Malware – a portmanteau of malicious software – is any invasive application that aims to do harm to your system and carry out undesirable activities through your network. While there are many types of malware, such as viruses, ransomware, and spyware, they all generally cause a similar set of problems that may impact your computer usage abilities and necessitate the help of IT support. If you’re concerned about compromised security, here are five signs that your computer is infected. 

5 Clues Malware Has Infected Your Computer

1. Slow Performance

When malware infects your computer, it usually causes a variety of unwanted programs to run in the background unbeknownst to you. While these applications may not be seen, they’ll take up precious memory and cause your operating system, internet, and software programs to perform at a slower rate.  

2. Unusual Browser Behavior

Many types of malware are designed to change the way your internet browser behaves, often by installing add-on programs without your permission. In some cases, the infection may cause your browser to redirect to websites you didn’t enter. In other situations, you may experience exhaustive pop-up ads or unusual warnings.

3. Spamming Activity

Some malware programs are able to take over your communication tools to send out spam messages to your contacts. For example, you may find strange links posted on your Facebook profile that you never submitted. Programs that attack your email, on the other hand, may end up sending spam messages to your contacts list. 

4. Frequent Crashes

Recurrent system crashes are a telltale sign that you need IT support. While the occasional crash may happen for a variety of reasons, repeated crashes are often the result of malware activity that has altered the programming instructions of your system.

5. Heavy Network Traffic

If your internet activity remains active even when you’re not using it, it’s possible that a malware program is hijacking your connectivity to perform a variety of tasks. In most cases, this activity will cause all of your legitimate internet-connected programs to perform slowly.

Malware is everywhere, but ION Technology Services is ready to defend you against these invasive security risks. Providing commercial IT support in the Voorhees, NJ, area, this company will protect your business network and devices against all types of malware. In addition to developing in-depth security protocols to detect and deflect security threats, this IT services provider will streamline all of your company’s tech needs, such as networking, data recovery, storage, and computer repair. To learn more about these affordable managed IT Services, visit this team online. For help with IT support, call (856) 719-1818 to speak with a friendly expert.