This is another certain sign of infection. Many threats are designed to redirect traffic to certain websites against the user’s will, and can even spoof Web pages, making you think you are on a legitimate site when really you have been taken to a malicious imitation.
6. Where have my files gone? Hopefully nobody will be asking this type of question about their data, although there are still some threats around designed to delete or encrypt information, to move documents from one place to another. If you find yourself in this situation, you really ought to start worrying.
7. Oh, oh! My antivirus has disappeared, my firewall is disabled! Another typical characteristic of many threats is that they disable security systems (antivirus, firewall, etc.) installed on computers. Perhaps if one thing shuts down it might just be a specific software failure; but if all your data security components are disabled, you are almost certainly infected.
8. My computer is speaking a strange language. If the language of certain applications changes, the screen appears back-to-front, strange insects start ‘eating’ the desktop, you might just have an infected system.
9. Library files for running games, programs, etc. have disappeared from my computer. Once again, this could be a sign of infection, although it could also be down to incomplete or incorrect installation of programs.
10. My computer has gone mad – literally! If the computer starts acting on its own, you suddenly find your system has been sending emails without your knowledge, Internet sessions or applications open sporadically on their own… your system could be compromised by malware.

7 Ways to Protect Your Computer Systems

To prevent your computer from being infected with viruses, malware, or trojans, follow these essential security practices:

1. Install Antivirus Software: Use reputable antivirus software to detect and remove threats. Keep the software updated to ensure it can identify the latest threats.
2. Enable a Firewall: Firewalls act as a barrier between your computer and malicious external sources. Ensure your operating system’s built-in firewall is active or use a third-party one for added protection.
3. Keep Software Updated: Regularly update your operating system, browser, and all installed software. Developers frequently release patches to fix vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malware.
4. Be Cautious with Downloads: Only download software and files from trusted sources. Avoid pirated content or clicking on suspicious links, as these are common vectors for malware infection.
5. Use Strong Passwords: Use unique, complex passwords for different accounts. Consider using a password manager to store and generate strong passwords. Avoid using easily guessable information like birthdates.
6. Beware of Phishing: Be vigilant with emails, especially those that ask for personal information or contain attachments. Phishing scams often disguise malware as legitimate content.
7. Regular Backups: Routinely back up your data to an external drive or cloud service. In the event of an infection, this ensures you can restore your system without losing important files.