I'm worried about the possibility of my PC spreading viruses to my family's devices. I've scanned my PC multiple times and found no threats, but I can't shake the feeling of paranoia. Here are the devices I frequently use:
1. A Canon MG2500 series printer via USB
2. An external DVD drive
3. Wired 3.5mm headphones
4. Bluetooth speakers
Also, I wanted to know how common it is for viruses to spread through Wi-Fi.
3 Answers
It's a pretty low risk overall. Your printer, Bluetooth speaker, and DVD drive don’t have much storage or processing power, so it’s unlikely they’d carry malware. Though, viruses that spread over networks do exist. For instance, past issues like WannaCry affected computers via network vulnerabilities. Keeping your OS and apps up to date will help protect you. But honestly, if you feel you've been infected at all, I'd recommend nuking the OS just to be safe.
If you're really concerned about potential malware, doing a full wipe and resetting Windows is a solid move. It clears everything out, so you'll start fresh without any lingering threats. You just want to make sure your devices are clean too, or you might risk bringing back problems when you plug them in again.
Honestly, if anything feels off with your PC, you should just wipe it clean. Make sure to check the firmware on your printer to patch any vulnerabilities. Even though the risk feels small, better safe than sorry, especially if other people will use it afterward. Just remember, a network-infecting virus can be an issue regardless of your connection type, so vigilance is key!
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