On this page
Introduction
Symptoms
Conclusion
Introduction
Like computer viruses, malware applications change constantly and developed to be ever more sophisticated in their approach. This constant change and development means the need to have good quality and up to date anti malware software to protect your systems becomes ever more important.
Below is a list of some of the most common malware symptoms that can alert you to potential malware having been installed on to your computer system. The information presented here is listed in no particular order and is not an exhaustive list of all possible symptoms of having malware installed on your system.
Symptoms
- Home Page Hijacking:
Home page hijacking is when malware changes the Internet Explorer home page, and then locks down a system so that the user cannot change his or her home page back to their original choice. Or, the home page will be changeable, but additional malware will be installed as soon as the user of the infected machine attempts to restore the home page. For example, certain malware will allow the user to change the home page to a URL of choice, but this action is followed with the loss of screen space with over-large search toolbars that cannot be turned off permanently. It should be noted that some home page locking is legitimate; for example, by computer suppliers, ISPs, and employers who may also lock Internet Explorers home page to their preferred URL, which might be a company home page or a technical support page. Such home page locking is often instantly recognisable to the user, and should not be classified as malware. Malware is often indicated by a sudden change, that is, a user may have always been able to change their home page but is suddenly no longer able to. - Search Page Hijacking:
One of the most popular forms of malware is search engine hijacking. Suddenly the user’s well known search engine in their chosen web brwoser has disappeared, only to be replaced by an unfamiliar search engine. Often functions of the web browser will no longer work in the way expected, or if it does, the options that are offered will not include the normal search engines – if there are any options at all.Another common symptom of malware is the appearance of a new toolbar that claims to provide a Web search service. It may appear at top or bottom of screen and often cannot be turned off, either temporarily or at all.
Top of page - Pop up Advertisements:
Pop-up advertisements can be a normal part of internet surfing. However, pop-up advertisements that appear even when the users is not actively surfing the web is not normal, nor is it normal to see so many advertisements that normal Web surfing is slow, or the computer system stalls or locks up under the load. Nor is it normal to see non-family friendly pop-ups during casual Web surfing. Nor is it normal to see pop-up windows that fill the entire screen and cannot be closed.
Top of page - Scareware:
Pop up Windows reporting that your system is infected with malware or a virus or suddenly unprotected. Perhaps a report advising you that your Registry (Microsoft Systems) is damaged or corrupt in some way. These are examples of scareware, designed to create feelings of doubt on the integrity of your system whilst presenting you with an instant solution by downloading their software, when in fact you could be downloading a problem allowing your system to be hijacked.Of course this may not always be the case as there are some genuine vendors out there with high quality solutions that do resolve such issues but be aware that these tactics are used, and do your research before downloading. Top of page - Crashing:
Systems crash. They always have, although rarer now than they were just a couple of yeas ago. A lot of work has taken place to improve the stability of Internet Explorer. Kernel32.dll errors, classically caused by video drivers, have become positively rare.So what is a normal crash, and what is a malware crash?First, malware crashes often involve unusual file names such as djiofg982746.dll or may refer to unknown modules (files).Secondly, malware crashes may occur when you are not actually doing anything. Your PC may be turned on, but idle.
Conclusion
You now know that unexpected home page changes, unexpected search engine changes, new toolbars, pop-up windows, and some Internet Explorer crashes are not normal and can be caused by Malware/Spyware. What do you do now? Well, you check our system for infection. See our anti virus and malware consultancy page for more information and links to free and paid solutions. When you are ready, install one of those pieces of software and see if your malware symptoms disappear. If your malware symptoms persist, contact us, and we will get your machine clear for you.
