I unintentionally contracted a virus and am uncertain about the steps to resolve it

Understanding and Addressing a Potential Computer Virus: A Guide for Non-Experts

In today’s digital age, encountering unwanted pop-ups and potential viruses can be a distressing experience, especially for those who are not deeply familiar with cybersecurity. If you find yourself in such a situation, it’s important to remain calm and follow a systematic approach to assess and mitigate the threat. This article provides a comprehensive guide for users who suspect their computer has been infected with malware or a virus, drawing from common scenarios and best practices.

Recognizing the Signs of Malware Infection

Some common indicators include:

Unsolicited pop-up messages claiming to be from well-known security companies like McAfee, Norton, or Microsoft.
Unusual system behavior, such as slow performance or unexpected prompts.
Suspicious activity when browsing or opening files.

In your case, the appearance of fake pop-ups with similar URLs and errors suggests potential malicious activity.

Possible Causes of Infection

Malware can infect your system through various vectors, even if you’re cautious online. Some typical scenarios include:

Visiting unfamiliar or seemingly scam websites while searching for content like game guides.
Downloading files or images from less reputable sources, even if they seem legitimate at first glance.
Interacting with upload prompts or file-selection dialogs in software like graphic programs, which can sometimes be exploited to execute malicious code.

Your experiences with downloading from fandom sites or uploading images via Krita could be contributing factors, especially if the sources weren’t properly vetted.

Immediate Steps to Take

Disconnect from the Internet: To prevent the malware from spreading or communicating further, disconnect your computer from Wi-Fi or unplug Ethernet cables.
Do Not Interact with Suspicious Pop-Ups: Avoid clicking on any prompts or “Take Action” messages, as these are often designed to deceive users into installing malware or revealing sensitive data.
Run a Full Antivirus Scan: Since you already initiated a scan with Windows Defender, ensure it completes fully. Consider running a reputable third-party malware removal tool as a secondary check, such as Malwarebytes.
Update Your Software: Make sure your operating system and all security software are up to date. Updates often include patches for vulnerabilities that malware exploits.
Backup Your Data: If possible, back up important files to an external drive or cloud storage, but avoid copying potentially infected files. Focus on documents, photos, and game saves stored in known safe locations.