Audience
Everyone
Question
What do I do if I suspect a virus or malware on my computer?
Answer
Do you suspect your computer has a virus or malware on it?
The following basic advice can help you remove a minor virus or malware infection. If your computer is completely unresponsive, or if the infection is holding you hostage (requesting payment to “clean” your system), you may need to seek professional guidance.
Removing a virus or malware infection:
Step 1: Make sure your antivirus (AV) is up to date, run a full scan, and follow the recommendations. Need a free anti-virus program? BSU recommends Microsoft Security Essentials.
Step 2: Check your installed programs, and remove software that was installed around the time the problem started.
Step 3: If you don’t have one installed, download an anti-malware program, update it to the latest version and run a full scan. Follow the recommendations. BSU recommends MalwareBytes. There are many imitations, please use this link to the original: https://www.malwarebytes.org/ (Windows and Mac).
If you get stuck, please contact the BSU Helpdesk at 218-755-3777 or submit a service ticket here. We can get you pointed in the right direction!