How do I Identify Viruses & Keyloggers?
Being infected with viruses and keyloggers (malware that records the keys you press on your computer that gives away your passwords and personal information) is a PC user's biggest fear. The fear stems from the potential harm these nasty pieces of malware could do to your PC. For example, a virus can stop your PC from starting successfully or can cause it to restart randomly, rendering it unusable. Or, a keylogger can be used to steal your passwords and ultimately your identity. You can however, combat these threats if you believe you may be infected.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Press "Ctrl," "Alt," "Del" and click "Processes" and select "Task Manager." Next, scroll through the list of processes and write down any suspicious-looking file names (usually this is a file that is garbled and makes no sense, for example a file with random letters and numbers in the name). When you find a suspicious name, click "End Process" (only after you have written the file name down). Exit out of the Task Manager and click "Start" and select "Run." Next, type "MSCONFIG" and click on the "Startup" tab.
-
2
Scroll through the list and identify anything out of the ordinary that may be installed. Keep in mind the programs that are supposed to start up automatically (explorer.exe for instance). When you find a threat, de-select the item and click "Apply" and select "OK". Again, write down the file name of every file in question and search its name using a site such as Common Malware Enumeration (CME) or Tasklist.org sites. These sites will tell you what threat the file name is linked to and you will learn if the file is a keylogger, virus, trojan, or anything of the like.
-
-
3
Run the anti-virus and anti-spyware programs you installed to scan and remove the threats that have infected your computer. You will want to have an anti-virus program that will watch your Internet activity at all times, ensuring that you are protected from files that may become installed without your knowledge. Also keep in mind that you will want more than one anti-spyware program installed as well.
-
4
Restart your PC after the programs have finished scanning as some files will not stop automatically until your computer has rebooted.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Always keep your firewall enabled and your anti-virus software active. Ensure that your anti-virus software has a function that can monitor your Internet activity and protect you from threats being downloaded to your computer without your knowledge.
Always surf the Web with a secure browser.
This information only pertains to PC users and does not work with Apple or Linux operating systems nor does it work with or pertain to mobile devices.
When you realize you are infected with a virus or keylogger, begin removing it immediately; the longer you wait, the higher the chances of these threats being used for malicious purposes (identity theft, stealing of password, learning about your personal life, and so on).
