Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
Advice & Guidance
Infected computer

Infected computer

How to detect – the signs to watch out for

  • Your computer becomes extremely slow and unresponsive
  • Your computer crashes
  • You get unwanted, unexpected and recurring pop-ups
  • Programs open and close automatically
  • Internet traffic suspiciously increases
  • You notice unjustified, weird, and unnecessary traffic patterns
  • Your antivirus software stopped working or disabled

How to react - the reflexes to adopt

  • Remove the machine from the network
  • Make sure your antivirus software is up-to-date
  • Reboot your computer into safe-mode
  • Download and install an anti-spyware program
  • Disinfection by antivirus may delete infected system files: The system should then be repaired using an installation disk, or the operating system may need a complete reinstall.

Before performing a reinstall:

  • Change passwords
  • Make sure your data files are backed up
  • If you have a backup, try to restore it.
  • Do not forget to reinstall all the necessary updates after the system restore.