Summary
No matter how careful you try to be, it’s likely that your computer will become infected at some point. Every piece of malware is different, but most infected systems will display some common characteristics.
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No one likes a sick computer. Just like your body can become infected, so can your computer. While each piece of malware is different, most infected computers will display some common signs. Here are five of those signs that you should pay attention to.
For Personal Tech Media, this is Two Minute Tech. I’m Jim Herman.
If your computer is constantly running hot, or the fan is running at top speed, it’s a sign your computer might be infected with malware. Open the task manager and look at the list for anything that might be using your computer’s resources.
Second, pop-up windows and advertisements can also be a sign of an infection. Pop-up windows have almost entirely disappeared thanks to browsers and extensions that block them.
Third, if you’re constantly dealing with compromised accounts, it could indicate that you have a keylogger. A keylogger is a software program that tracks everything that you type. If you have multiple accounts compromised, or you change your password and it gets compromised again, it’s a good sign that you’re infected with a keylogger.
Fourth, if you find your security software disabled, especially multiple times, it could be a sign of an infection. If it’s being shut off, it’s probably because you have something on your computer that wants it turned off.
And fifth, if you find new toolbars installed on your web browser, you may have an infection. Toolbars can be occasionally useful, but they’re mostly a relic of the early 2000s. If you open your browser and find a new toolbar present, it may indicate an infection.