The Computer Solution 09 December, 2023

Common Signs of Malware Infection on Your Device

Recognize the Red Flags Before It’s Too Late

Malware. Just the word is enough to make anyone who uses a computer, tablet, or smartphone shudder. These sneaky bits of rogue software can wreak havoc on your devices—stealing data, slowing performance, and even making your daily activities feel impossible. The worst part? Malware doesn’t always announce itself boldly. In many cases, it works quietly in the background, making spotting it all the more critical.

To help you stay one step ahead, here’s a guide to the most common signs that your device may be under attack by malware. If you recognize any of these red flags, it’s time to act sooner rather than later.

1. Sluggish Performance

Think about the last time your device felt slow. Apps taking forever to open, painfully long boot times, or even frequent system freezes? This is one of the most obvious signs of a malware infection. Malware often consumes a hefty chunk of your system resources, causing everything else to grind down to a snail’s pace. Sure, normal wear and tear can make a device slower over time, but if this change happens suddenly, malware could be to blame.

Pro tip: If this happens to you, open your task manager (on Windows) or activity monitor (on macOS) to see if unknown programs or unusually high CPU usage is coming from unfamiliar processes.

2. Random Pop-ups and Ads

We’ve all seen them—those annoying pop-ups appearing out of nowhere, advertising shady products or demanding that you "click now" to fix a problem. Here’s the deal: legitimate software won’t bombard you with intrusive pop-ups, so if it’s happening frequently—even when you aren’t browsing the web—you may have adware on your device.

Adware is a particularly irritating type of malware designed to generate revenue by flooding your device with ads. Be extremely cautious not to click on any unfamiliar ads or offers, as they can leave you vulnerable to further infections.

3. Sudden Changes in Browser Settings

Does your browser suddenly look... different? New toolbars? A strange homepage that you don’t remember setting? Or maybe your searches are being redirected to unfamiliar (and often sketchy) websites. It’s likely that malware has meddled with your browser settings.

Hijackers—and no, we’re not talking about airplanes—are a specific type of malware that target web browsers. They typically change default settings to direct you to malicious sites and track your online behavior. If this happens, stop browsing immediately and seek help to remove the malicious software.

4. Unusual Network Activity

Think of malware as an uninvited guest who doesn’t just mess up your house but also uses your utilities behind your back. Malware often makes unauthorized connections to external servers, sometimes to steal your personal information. You might notice this as:

• Unusually high data usage—even when you aren’t downloading or streaming anything.
• Slow or unreliable internet connections, caused by malware hogging your bandwidth.
• Random internet activity logs, even when your device is idle.

Monitor your network usage using tools built into your device. If you spot anomalies, it’s time to investigate further.

Pro tip: Disconnect your device from the internet immediately if you suspect unauthorized connections. This can stop malware in its tracks before it has a chance to do more harm.

5. Security Software Acting Strange

Malware isn’t just a passive actor. It actively tries to protect itself from being detected and removed. If you’ve noticed your antivirus or firewall software being mysteriously disabled—or, worse, you’re unable to restart them—it’s a big sign that malware may be on your device. This tactic allows the malware to remain undetected while it continues its malicious activity.

If this happens, try running your device in Safe Mode or using another trusted device to download antivirus software. Many security programs can run system scans even while other processes are restricted.

“The sooner malware infections are caught, the easier they are to handle. Don't wait for the problem to escalate.”

The Computer Solution

Protect Your Device With Help From The Computer Solution

Don’t let malware linger and damage your personal files, privacy, or peace of mind. If you’ve spotted any of the signs mentioned above, prompt action is key to stopping the infection and restoring your device’s functionality.

At The Computer Solution, we specialize in removing malware safely and efficiently. We’ll clear out the problem, protect your data, and ensure your system is running smoothly. Call us today at (970) 426-5486 or visit our website to schedule a consultation. Let us help you take back control of your technology!