Dealing with "malware" on your computer

Getting a piece of malicious software – known as malware – on your computer system is not unusual, especially if you don’t have up-to-date protection. It can cause all sorts of problems, potentially including ID theft and affecting the performance of your computer.

So, what can you do to check if you are the victim of a malware infection, and what can you do to remove it?

Crucially, there are some specific symptoms which could give you a clue as to whether you have an infection:

• Unusual activity when you open your web browser. This could include an unexpected change in your homepage, being directed to an unfamiliar website without choosing to do so, or even finding your access to certain types of website is blocked.
• You continuously receive unusual warnings and error messages, or have pop-up windows appearing persistently.
• You find that your email account is sending emails without your knowledge, and/or you are receiving a lot of returned emails.
• Security tools – antimalware, antispam, firewall, pop-up blocker etc. – are turned off or their settings have changed without your knowledge.
• The computer system is invaded by new programs; strange icons show up on your desktop and in your system tray.
• Files and folders change unexpectedly, or items such as your wallpaper, desktop theme or screensaver change.

If you are struggling with some of the above problems it is important to take steps to scan for – and remove – any malware that might be on your system.

There are a number of free online virus scanners that will do the trick. Make sure you use a reputable product from the website of the provider – for example, BitDefender offers its free Online Virus Scanner here:

http://www.bitdefender.co.uk/scanner/online/free.html

Of course, having a full internet security suite installed on your computer will offer the best level of protection as they have features such as a firewall, content filter, phishing and spam shields and parental controls that help to prevent malware from getting into your system in the first place.

The best step is to look at the products available and find the right one for you. For a start, BitDefender’s home user products are available here:

http://www.bitdefender.co.uk/site/view/antivirus-comparison.html