7 Telltale Signs Your Computer Has a Virus (And What to Do in Bracknell)

 A computer virus can be more than just a nuisance; it can steal your personal information, damage your files, and render your machine unusable. 

Cybercriminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated, but their malicious software often leaves clues. Knowing the warning signs is the first step in protecting yourself.

As your local computer repair company in Bracknell, we want to help you identify and deal with these threats. 

Here are seven of the most common signs that your computer may be infected.

1. Sudden and Unexplained Slowdowns

Whilst computers can slow down for many reasons, a sudden and dramatic drop in performance is a classic sign of a virus. 

Malicious software running in the background consumes your computer's resources (CPU and Memory), leaving little for your actual tasks and causing everything to grind to a halt.

2. A Flood of Annoying Pop-ups and Adverts

Are you seeing pop-up adverts even when you're not browsing the internet? 

This is a strong indicator of 'adware', a type of malware designed to bombard you with advertisements. 

These pop-ups are not just annoying; they can often link to more dangerous websites or trick you into installing even more malware.

3. Frequent Crashes or the 'Blue Screen of Death'

Every computer crashes occasionally, but if it starts happening frequently and without a clear cause, a virus could be to blame. 

Malware can conflict with your system's essential files, causing instability, freezing, or the infamous Windows 'Blue Screen of Death' (BSOD).

4. Your Web Browser's Homepage Has Changed

Have you noticed that your browser's homepage has changed without your permission? Or perhaps you have new toolbars and extensions you don't remember installing? 

This is a common tactic used by 'browser hijackers' to redirect your web traffic to specific, often malicious, websites.

5. Your Security Software Has Been Disabled

This is a major red flag. Some advanced viruses are specifically designed to disable your antivirus and firewall programmes to prevent you from detecting and removing them. 

If you find your security software is turned off and you cannot turn it back on, you should assume your system is compromised.

6. Unusual Hard Drive Activity

Can you hear your computer's hard drive working constantly at high speed, even when you're not actively doing anything? 

This could be a sign that a virus is scanning your drive for personal information, deleting files, or encrypting them as part of a ransomware attack.

7. Your Friends Are Receiving Spam Messages From You

If your friends and contacts tell you they've received strange emails or social media messages from you that you didn't send, it's highly likely a virus has hijacked your accounts to spread itself to others.

What to Do if You Suspect a Virus in Bracknell

If any of these signs seem familiar, it's important to act quickly.

• Disconnect from the Internet: This can prevent the virus from sending your data to a criminal or spreading further across your network.

• Run a Full Virus Scan: Use your installed antivirus software to run a comprehensive scan.

• Call for Professional Help: Unfortunately, many viruses are designed to evade basic antivirus software. For complete peace of mind and to ensure the threat is fully removed, your best option is to seek professional help.

At Bracknell Computer Man, we use specialised tools to hunt down and eliminate even the most stubborn viruses. 

We can clean your system, secure it against future attacks, and help you recover any affected data.

Don't Let a Virus Compromise Your Data

Your digital security is important. If you're worried your computer is infected, contact your local Bracknell IT experts today.