Modern viruses aren't always obvious. Gone are the days when a virus would just delete your files. Today, malware is designed to stay hidden so it can steal your data or use your PC's power. If your computer has been acting strange lately, it might be more than just a glitch.
If you suspect your banking details or passwords have been compromised, turn off your Wi-Fi immediately and message me for an emergency clean.
1. Sudden performance drops
If your PC was fast yesterday but is crawling today, something is likely running in the background. While slow performance can be a hardware issue, a sudden drop where apps take forever to open or the mouse lags noticeably is a classic sign of malware using your resources.
2. Unexpected pop-ups even without a browser open
If you're seeing ads on your desktop or "System Warning" messages that don't look like Windows notifications, you likely have adware or a scareware infection. These are designed to trick you into clicking malicious links.
3. Your browser has a new home page or search engine
Did you open Chrome today only to find a weird search engine you've never heard of? Browser hijackers change your settings to redirect your traffic through sites that pay the hackers for clicks.
If you see a pop-up saying "Your PC is infected, call this number," do not call it. This is a common tech support scam used to gain remote access to your computer.
4. Programs opening and closing on their own
If you see command prompt windows flash on your screen and disappear, or if your browser opens pages you didn't ask for, a malicious script is likely running tasks in the background.
5. Your Antivirus is Disabled
Smart viruses will often target your security software first. If you notice your Windows Defender or Antivirus is turned off and you can't turn it back on, a virus is likely protecting itself from being deleted.
6. High Network Activity when you aren't doing anything
If your internet is slow and you notice your router lights blinking rapidly even when you aren't streaming or downloading, your PC might be part of a botnet, sending out spam or data to a hacker's server.
Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and click the Performance tab. If your CPU or Ethernet usage is high while the PC is idle, something is definitely wrong.
7. Weird posts on your social media
If friends are messaging you asking why you sent them a weird link on Facebook or why you're posting about cheap items, your account or the browser session on your PC has likely been compromised.
8. Missing or corrupted files
Some malware is designed to encrypt or delete files. If you find folders missing or files that won't open because they are corrupted, it could be a sign of a virus or even the early stages of ransomware.
9. Your PC is overheating or the fans are loud
When malware like cryptojackers gets onto your system, it uses your CPU or Graphics Card to mine cryptocurrency. This generates massive amounts of heat, causing your fans to spin at maximum speed even when you're just looking at the desktop.
What to do next
If you have one or two of these signs, don't panic. Start by running a scan with the free version of Malwarebytes. However, some modern threats can hide from basic scanners or leave behind backdoors even after the main virus is gone.
I provide a fixed price virus removal service in Canning Vale. I don't just run a scanner. I manually check your system startup, registry, and browser extensions to ensure your PC is 100% clean and safe to use for banking and personal work.