Frequently Asked Question

Viruses and malware do not always make themselves obvious, but there are several warning signs that may indicate a problem.

Watch for:

• Sudden computer slowdowns
• Frequent pop-ups or unexpected advertisements
• Programs opening or closing by themselves
• Browser homepage or search engine changes you did not make
• Security software becoming disabled
• Files disappearing or becoming inaccessible
• Unexpected error messages
• High CPU, disk, or network activity when the computer should be idle
• New programs or browser extensions you do not recognize
• Friends or contacts receiving messages you did not send

One symptom by itself does not always mean the computer is infected, but several unusual changes together should be taken seriously.

If you suspect malware, avoid installing random cleanup tools or clicking suspicious warnings. Contact East Carolina Computers for assistance.