March 14, 2025

Cyber threats are everywhere, and even with the best precautions, your computer could still fall victim to malware. But how do you know if something is wrong? Malware can hide in plain sight, quietly causing damage or stealing information without you even realizing it. Here are 7 signs your PC might be infected right now—and what you can do about it.

1. Your PC Is Slower Than Usual

If your once-speedy computer now feels like it’s stuck in slow motion, malware could be to blame. Malicious programs often run in the background, hogging resources like CPU, memory, and bandwidth. This can lead to noticeable slowdowns, even if you’re only performing basic tasks like browsing or opening files.

What to Do: Open your Task Manager (Windows) or Activity Monitor (Mac) and check for unfamiliar processes using excessive resources. If something looks suspicious, investigate further or run a malware scan.

2. You’re Seeing Unwanted Ads and Pop-Ups

Random ads, pop-ups, or browser redirects are classic signs of adware or browser hijackers. These types of malware are designed to bombard you with advertisements or take you to malicious websites. Worse yet, clicking on these ads can lead to even more infections.

What to Do: Scan your system with a trusted antivirus or antimalware tool to remove adware. Reset your browser settings to eliminate hijackers.

3. Your Programs Are Crashing or Not Working

If your programs are freezing, crashing, or refusing to open, it might not just be a software glitch. Malware can corrupt or interfere with your system files, causing programs to behave unpredictably. In some cases, ransomware might even block you from accessing certain files or applications.

What to Do: Update your software and operating system to rule out compatibility issues. If the problem persists, scan your PC for malware.

4. You Notice Unknown Programs or Files

Unfamiliar programs, files, or desktop icons appearing out of nowhere are a major red flag. Malware often installs additional software or files without your permission. These programs might run silently in the background, collecting your personal data or launching further attacks.

What to Do: Uninstall unknown programs via your Control Panel (Windows) or Applications folder (Mac). Then, run a full malware scan to ensure your system is clean.

5. Your Internet Usage Spikes Without Explanation

If you’re noticing unusually high internet usage—especially when you’re not actively browsing—malware could be sending data from your computer to a remote server. This is common with spyware, which steals sensitive information, or botnets, which use your PC to carry out large-scale cyberattacks.

What to Do: Use your Task Manager or a network monitoring tool to check which programs are using your internet connection. Block suspicious activity and scan for malware.

6. Your Antivirus or Security Software Is Disabled

Many types of malware are designed to target your defenses first. If your antivirus software has been mysteriously disabled or won’t open, it’s a strong sign that your system is compromised. Attackers do this to prevent detection and removal.

What to Do: Try to manually update and run your antivirus software. If it doesn’t work, boot your PC into Safe Mode and use a dedicated malware removal tool.

7. You’re Receiving Suspicious Emails or Messages

Malware infections often spread through your email or messaging accounts. If your contacts are reporting strange emails or messages coming from you, your computer could be infected with a worm or spyware that’s hijacking your communication channels.

What to Do: Immediately change your account passwords and enable two-factor authentication (2FA). Scan your system for malware to stop the spread.

What to Do If You Suspect an Infection

If you notice one or more of these signs, don’t panic—but act quickly. Follow these steps:

  1. Disconnect from the Internet: This prevents malware from spreading or sending data to attackers.
  2. Run a Malware Scan: Use a trusted antivirus or antimalware tool to identify and remove threats.
  3. Update Your Software: Ensure your operating system, antivirus, and other programs are up-to-date to patch vulnerabilities.
  4. Change Your Passwords: Update passwords for critical accounts, especially if you suspect spyware or keyloggers.
  5. Seek Professional Help: If the infection is severe, consider consulting an IT professional to ensure your system is fully cleaned.

Stay Protected

The best way to deal with malware is to avoid getting infected in the first place. Practice good cybersecurity habits, like using strong passwords, keeping your software updated, and avoiding suspicious links or downloads. And always have a reliable antivirus program running to catch threats before they cause damage.

Don’t ignore the warning signs—act now to keep your PC safe and your personal information secure!