My niece clicked on an unsafe link on my mom’s computer and it downloaded something – what should I do?

What to Do If Your Niece Accidentally Downloaded Potentially Unsafe Software

In the digital age, unwarranted clicks can often lead to unforeseen complications, especially if you have younger family members who may not understand the risks associated with certain online activities. Recently, I found myself in a situation involving my niece and my mom’s computer that raised plenty of questions. Here’s a brief overview of what happened and the steps I took to ensure the computer’s safety.

The Backstory

While visiting my mom, I learned that my 13-year-old niece had been using her laptop unsupervised—a choice that I wouldn’t typically recommend. Curious to find a film that wasn’t available on Netflix, she stumbled upon one of those websites that promise free online movie streaming. Almost immediately, something called ‘Opera GX’ was downloaded to the laptop without her realizing the potential risks.

Caught off guard, my niece alerted my mom right away, and they chose to leave the computer untouched until I arrived about 20 minutes later.

The Immediate Response

Upon getting there, I took action to ensure the laptop was secure. Here’s what I did:

1. Deleted the Downloaded File: I first navigated to the Downloads folder and removed the ‘Opera GX’ file.

2. Ran a Security Scan: I utilized the built-in Windows Security features to run a comprehensive scan of the system.

3. Conducted a Secondary Scan: For added precaution, I installed Malwarebytes, an effective malware detection tool that I trust on my own PC, to perform an additional scan.

The Results

Both scans came back clean, with no threats detected. While I was relieved to find the system secure, it left me wondering if further action was necessary.

Should You Be Concerned?

If you ever find yourself in a similar predicament, here are some recommendations on what to do after an accidental download:

• Stay Vigilant: Even if no threats are detected, it’s wise to keep an eye on your system’s performance in the days following the incident. Be on the lookout for any unusual behavior.

• Educate Future Users: Take the opportunity to educate your young family members about safe browsing practices. Discuss the importance of avoiding untrustworthy websites and the potential dangers of clicking on unknown links.

• Keep Security Software Updated: Ensure your antivirus and anti-malware programs are up to date to maximize protection against emerging threats.

• **Consider a System Restore Point