How to Know Your Computer Has a Virus

Today's computer viruses no longer crash your computer. These are signs that you have a computer virus.

Instructions

1. Today's computer hackers are criminals of a different breed than the hackers of the past. Nowadays, the criminals behind the infections usually want your computer operating in top form so you don't know something is wrong. That way, they can log your keystrokes and steal any passwords, credit-card numbers or financial information you enter at Web sites, or they can link your infected computer with others to send out spam.

2. Here are some signs your computer is infected and tapped to serve as part of "botnet" armies run by criminals:
   a) You experience new, prolonged slow downs. This can be a sign that a malicious program is running in the background.
   b) You continually get pop-up ads that you can't make go away. This is a sure sign you have "adware," and possibly more, on your machine.
   c) You're being directed to sites you didn't intend to visit, or your search results are coming back funky. This is another sign that hackers have gotten to your machine.

3. So what do you do?
   a) Having up to date anti-virus software here is very helpful. For one, it can identify known malicious programs and disable them. If the virus that has infected your machine isn't detected, many anti-virus vendors offer a service in which they can remotely take over your computer and delete the malware for a fee.
   b) Some anti-virus vendors also offer free, online virus-scanning services.
   c) You may have to reinstall your operating system if your computer is still experiencing problems. It's a good idea even if you believe you've cleaned up the mess because malware can still be hidden on your machine. You will need to back up your files before you do this.

4. How do I know what information has been taken?
   • It's very hard to tell what's been taken. Not every infection steals your data. Some just serve unwanted ads. Others poison your search result or steer you to Web sites you don't want to see. Others log your keystrokes to learn your passwords at certain cites. The best way to avoid these problems is to up to date anti virus software that will protect your computer and when new virus come out they will design the necessary protection.

Tips & Warnings

• Get an anti virus program now.

Resources

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