Malware, which is short for malicious software, is designed to get into your device to cause harm or steal important information.
It comes in different forms like viruses, spyware, ransomware, and trojans, and it can spread through email attachments, unsafe downloads, or compromised websites.
If you think malware has infected your device, try to stay calm and follow these steps to safely contain and get rid of it.
Run a full antivirus or malware scan
Use a trusted antivirus or antimalware software to scan your entire system. Remember to update the software before scanning to ensure the latest threat definitions are being used.
Manually remove suspicious apps or files
Check for recently installed or unfamiliar apps. Only delete files or programs if you’re sure they’re malicious.
Update your system and software
Update your device and system software and apps. Enable automatic updates.
Learn from the incident
Learn from the incident. Ask yourself:
- Where did the malware likely come from? (Email? Download? USB?)
- Was my system updated?
- Were any sensitive files accessed?
Learning from the incident can help you prevent if from happening again.