What is the first step to take if you suspect your computer may have malware?

Running a virus scan is the most appropriate first step when you suspect your computer has malware. This action allows you to identify and evaluate the nature of any potential threats present on your system. A virus scan can help detect known malware and may provide information about the type of infection, its severity, and even steps necessary for removal.

Starting with a virus scan is also a non-intrusive approach, meaning it doesn’t disrupt your current work or system configurations unnecessarily. If malware is detected, the scan will typically offer options to quarantine or remove the infections, allowing for a targeted response rather than a complete system overhaul.

Turning off the computer may seem like a logical decision to prevent further infection; however, it does not provide any information about the presence of malware and may lead to loss of unsaved data. Deleting all files or reinstalling the operating system are drastic measures that can lead to significant data loss and should be reserved for situations where the infection is severe and persistent, or when other recovery methods have failed. Starting with a virus scan is a responsible and effective initial response to malware suspicion.