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How to check for malware?

Published in Malware Detection 4 mins read

To check for malware, you can utilize your computer's built-in security features, dedicated antivirus software, and by recognizing common signs of infection. Regular checks are crucial for maintaining system health and security.

Using Built-in Security Tools

Many operating systems come with integrated security solutions that can scan for and remove malware.

Windows Security (Microsoft Defender Antivirus)

Windows Security, also known as Microsoft Defender Antivirus, is a powerful built-in tool for Windows users to detect and remove threats.

To run a manual malware scan using Windows Security:

  1. Select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security. Then, navigate to Virus & threat protection.
  2. Under Current threats, select Quick scan. (In earlier versions of Windows 10, this might be found under Threat history as Scan now.)

A quick scan typically checks areas where malware is commonly found, but for a more thorough inspection, you can choose a Full scan, which examines all files and running programs on your hard drive. This scan can take much longer but is more comprehensive.

Employing Third-Party Antivirus Software

While built-in tools are good, dedicated third-party antivirus and anti-malware programs often offer more advanced features, broader threat definitions, and additional security layers.

  • Install Reputable Software: Choose a well-regarded antivirus suite from a trusted vendor.
  • Perform Regular Scans: Schedule daily or weekly full scans to catch new or dormant threats.
  • Enable Real-time Protection: Ensure the software's real-time protection is active to continuously monitor for suspicious activities.

Recognizing Signs of Malware

Even with security software, it's wise to be aware of the signs that your computer might be infected. Malware can manifest in various ways, impacting performance and privacy.

Performance Issues

  • Slow Performance: Your computer runs unusually slow, takes a long time to start up, or applications load sluggishly.
  • Frequent Crashes: Applications or the entire system crashes more often than usual.
  • Excessive Disk Activity: Your hard drive light flashes constantly, even when you're not actively using the computer.

Unexpected Pop-ups and Ads

  • Unwanted Pop-up Ads: You see an unusual number of pop-up advertisements, even when you're not browsing the internet.
  • Adware Injections: Ads appear on websites where they normally wouldn't, or legitimate ads are replaced by suspicious ones.

Browser and Search Engine Changes

  • Redirected Searches: Your search engine redirects you to unfamiliar or unwanted websites.
  • Homepage Changes: Your browser's homepage or new tab page has been altered without your permission.
  • Unfamiliar Toolbars/Extensions: New toolbars or extensions appear in your browser that you didn't install.

Suspicious Network Activity

  • Unusual Network Traffic: Your internet connection experiences high data usage even when you're not actively downloading or streaming.
  • Firewall Alerts: Your firewall frequently alerts you about unusual outgoing connections from programs you don't recognize.

Missing or Corrupted Files

  • Inaccessible Files: You find that some of your files are missing or suddenly inaccessible.
  • Renamed Files: Files or folders have been renamed to strange characters or extensions.

Manual Inspection Techniques

For those comfortable with more advanced checks, manually inspecting certain areas of your system can reveal hidden malware.

Checking Browser Extensions

Review all installed browser extensions. If you see any that you don't remember installing or that seem suspicious, disable or remove them. Many malware types inject themselves as browser extensions.

Reviewing Running Processes

Use your system's Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc on Windows) to examine running processes. Look for processes with:

  • Unfamiliar Names: Names that don't correspond to any legitimate program you're running.
  • High Resource Usage: Processes consuming a lot of CPU, memory, or disk resources unexpectedly.
  • Suspicious Locations: Right-click on a process and select "Open file location" to see if it's running from an unusual directory.

Examining Startup Programs

Malware often configures itself to launch automatically when your computer starts. In Windows, you can check startup programs via the Task Manager's "Startup" tab. Disable any unfamiliar or suspicious entries.

Regular Maintenance and Prevention

Proactive measures significantly reduce your risk of malware infection:

  • Keep Software Updated: Regularly update your operating system, web browsers, and all installed software. Updates often include security patches for known vulnerabilities.
  • Use a Firewall: Ensure your operating system's firewall is enabled to control network traffic and block unauthorized connections.
  • Be Cautious Online: Avoid clicking on suspicious links in emails, instant messages, or on unfamiliar websites. Be wary of unsolicited attachments.
  • Backup Your Data: Regularly back up your important files to an external drive or cloud service. This can be a lifesaver if your system becomes irrecoverably infected.