A persistent digital connection that keeps you connected to the world also has various shortcomings, the biggest one of which is, malware attacks. The internet is swarming with phishing emails, malicious content, and all kinds of shenanigans. An unprotected computer when online will get a virus in under a minute. Cybercrimes are only increasing and malicious software applications are getting smarter to affect your systems more quickly. Millions of machines and billions of dollars are wasted every year due to this.
Having your Windows PC affected with a virus is commonplace when you do not have an antivirus. However, sometimes even though you might already have the best antivirus installed, the problem still persists. In such cases, here is what you need to do:
Antivirus/Firewall turned off
Make sure the antivirus and antispyware is turned on. Sometimes, it will display turned off, in which you need to follow the below steps:
- Turn them ON from the Action Center.
- See if the Antivirus/Antispyware is enabled or disabled.
- Check whether the Firewall is working properly.
- Refresh Windows Security Center checking list.
The software will start its services automatically the next time you restart your computer.
If you find that the problem persists, proceed with the following steps:
- Go to the Antivirus Module and check whether the “Full Check” or “Virus Scan” or whatever standard name your service provider has chosen, is ON.
- If it is OFF, turn it ON.
- To check if the scan is working fine, turn it off for a few minutes and again turn it back on.
- Click on the Custom/Modify button and change some settings. Click OK, close the application and come back again to check if the settings are kept. If you do not have a complete know how, click on the ‘Default’ button to restore the default settings.
Keep a close watch on your PC for future damage
Observe your PC closely for any more future changes. In case your computer is doing anything out of the ordinary, those are some good signs that it has got an infection. By signs, we mean slower overall performance, slow in opening applications, browser automatically opening up to a new homepage, slow to boot, applications not working/opening, etc.
Block Pop-up windows
Viruses are not the only threat anymore and aggressive adware is dominating the headlines more than ever. Those unwanted pop-up advertisements that find the screen of your browser every time you are online, encrypts a user's data, which can be deleted if a certain amount of payment is not made within the specific deadline.
An ultimate solution to this is to avail a comprehensive internet security suite that takes care of these malicious adware in addition to the normal antivirus functions.
Do not click without reading
Whatever the damage that has been done, you need to make sure that no losses are incurred anymore. All digital software applications come with its own set of predefined configurations, which includes browser options, additional program installations, and others. Untick all the boxes that are not required and carefully read the full terms before ticking anywhere.
Install a security application
If you have a system, the first thing you must install is security software. With the rising levels of threat, proper protection is more important than ever. Irrespective of whether you are using a Windows or a Linux-based machine, it needs constant protection, especially when you are online. Find an antivirus solution that,
- Doesn’t slow down the performance of your PC.
- Not only detects threats but also the number of false positives.
- Effective at stopping the latest threats.
- Provides a complete overall accuracy.
It’s like fixing a mobile phone. If you don’t have the required know-how, you might end up doing more damage that would eventually cost more than what it would have cost to get it repaired by a professional. Always keep the security program updated and stick to its default scanning and repair methods.
Start adopting these habits from now on and you could protect your system from 50 percent of the damage. The other 50 will be taken careof by the antivirus system that will shield your PC from direct incoming attacks from the World Wide Web.