I've been freaking out about malware and spyware lately. I just bought a new PC and I've been super careful—staying away from sketchy websites and not clicking on any weird links. Yet, I can't shake the fear that some undetectable malware has sneaked onto my system. I've scanned my PC with HitmanPro and Kaspersky, and they came back clean, but I'm still anxious about things like ransomware or spyware lurking around. My worries stem from a previous incident where I clicked a link in a hacker's email; VirusTotal said it was safe, and so did Malwarebytes and Windows Defender, but I'm still not convinced I'm in the clear. Sometimes I see a quick grey screen on Google Chrome or Discord which sends me into a panic. Can someone help me understand how rare these types of threats are and what I could do to ensure my PC is clean?
3 Answers
Honestly, you're probably overreacting a bit. It's pretty rare for everyday users to get hit by serious malware. Most of the nasty stuff is aimed at bigger companies or specific targets, not random folks. Just keep your guard up, run virus scans regularly, and avoid clicking on sketchy links. If you do manage to catch something, most malware is detectable. So take a breath, you’re likely in the clear!
HitmanPro is decent, but you might want to add another layer like Malwarebytes for extra safety. Mixing tools can help catch anything that slips through!
I somehow picked up malware on my laptop, which I mainly use for school and shopping. I took it to Geek Squad, and they cleaned it up, but I still wonder what got past my defenses.
Honestly, simply clicking on a link isn’t usually a huge risk, especially if you keep your system updated. The real danger comes when you download and run files. If this worry is consuming you, maybe consider talking to someone who can help with anxiety, too.
I appreciate the advice! I was just a bit paranoid. I think I can chill out now and stop stressing so much. Thanks again!
Thanks a lot for the reassurance! I've been stressing over this for too long. Quick question—do you think HitmanPro is a reliable malware scanner or should I consider switching to something else?