Warning Signs
Here are some of the warning signs of malware:
- Your computer starts to run slowly: Malware can slow down your computer by using up system resources.
- Your computer crashes or freezes frequently: Malware can cause your computer to crash or freeze because it is interfering with the operating system.
- Your browser starts to open new tabs or windows unexpectedly: Malware can hijack your browser and open new tabs or windows without your permission.
- You see pop-up ads that you didn't click on: Malware can display pop-up ads on your computer without your permission.
- Your homepage changes without your permission: Malware can change your homepage to a malicious website.
- You receive emails from addresses you don't recognize: Malware can send emails from your computer to your contacts.
- Your files are deleted or damaged: Malware can delete or damage your files.
- Your computer is locked and you're asked to pay a ransom: This is a sign of ransomware, a type of malware that encrypts your files and demands a ransom payment in order to decrypt them.
If you see any of these warning signs, it's important to scan your computer for malware immediately. You can use a free antivirus program or a paid antivirus program to scan your computer.