Can I Detect Malware Without An Antivirus?

Most people think that an antivirus solution is required to identify and remove malware. While antivirus software does make it easy, you can also detect malware on your own without an antivirus. When malware enters your device, your device will show signs of slowing, frequent battery drainage, and other related problems.

If you don’t use antivirus, here are some tell-tale signs that can help you detect the presence of malware on your device.

Signs That Your Computer Might Have Malware 

Malware features certain unique characteristics that will start meddling with your device’s settings. Some changes are clearly visible while others might require even closer observation. Keep reading to learn the alarming signs worth looking out for.

Your Computer Is Gradually Slowing Down 

Have you recently noticed that your device is operating slower than usual? Be it browsing on the internet or simply working on your local applications, the main purpose of any malware in the system is to reduce the speed of the operating system. It consumes a lot of memory, thus hindering the processes on your device.

You Keep Seeing Intrusive Ads 

Unexpected ads and pop-ups appearing on the screen are also signs of potential malware on the computer. This type of malware usually collects and steals the sensitive data of the user behind their back. You’ll keep seeing irrelevant ads all the time and routinely be redirected to spam sites when you unknowingly click on them.

Your Computer Keeps Crashing Frequently

Does your computer keep freezing while working, playing games, or watching videos online? There are only two possibilities leading to such frequent crashes: (a) technical problems due to incompatibility in your hardware and software, and (b) there is malware in your system.

Your Browser’s Homepage Has Changed Automatically 

If you spot any unusual changes in the behavior of the homepage or toolbar or are directed to some random web address automatically, watch out for malware. This happens when you visit any malicious site or accidentally click on any pop-up or unknown link. 

You Keep Receiving Random Pop-Up Messages 

Receiving any warning message on the screen regarding disk space or the hard drive is also connected with some malware issues in the system. This issue is quite common and many users complain about these pop-up messages randomly arriving. 

You Experience Excessive Internet Traffic 

Have you ever experienced any suspiciously sharp spike in internet activity whenever you start your system? When the system experiences such high network activity, it can be due to a hidden malware infection. This also happens when any unauthorized application or program is downloading or uploading a larger amount of data. 

There Are Unfamiliar Icons On Your Computer’s Desktop 

Are you noticing any unknown or new icons on your screen? This can happen when you unwittingly download any sneaky program known as PUPs. These are malicious programs that damage the system to a great extent and largely carry out destructive activities in the background. 

You Are Locked Out Of The Control Panel 

Some malware can lock you out of administrative privileges and the Control Panel. If you’re unable to access the required settings to turn on the device's built-in security or uninstall any program, it’s most likely due to malware. Generally, hackers place ransomware on the device to lock users out and charge hefty amounts to restore access.

Your Browser Keeps Redirecting Or Showing Random Errors 

When the browser works too slowly or displays random errors like ‘Flash not working’, this can be a clear warning sign related to a system-wide infiltration of malware. If you aren’t utilizing an antivirus, you should browse the web using Firefox given the browser is extremely secure and scans every URL.

Your Computer’s Built-In Security Solution Is Disabled 

Does your device’s integrated antivirus solution stop working from time to time? This happens when the updated module of the antivirus system is disabled. This too is a sign of some malware infection traversing through the computer. 

How To Get Rid Of Malware Without An Antivirus

With antivirus software, you can easily get rid of the malware. However, doing the same manually is a bit more complicated. 

Here’s what you need to do:

• Click on Settings > Apps and scroll down to the list of Apps & Features. Check if you find any unrecognized software, and uninstall it 
• Click on Ctrl+Alt+Esc on the keyboard and open your Task Manager. Click on the Services option and check the list for any unfamiliar services 
• Open your Task Manager back and select the Startup option. Check if there are any unwanted files and disable them 
• Once again, go to the Task Manager and click on the Processes option. See if there are any unknown processes and go for the End Task option 
• If the problem persists, type Command on the search box of Windows. Right-click on the Command Prompt and select Run as the administrator 
• Go to the Command Prompt Window and enter the letter to open the drive that contains the virus

Bottom Line

Installing an antivirus is the best option to avoid any malware but there are still other preventive measures to be considered. Keep an eye on browsers, plugins, and operating systems and keep them up-to-date given this can also help keep malware and viruses at bay.