As an independent broadband provider we speak to our customers a lot. 

We have got quite a few calls from people who are very worried about losing their family photos or their work because they might have downloaded a virus. 

We are not specialists in cyber security but we can share some of the ways you can tell that you might have a virus on your device.

1. Your web browser redirects you to pages you did not request

2. Weird pop up windows appear (often graphic adult images)

3. Your computer crashes frequently

4. You can’t shut down your computer or maybe you can’t start it

5. It takes a long time to open applications 

6. Files are missing 

7. You can hear the fan on your hard drive working harder than usual 

8. Emails are sent from your account that have nothing to do with you

Basically if you notice anything odd about how your device is performing, it is worth investigating.

To avoid getting a virus in the first place:

Don’t open emails that you don’t know are safe 

If you use anti-virus software, make sure that your CPU (Central Processing Unit) has enough capacity to run it – sometimes they take up a lot of the RAM (Random Access Memory) and processing ability on your computer!

Don’t click on links unless you are sure they are safe 

If you need reliable, fast broadband in Wexford, Carlow or South Wicklow – give us a call.