Is your computer acting weird? Is it suddenly working really slowly? Are pop-ups all over your screen? Are folders graying out and can’t be opened? Are files suddenly unavailable or can’t be found? Is your mouse moving on it’s own? Has the text become unreadable? Do you have a virus alert? If you are experiencing any of these, you could have a virus or malware on your computer.

If you think you have malware on your machine, do not turn off your machine, some types of malware load on start up. Do not run a virus scan, some types of malware corrupt anti-virus programs.  Do not try to fix the problem yourself. Do not panic, help is available.  So what do you do?

1. Don’t touch anything. Many types of malware are loaded by clicking anywhere on a pop up window. If you don’t click, you may be able to prevent an infection.
2. Disconnect from the Internet. On your workstation, unplug the network cable. On your mobile device, disconnect from wifi.
3. Call the IT Service Desk.

Not sure what a network cable looks like?  It looks like a phone cable, but comes out of the back of your computer.  It can be red, white, black, blue, gray or yellow.  Still not sure? Here is a photo for you:

 

Worried about getting into trouble and you don’t want to call the Service Desk? Please don’t be. IT Services has service in the name for a reason. We are here to help you. We know you are human. We know people make mistakes. We like to get your calls.