Malware Is Scary. Here’s CNET’s Guide to Cleaning an Infected Laptop

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Finding a malware infection on your computer is an emotional and technical whirlwind. From the uncertainty of what was stolen to the stress of the cleanup, the experience is taxing enough to derail your entire week.

Now that scammers are increasingly using AI, malware is even more difficult to detect, and trusted tactics for removing viruses aren’t always effective. Even if you used to rely on your spam folder to get rid of malicious emails or your antivirus software to spot viruses, malware is creeping past those safeguards.

CNET’s latest antivirus survey shows that 88% of US adults with a laptop have taken action against potential malware over the past year. Among computer users who came across malware, 60% manually deleted the file or closed the website or pop-up, while 35% immediately ran an anti-malware scan. 

If your device is compromised, having established protocols can help you respond to phishing and malware threats effectively.

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