Malware is more sophisticated than ever. Fortunately, Corporate Armor boasts many anti-malware tools suitable for everything from SMB to major enterprise use cases. We can protect you very well, and for less than you might think.
You’ve got options!
For example, with ESET’s highly-rated Endpoint Protection Standard, you can safeguard 11-25 users for less than $27 each, for a whole year. AVG Antivirus can have up to 25 of your employees sleeping easy at night for about $20 each, for a year. And for more complex, managed security needs, there’s Sophos’ powerful family of Intercept X, Intercept X Advanced, and Intercept X Advanced – EDR solutions. We have excellent solutions for every size, budget, and degree of complexity.
Either way, it is imperative that you have some kind of antivirus protection installed.
How did this get on my computer?
An infected device could get on your network, or someone could intentionally place malware on your system. Social engineering and phishing schemes are highly prevalent and effective.There are even malwares that look like antivirus. But when you ‘install’ them, you get infected.
It’s not always clear when you’ve been infected. However, keep an eye out for things like unusually slow performance, browser pop-ups when no browser is open, scary warnings from security programs you didn’t install, and ransom demands.
First, disconnect
Disconnect your PC from the Internet so that the suspected virus can’t transmit any of your personal information that it may have collected. If you have to download a tool to help remove the malware, do it quickly and immediately disconnect from the Internet when it’s finished. Corporate Armor has several excellent options, such as Sophos Intercept X suite, and ESET NOD32. Please feel free to reach out to us, or you can call 877-449-0458. We are happy to help you find the solution that works best for you, even if that’s one of the (often good) free solutions. Then, do your best to stay offline.
Enter safe mode
Reboot your PC in safe mode. This way, your computer can scan while it runs on the minimum number of programs it needs to operate. Restart your PC. Then, when you see the sign-in screen, hold down the Shift key and select Power → Restart. After that, go to “Choose an option,” select “Troubleshoot,” then “Advanced Options.” Then, choose “Startup Settings.”
In the next screen, click “Restart.” After the next screen loads, a menu will appear with a number of startup options. Number 4 (or F4) will start your computer in safe mode. Remember, try not to log in to any accounts! That’s just what many malwares want you to do.
Delete temporary files
Speed up your scan and free up some disc space by deleting temporary files. Just search for the “Disk Cleanup” tool and run it.
Check your activity monitor
If you have malicious software on your computer, you need to find and stop it in the Activity Monitor. Through the Activity Monitor, you can see everything that’s running on your computer, and how it affects performance. Do this by typing “resource monitor” in your search bar. Then, right-click on the program you want to stop and click “End Process.”
Run an antimalware scanner
This step should actually cure your PC of its malware infection, if it is a standard infection. If you already have an antivirus program your device, you should download an malware scanner that is different than what you’re using for antivirus.
Download a scanner from a reliable source. Run it, and then install security software that works constantly in the background. and protects you against existing and emerging security threats. ESET, Sophos, and Panda are just a few highly regarded vendors, and Corporate Armor can help you with any of them. Call us at 877-449-0458.
Next, you’ll need to…
Fix your web browser . Often, malware will attempt to modify your Internet browser homepage so it can reinfect your device. For example, you’ll see advertisements, experience slow browsing, and things like that. First, check that the homepage address is correct. Then, check your web browser for malicious extensions. To do that in Internet Explorer, click the gear icon in the top right corner of the Internet Explorer screen. Select “Manage Add-ons.” Find any suspicious, recently added extensions Select them and click “Disable.”
To fix Chrome, click the menu icon in the top right-hand corner. Then, select “More Tools” After that, click “Extensions.” Lastly, locate any suspicious-looking browser add-ons and click “Remove.”
Lastly, you will want to clear your cache.
Sometimes that still doesn’t take care of the problem. If your device is still infected, you may need to completely wipe your hard drive and reinstall your operating system. However, before doing this, consult your Microsoft support team to be sure that this rather inconvenient step is necessary.
Be assured that the preceeding steps will remove the large majority of malwares you will likely run in to. And, if you have any questions, don’t forget Corporate Armor is happy to steer you in the best direction for you, whatever that may be. You can reach out to us, or call 877-449-0458. Thanks for reading!