Keep an Eye Out for the Hallmarks of Malware

Malware is everywhere on the Internet and you don’t want it. From spyware and adware to ransomware there is never anything good that comes from this malicious code. Today, we will outline a few ways you can tell that your computer, workstation, or mobile device has some form of malware on it.

Sluggish Performance

One of the first signs that your system may have malware is a noticeable drop in performance. If your computer or device suddenly starts running slowly, freezes frequently, or takes longer to execute simple tasks, it definitely could be infected. Malware often hogs system resources like CPU and memory, leaving fewer resources available for your normal activities. This is what makes the computer seem so slow. This sluggishness is particularly noticeable when you’re not running any demanding applications, yet the system lags or overheats for no apparent reason.

Unusual Pop-Ups and Ads

Another way you can tell that your system has a malware infection is the sudden appearance of pop-up ads, even when you’re not browsing the Internet. These ads may appear frequently, often pushing fake alerts or promotions. They may prompt you to download software or frequently appear as antivirus, but these are typically malicious themselves. This kind of adware can be difficult to close and may redirect you to unfamiliar websites. If you notice more ads than usual, or find your browser homepage or search engine has been changed without your permission, malware is a likely culprit.

Unexplained File or Program Changes

Malware can cause files to be deleted, corrupted, or moved without your consent. You might notice missing documents, new files you didn’t create, programs you didn’t download, or programs that launch automatically at startup. Additionally, malware can alter system settings, disable security software, or prevent you from gaining access to certain parts of your system. If files are behaving oddly—opening with the wrong applications or refusing to open at all—this could signal that malware has compromised your system’s integrity.

Excessive Internet Activity

Malware often communicates with external servers, sending and receiving data without your knowledge. This can result in unusual spikes in internet activity, even when you’re not using your device. You might notice your data usage increasing dramatically or experience slower Internet connectivity. Checking your network activity can reveal suspicious outgoing connections to unknown addresses. If your Internet connection is consistently slower or your data usage exceeds normal levels, it may be a sign that some strain of malware is operating in the background.

It goes without saying that malware is bad for productivity, and terrible for any business. If you want to talk about how the IT professionals at Preferred deal with malware, give us a call today at 708-781-7110.