Suspected virus: what to do immediately

Quick steps to help reduce risk and save data if you suspect a virus on your computer.

2 min

When to be careful

  • Unexpected windows, advertisements, virus "warnings" appeared.

  • The computer suddenly became very slow for no reason.

  • The browser opens the sites on its own, the home page changes.

  • Unknown programs or extensions have appeared.

  • files won't open or have changed to "strange" names.

Do it immediately (first 3-5 minutes)

  1. Turn off the internet: Turn off Wi-Fi or unplug the network cable

  2. Do not enter passwords and do not log in to bank/post/personal accounts.

Take a photo or screenshot of a suspicious window/message.

  1. Write down what you did before: which site you opened, what you downloaded, which email/attachment you opened.

  2. Contact ITABI and wait for instructions before deleting anything.

What NOT to do

  • Do not install "antivirus" from ads or pop-ups

  • Do not click "Repair Now / Clean / Remove Virus" in unknown programs

  • Don't share suspicious files with colleagues.

  • Don't copy everything to the cloud "just in case" — you can take the problem there.

If you have to keep working

  • Use another computer/phone for important tasks.

  • Let your colleagues know if you sent them a "strange email."

What to write to the support (to solve faster)

  • When it started (approximately time).

  • What exactly you see (error, window, behavior).

  • One computer or several?

  • screenshot/photo (if applicable).

When is it urgent

  • -There is a requirement to pay for "opening" or "healing".

  • files are not opened en masse, and the names do not change.

  • -Letters/messages are sent on your behalf.

Important: The sooner you turn off the internet and notify the support service, the lower the risk of data loss.

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