I think I accidentally downloaded a virus last year, which led to some weird changes in my startup apps and unauthorized access attempts on my Microsoft account. I ran Windows Defender, got the malware removed, and changed my password. I even set up an alias to secure my account. Things were quiet for a while, but now I've received a notification about a successful login. I've changed my password again.
I have a Galaxy Book running Windows, and I've got a few pressing questions:
1. How can I check if my computer is completely clean? Is it possible for the malware to hide in the cloud?
2. What's the best way to thoroughly clean my computer while saving my important files? Should I back them up to a drive or to the cloud?
3. Could the hackers have obtained tokens from my computer? Should I avoid accessing any of my accounts from this device?
4. I need to finish my taxes and start a work-from-home job using this computer. Is it salvageable?
3 Answers
If you're worried about keeping your files safe during a reset, I suggest backing them up on an external drive, but make sure to scan those files for malware beforehand. Cloud storage is convenient but not always safe if you suspect there’s malware on your device. Ensuring everything is clean before backing up is vital, especially since you’ve got work and taxes to finish up!
Malware can sometimes hide in files you've saved. It's essential to change your passwords again and consider switching to a passwordless login option, like passkeys. Also, I recommend using digital security tools like Trend Micro's web app to scan for malware. If you can’t find a remedy, a complete reset or fresh install from a clean source will work best. What kind of program did you download that caused this issue?
To make sure your computer is clean, consider reinstalling Windows using a USB stick. This is a solid way to eliminate any lingering malware. After reinstalling, change all your passwords again and enable two-factor authentication wherever you can. Don't forget to remove any unknown devices connected to your accounts and check for any forwarding rules in your email. Using a password manager can also help keep your accounts safe.
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