The reason why most computer malware are so deadly is because many users
fail to recognize whether they have been infected or not. Had they
detected the infection at an earlier stage, the damage caused could have
been greatly reduced. As each virus is programmed differently, it
becomes difficult to identify a virus outbreak. However, there are some
general symptoms that make it easy to detect an infected computer. Here
are some of them:-
1)
Programs won't start or crash suddenly: If some system programs like the
task manager or
registry editor
have suddenly stopped working or crash randomly without any visible
reason, it is more than likely that your computer has got some form of
worm that is attaching itself to various programs and thus, corrupting
their code. A virus modifying registry entries to prevent these programs
from running could also cause this.
2)
Unusual Network Traffic: If even after closing your browser
and other applications that may use the internet, you see that your
computer is still downloading or uploading anything, then your computer
is possibly infected with some form of spyware that is either
downloading other viruses to your computer or is uploading your private
information to a remote computer. In case you use a
wifi connection, it is also possible that your neighbors are using your network.
3)
Internet Connection not available or is slow: If suddenly,
your internet connection has stopped working or has become extermely
slow, it is possible that a malware is the cause. However, problems with
your internet service provider could also be the cause of such issues.
4)
Annoying Popups or Redirection to Strange Websites: If there
has been an increase in the number of annoying popups while browsing the
internet or your web browser redirects you to a different
website from the one you wanted to visit, a virus or adware might be the cause.
5)
Computer won't boot: If your computer has suddenly stopped
booting, it is possible that some malware has modified your computer's
system files. In such a situation, re-installing or repairing your
operating system might be the only solution.
6)
Slow Computer: Some viruses are designed specifically for this
purpose. Malware programmers achieve this by designing viruses that
increase your
CPU's
usage level to 100%. If on running the Task Manager, you find that your
CPU's usage is constantly at 100% level, a malware might be the cause.
7)
Programs start automatically: Some viruses and adware
automatically start strange programs on your computer in order to show
unwanted advertisements or simply to frustrate users.
8)
Unusual File Associations: Some viruses change .exe or other
file associations which prevents these files from opening. Some viruses
also do this to automatically start themselves when a file of a
particular type is started.
9)
Security Software Disabled: Most malware disable antiviruses
and firewalls to prevent themselves from being detected. If only a
single software stops working, it might be a specific software failure
issue. If it is a general trend and almost every security
software is facing this issue, a virus infection is most likely.
10)
Weird Behaviour: If your computer automatically starts
sending emails or opens strange applications randomly or does things
different from its "normal" behaviour, your computer is most likely
compromised by malware.
Most malware infections can however be avoided by using a powerful antivirus software and following some
best security practices.
