What if you have received a notification on your computer informing you that a virus has been found, or your computer is suddenly completely blocked and you can no longer access your files? What can you do?
I am in doubt; do I really have a virus?
Your device is a lot slower, suddenly files are lost, programs start automatically, your Internet browser’s start page is suddenly different, etc.
Remove all doubt by doing the virus test and follow our guidelines to establish whether or not you have a virus.
What to do? Scan and delete!
This is a constant: a virus must be removed as soon as possible.
If you do not have a virus scanner and your device is not blocked, then this is the time to install one, run a scan and remove the virus. In the meantime, do not enter any personal details or payment details, as some viruses may forward this information.
Here you will find a list of free and paying virus scanners: Do the virus test.
Too late, I have a virus that has blocked my files and is demanding a ransom. Now what?
In this case, you are the victim of ransomware: a virus that locks your computer and / or your files. Click here to find out what you can do if you are a victim of ransomware.
What else can I do about it?
For computer viruses: the best protection is prevention. Infection can be prevented with a virus scanner: software that warns you as soon as a virus is discovered and which attempts to remove it before it can do any damage.
Read all about how to install a virus scanner and protect your devices and data: Scan your computer.
- What to do when you get a notification from your virus scanner
You can trust that report. Follow the steps that your virus scanner proposes to remove the virus or to solve the problem. If that does not work, go to your virus scanner’s website for more information, google your problem or consult an expert.
- You get a pop-up or a report from a program you do not know
The golden rule is: only trust reports from your own virus scanner. Do not respond to warnings from programs that you do not know, especially if they also ask for your personal information, a password or to pay before continuing to use your computer. If you get such a notification, it is best to immediately close your Internet browser. On Windows: press Alt + F4; on Apple, press CMD + ALT + ESC (then click Force Quit).
- You get a phone call from Microsoft, Apple or another company
Never trust e-mails and / or telephone calls from companies that ask you to perform a number of actions on your computer. Hang up immediately or delete the message. Do not fall into the scammers’ trap.
- You get a warning in your Internet browser
Most current Internet browsers, such as Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Internet Explorer, Opera and Safari, will notify you before you go to a site that may infect your device.
However, if you see a pop-up warning you that your device is infected, it is usually fake. Know which browser you are using and what its warning look like.
