Do you have anti-virus software installed on your computer? Of course you do. It's one of the first things you did when you got your computer isn't it? You might have stayed with Windows Defender, which is built into Windows 10, you might have installed a free anti-virus such as AVG or Avast or you might have purchased a product such as Norton, Kaspersky or McAfee.
And now you don't even think about it because it's always there protecting you. Or is it?
We are going to have a bet with you that your computer has threats on it which your anti-virus software hasn't found. Come on, and let's make your computer safer.
We want you to download and install Malwarebytes and run a scan on your computer.
Malwarebytes is an anti-virus program with advanced bells and whistles. Whilst it stops viruses it also finds and prevents other types of attacks from ransomware, online scammers, malicous websites and dodgy software that can impact on your privacy.
Download Malwarebytes for Free
You can download and run the program for FREE! The paid for program provides real-time scanning and stops your computer from getting infected. The free program allows you to find existing threats and clean them up.
Go to Malwarebytes website and click download the 14 day trial.
Please note that this link is an affiliiate link and you'll first be warned about this before continuing to Malwarebytes website. The download is free and if you purchase the product the price will be the same as if you had gone straight to their website. Maidenhead Computer Services will receive a small commission if you purchase it.
Whichever browser you use to download the MBsetup.exe file once you open it the installation wizard will begin. If you get the following warning about whether to allow Malwarebytes to make changes to your computer, click Yes.
1. Click Personal Computer.
4. Click Install.
Malwarebytes will now install.
Click Finish and MalwareBytes will automatically open. Don’t worry if nothing seems to be happening. Just be patient as it can take a few minutes before MalwareBytes opens up.
5. Click Get started.
6. Click Maybe later.
7. Click Get started.
8. Click Scan.
The scan can take some time, especially on older computers, so just leave it to run. Perhaps go and make a cup of tea and cup back later.
When Malwarebytes finishes it will let you know if any threats have been found. I generally find it does find threats and they are usually Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs). Most of these are programs that get inadvertently installed when you install other software and sometime they get installed just by browsing the internet without your knowledge. Their threat they pose ranges from benign to programs that are watching you!
Dealing with the threats found
Did Malwarebytes find some threats? Are you surprised?
The majority of threats that Malwarebytes finds are of the PUP variety. These are known as Potential Unwanted Programs and can get installed when you install other software. Clicking links on websites can result in programs getting installed and you often have little idea they have been installed. The effects of these programs varies from benign to programs that sell your data!
Malware and trojan horses can also be found and these definitely need to be removed.
The best thing to do is to remove these types of programs so if Malwarebytes has identified some threats then click Quarantine.
What to do next
When you installed Malwarebytes it comes with a free 14 day trial of the paid for version. This means you will get real-time protection. If you are browsing the internet and end up on some malicious website Malwarebytes will protect you. After 14 days Malwarebytes will stay on your computer and you can run manual scans whenever you want.
You will want to keep a close eye on what threats are found during the trial period. If further threats are found during the 14 day trial period we recommend that you purchase a license for £29.99 per year.
Go to Malwarebytes website and click download the 14 day trial.
Please note that this link is an affiliiate link and you'll first be warned about this before continuing to Malwarebytes website. The download is free and if you purchase the product the price will be the same as if you had gone straight to their website. Maidenhead Computer Services will receive a small commission if you purchase it.