Podcast
Questions and Answers
A common sign of malware is the appearance of unexpected ______ windows, often displaying fake virus warnings.
A common sign of malware is the appearance of unexpected ______ windows, often displaying fake virus warnings.
pop-up
Hearing phantom ______ and bells from your computer on a regular basis may indicate a virus or malware infection.
Hearing phantom ______ and bells from your computer on a regular basis may indicate a virus or malware infection.
chimes
The unexplained disappearance of files or alterations to file icons and content can be a symptom of a ______ or technical problem.
The unexplained disappearance of files or alterations to file icons and content can be a symptom of a ______ or technical problem.
virus
A computer running more slowly than usual, especially after downloading software from certain websites, is a sign of a potential ______ infection.
A computer running more slowly than usual, especially after downloading software from certain websites, is a sign of a potential ______ infection.
An alert from your antivirus software about an application attempting to connect to an unknown website suggests a possible ______, especially if you didn't initiate the connection.
An alert from your antivirus software about an application attempting to connect to an unknown website suggests a possible ______, especially if you didn't initiate the connection.
The appearance of pornographic images or a constant stream of pop-up ads for unfamiliar sites while browsing indicates that your computer may be ______.
The appearance of pornographic images or a constant stream of pop-up ads for unfamiliar sites while browsing indicates that your computer may be ______.
If you suddenly run out of ______ space, even though you haven't added new files, your computer may be infected with a disk bomb virus or worm.
If you suddenly run out of ______ space, even though you haven't added new files, your computer may be infected with a disk bomb virus or worm.
Checking the Windows Task Manager for unfamiliar processes can help identify ______ processes running in the background.
Checking the Windows Task Manager for unfamiliar processes can help identify ______ processes running in the background.
Fake virus warnings often prompt you to click a ______ or call a number.
Fake virus warnings often prompt you to click a ______ or call a number.
If a process name closely resembles a legit Windows process but doesn't add up, you may be ______.
If a process name closely resembles a legit Windows process but doesn't add up, you may be ______.
- Maintain your installed programs – update your installed programs regularly. This simple
solution ensures that new viruses won’t be able to use your programs as gateways to multiply.
- Install only one antivirus solution – the “less is more” principle is in play on this fix. If you
have more than one antivirus in your computer, there is a risk that one of them detects a virus
that is otherwise a safe file from the other. This will only result to limited protection, or worse, file
corruption.
- Automate virus scans – most modern antivirus software has automation features that
detects the virus and automatically neutralize them without you knowing it.
- Pop those popups – modern browsers have popup blockers already installed. All you have to
do is activate them. If popups starts to get annoying, go to Task Manager and force quit the
application.
- Restart in safe mode - Starting your computer in safe mode gives you a chance to run your
antivirus software and take a closer look at what the issue may be. Begin by rebooting the
computer. On a Windows PC, press and hold F8 as soon as the reboot begins. Then, choose
safe mode from the menu that appears.
- Maintain your installed programs – update your installed programs regularly. This simple solution ensures that new viruses won’t be able to use your programs as gateways to multiply.
- Install only one antivirus solution – the “less is more” principle is in play on this fix. If you have more than one antivirus in your computer, there is a risk that one of them detects a virus that is otherwise a safe file from the other. This will only result to limited protection, or worse, file corruption.
- Automate virus scans – most modern antivirus software has automation features that detects the virus and automatically neutralize them without you knowing it.
- Pop those popups – modern browsers have popup blockers already installed. All you have to do is activate them. If popups starts to get annoying, go to Task Manager and force quit the application.
- Restart in safe mode - Starting your computer in safe mode gives you a chance to run your antivirus software and take a closer look at what the issue may be. Begin by rebooting the computer. On a Windows PC, press and hold F8 as soon as the reboot begins. Then, choose safe mode from the menu that appears.
Flashcards
Unexpected pop-up windows
Unexpected pop-up windows
Fake alerts that say you have security threats on your computer, prompting you to click a link or call a number.
Random sounds
Random sounds
Chimes and bells from your computer that seem to be phantom.
Unexplained file or folder changes
Unexplained file or folder changes
Missing files, or icons and content of your files may be different.
Slow operation
Slow operation
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Random connections to unknown websites
Random connections to unknown websites
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Unexpected images
Unexpected images
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Sudden lack of hard drive space
Sudden lack of hard drive space
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Strange running processes
Strange running processes
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Study Notes
- Warning signs of a computer virus include unexpected pop-up windows, random sounds, unexplained file changes, slow operation, random connections to unknown websites, unexpected images, lack of hard drive space, and strange running processes.
Unexpected Pop-Up Windows
- Fake virus warnings in unusual dialog boxes prompt users to click links or call a number.
- Legitimate protection software will never prompt you to call a random customer service number.
Random Sounds
- Infected computers may emit audio signals for uncontrolled actions.
- Phantom chimes and bells may indicate a virus or malware infection.
Unexplained File or Folder Changes
- Missing files, or changes to file icons/content, can signify a virus or technical problem.
- Computers typically do not make these types of changes to files on their own.
Slow Operation
- A computer running slower than usual can be caused by multiple running applications or a virus.
- Some websites require software installation for content download, which could lead to infection.
Random Connections to Unknown Websites
- Antivirus software alerts about applications connecting to unfamiliar websites can be a sign of infection.
- Computers generally don't make connections on their own; problematic software might be doing it.
Unexpected Images
- The appearance of pornographic images or pop-up ads for unfamiliar sites may indicate an infection.
Sudden Lack of Hard Drive Space
- Self-replicating viruses or worms ("disk bombs") can rapidly fill hard drives with copies of themselves
- The injected files might be invisible under default file-browsing settings.
Strange Running Processes
- Regularly check the Windows Task Manager for any rogue processes running in the background,
- A process name closely resembles a legit Windows process but doesn't add up, you may be infected.
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