Virus & Malware

Identify signs of infection and clean your system safely.

Difficulty

Advanced

Time Est.

60+ Minutes

Tools Needed

  • Malwarebytes
  • Safe Mode
  • External Drive

Step 1: Disconnect Immediately

Turn off Wi-Fi or unplug the ethernet cable. This stops the virus from "calling home", stealing your data, or spreading to other devices on your network.

Step 2: Enter Safe Mode

Restart your computer into "Safe Mode". This loads Windows with only the bare essentials, preventing most viruses from starting up.

Step 3: Run Deep Scans

Use a trusted tool like **Malwarebytes** (free version is fine). Run a full custom scan of all drives. Quarantine everything it finds.

Step 4: Change Passwords

Once you are sure the system is clean, change your passwords for Email, Banking, and Social Media. Do NOT do this before cleaning the infection!

⚠️ The Ransomware Warning

If you see a screen demanding Bitcoin to unlock your files: DO NOT PAY. Paying does not guarantee you will get your files back, and it funds criminal organizations.

  1. Take a photo of the screen for police reports.
  2. Disconnect the computer immediately.
  3. Restore from Backup (this is why backups are critical!).

Is it a Virus or a Scam?

“Your Computer is Infected! Call Microsoft Support at 1-800…”

If you see a popup like this in your web browser, IT IS A SCAM.

  • Microsoft will NEVER ask you to call them via a popup.
  • Do not call the number.
  • Do not click anything.
  • Force Close your browser (Ctrl+Alt+Delete -> Task Manager -> End Task on Chrome/Edge).

Prevention is Better than Cure

  • Ad Blocker: Install “uBlock Origin” on your browser to block malicious ads.
  • Updates: Keep Windows and your browser updated automatically.
  • Skepticism: If an email looks urgent (“Your package is delayed!”, “Your account is locked!”), check the sender’s address carefully before clicking.