Navigating a Computer Virus: Safeguarding Your Precious Photos

A recent incident involving a computer virus has raised concerns about the security of personal files, particularly photos, and how to handle them safely. Here’s a cautionary tale that highlights the importance of vigilance in the digital age.

Recently, my husband unknowingly exposed our computer to a malicious virus after clicking on a suspicious link while browsing a blog. The resulting chaos disrupted our computer’s functionality, leading to difficult startup issues and a complete overhaul of our system settings—including an alarming change to our desktop background. To add to the frustration, we received a phone call from someone claiming to be from Microsoft. They tried to extract sensitive information by asking for the last four digits of our bank account and requesting a sign-in confirmation. Thankfully, my husband recognized the deception and promptly ended the call.

Amidst this turmoil, I faced a pressing concern: a collection of photos that I had intended to transfer to a USB drive had been left unbacked up due to my procrastination. Fortunately, I managed to restore the computer to a previous state from about a week before the incident, hoping this would eliminate any lingering threats before I attempted the transfer.

While Windows Defender reported no detections and had not raised any alerts during the incident, I remained uneasy. The question loomed: how likely is it that my cherished photos could be infected or compromised from this encounter?

As we prepare for a complete factory reset of our system, I want to ensure that my files are free from any malware that could have been lurking undetected.

Essential Considerations for Protecting Your Photos

Scan for viruses: Before transferring any files, it’s wise to perform a thorough scan using reliable antivirus Software. Even if Windows Defender shows no alerts, consider using an alternative tool for a second opinion.
Change File Formats: If you’re particularly anxious about the risk of hidden malware, consider saving your images in a different format or converting them to ensure they are fresh copies if needed.
Keep Backups: Moving forward, it’s crucial to regularly back up your files. Use multiple devices if possible, such as external hard drives or cloud storage services, to safeguard against any future incidents.
Be Wary of Phishing Attempts: Stay alert to any unfamiliar communications that seek personal information, especially after experiencing a virus—scammers often capitalize on these situations.