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Your data files such as text files and other work files should be left intact providing you have
managed to stop the infection before it becomes too serious. You should be able to put all your
needed files in a folder, then scan that folder for traces of viruses.

If the virus scan is negative then you should be able to keep your data, or even transfer it to a
new hard drive. If you feel like playing things on the safer side, you can always get professionals
to recover your hard drive. This is the safest alternative if you suspect some of your files are still
infected, as you do not wish to spread the infection to other computers.

Syndrome 3: Computer is running really slowly or acting erratically

If your computer is running considerably slower than usual even though the hard drive is far
from being full and the computer is powerful enough that it shouldn’t run so slow, then there is a
chance that you have been infected by spyware. Other erratic behavior includes clicking to go to
a website only to be re-directed to another one systematically, pop up ads showing on your
screen even though you are offline and changes in the mouse pointer behavior.

How to catch spyware: spyware is often caught by downloading an infected file such as a fake
media file or even a fake program (similar to catching a rootkit). Spyware will come under
different forms such as adware (creates random pop-up ads even when you’re offline), key
loggers (reads the data you type on your keyboard, can steal passwords and useful login
information) and Trojan horses (spreads a virus around your operating system).
How to remove spyware: spyware can be mostly removed by using a good anti-virus / anti
malware which will find the spyware and isolate it from spreading around your hard drive.

35 Cyber Warnings E-Magazine – July 2015 Edition
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