I suspect my computer has been compromised by malware after I used a questionable program. Unfortunately, I believe an Infostealer virus may have stolen my EA, Epic Games, Steam, Ubisoft, and Microsoft accounts, as all my associated emails were changed to one I don't recognize, although these were backup accounts. I attempted to follow several steps to clean my system, like running antivirus scans and changing passwords, and I enabled two-factor authentication for my main accounts that seem fine. However, I'm still feeling uneasy and considering whether formatting my PC is necessary, as I have important data stored that I don't want to lose. Is there really no way to ensure my system is safe without formatting?
3 Answers
Formatting is indeed the most foolproof way to ensure no traces of the infection linger, especially after a serious compromise like this. I understand the hesitation about losing important projects, but it might be worth it in the long run for peace of mind.
If you're really attached to your data, you might try running a full antivirus scan and using dedicated malware removal tools first. But keep in mind that if there's a serious infection, these methods might not be enough, and formatting could be necessary.
To ensure your system is clean from malware, the safest approach is to reinstall Windows using a USB stick. Make sure to also change all your passwords, enable two-factor authentication on your accounts, remove any unknown devices, and log out from all sessions. A password manager can also help you keep track of everything securely.
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