It often starts with a painfully slow computer
If you’re the person friends and family call when their computer stops working, you’ve probably seen this before: a computer that takes forever to start, a browser full of unfamiliar toolbars, and a collection of programs promising to speed everything up.
A malware scan can reveal unwanted software and changes the owner never knowingly approved. In some cases, there is no active antivirus protection at all.
Three familiar excuses
- “It can’t hurt. I’ve never had a problem.”
- “It doesn’t matter. I have nothing to hide.”
- “Antivirus makes my computer slow.”
None of these is a good reason to leave a computer unprotected. You may not notice an infection right away, and privacy isn’t the only concern. Malware can steal account credentials, damage files, or use your computer to attack other systems.
Antivirus is one part of the basics
No antivirus product can guarantee complete protection. Still, active, up-to-date protection is a useful layer alongside software updates, careful downloads, and backups. Avoid running multiple real-time antivirus products at once, since they can interfere with each other.
If you’re helping someone clean up a personal computer, don’t stop once it feels faster. Check that its security protection is enabled and receiving updates, and explain how to recognize suspicious downloads and warnings.
This article was originally published in 2016. Its companion free antivirus comparison reflects that period, rather than a current product ranking.
For a work computer, contact IT
If the computer belongs to an organization or is managed by an IT provider, report the problem to the responsible team. Don’t install a different antivirus product or start removing software on your own. They can assess the problem and preserve anything needed for an investigation.
