Safeguarding Your Photos After a Virus Attack: What You Need to Know

Recently, my husband inadvertently introduced a rather severe virus onto our computer after clicking a suspicious link on a blog. The aftermath of this incident was quite unsettling; our system struggled to reboot, and the virus altered our desktop background to an unusual image. To add to the chaos, we received a fraudulent phone call from someone claiming to be from Microsoft, who had the last four digits of our bank account and requested a login confirmation. Thankfully, he was alert enough to recognize the scam and promptly ended the call.

As an avid procrastinator, I had numerous photos that I had intended to back up onto a USB drive — a task I had continuously postponed. With the computer now somewhat operational, I managed to revert it to a restore point from about a week prior in hopes of safeguarding those precious memories before transferring them to a clean USB drive. While Windows Defender scanned the system and reported no threats, there was no prior warning about the virus’s presence, leaving me in a state of uncertainty.

As we prepare for a factory reset of the device, I’m concerned about the likelihood that my photos could still be infected by the virus. What can I do to minimize this risk? Here are a few considerations and steps to keep in mind before transferring your files:

Scan Your Files: Before moving any photos to a USB drive, use reliable antivirus software to scan the specific folders containing your images. This can help detect any lingering threats.
Backup Precautions: If possible, consider creating a full backup of your photos on a separate hard drive or cloud storage service that is known for robust security. This will allow you to retrieve your memories even if something goes wrong in the transfer process.
System Check: After performing a virus scan, check for any unusual behavior on your computer. If you notice anything strange, it might be worth seeking professional help before proceeding with any data transfer.
Factory Reset: Once you’ve secured your files and ensured there are no lingering issues, proceed with the factory reset. This step will clear out any potentially harmful software that may have taken root in your system.
Ongoing Vigilance: After restoring your computer, maintain good security practices. Regularly update your antivirus software, avoid suspicious links, and be cautious about the information you share online.