Issue
Antivirus software helps protect your computer from viruses, adware, spyware, ransomware, and other malware that might compromise your accounts or cause loss of important data. LSA Technology Services recommends that you install and run antivirus software set to automatically update.
Environment
Any computer
Resolution
If you believe that your U-M computer has been infected or compromised by viruses or malware, please submit a ticket by email or access our Help & Support page.
If you believe that your personal computer has been infected or compromised by viruses or malware, the Virus Scanning & Removal service offered by ITS Tech Repair at the Tech Shop is available to assist you.
Contact us if you are experiencing any of these issues.
Cause: Symptoms of malware infection
While some malware is designed to operate silently behind the scenes of your computer, some are designed to wreak havoc. Here are a few common signs to look out for.
1. PC performance problems
Slow computer or frequent crashes? Even a small amount of malware can slow your system down or crash your computer because it operates in the background, sapping resources. In addition to sluggish functionality and frequent crashes, look for other instances of your computer behaving in ways it didn't before. Is it repeatedly trying to open a program on its own, or a different browser than the one you've designated as the default?
2. Unexplained behavior
Spyware can cause some unexplained PC behavior, especially for your browser. So if things are happening that you did not initiate, you may already be a victim. Some common changes in behavior include:
- Mysterious new toolbars you can’t delete
- Unexplained changes to homepage settings
- Suspicious search results
A lot of spyware capitalizes on one wrong click from a user, taking advantage of the error to install itself once, and then in many places so it's more difficult to remove. Because commandeering your computer allows cyber criminals to achieve their ends more conveniently in many cases, spyware is commonly configured in this way.
3. Interruptions from pop-ups and spam
Unexplained pop-ups which appear on your screen are a typical sign of a malware infection. They are not only frustrating, but are usually bundled with other concealed malware threats designed to do anything from collecting users' sensitive data without their knowledge to encrypting their data and holding it hostage until a ransom is paid. We strongly recommend to NEVER CLICK on a suspicious pop-up!