Latest news with #virus
Forbes
3 days ago
- Forbes
How To Know If Your Computer Has A Virus
It's important to know the signs of a virus, so that you can act quickly to get rid of any malware ... More and stay safe in future. A virus is a type of malicious software, or malware, that can replicate itself and attach itself to other files or programs in order to spread. Other types of malware, such as Trojans or spyware, use different methods to proliferate. A virus can cause real problems with your PC, slowing its performance, delivering unwanted pop-ups or even stealing your personal or financial information. It's pretty easy for your computer to become infected with a virus if, for example, you click on a link in a phishing email or a dodgy ad. So what are the warning signs that your computer is infected? How Do You Know If Your Computer Has A Virus? The clearest indication that your computer has a virus is, or course, an alert from your antivirus package. However, there are likely to be plenty of other signs too. Your computer may perform more slowly than usual, overheat or start freezing or crashing, and the battery may drain more quickly than usual — all signs that your machine is performing tasks that you haven't initiated. Pop-ups may start appearing, as may programs that you didn't install. Files may go missing, or be corrupted, and files and folders that you don't recognize may appear. You might also see changes to your browser home page, such as a switch to a different browser from usual. You may find that your computer is running more slowly than usual, taking a longer time than usual to load files and apps. While there are other potential causes for a slow-running machine, particularly if it's an old one, this may mean that your machine's resources are being used by somebody else. Frequent crashing or freezing can have the same cause. Pop-ups are a part of life, but if you start experiencing far more than usual, this may be a sign that your computer is harbouring a virus. The aim is to get you to visit dodgy websites that could harvest your data, or prompt you to download more malware. The pop-ups can take a number of forms, from ads for antivirus to error messages or special offers. If you see one, don't ever click on it. If your browser home page is altered to a different default website without you having made any changes, this is a strong sign that your computer has a virus. You may also spot changes to your browser settings, such as its theme, privacy settings, tools, bookmarks or extensions. If programs that you didn't install suddenly appear on your machine, this is a strong sign that they've been installed by somebody else. These programs may appear legitimate — but be warned, there's a good chance that they're stealing your personal information, corrupting your files or giving hackers remote access to your computer. One common activity of hackers is to try and spread the joy by infecting the computers of your friends and contacts too. This is often done by sending out mass emails purportedly from you, and encouraging others to click on dodgy links. Similarly, your social media accounts may have posts that you didn't make. Some viruses are able to disable your security tools, such as antivirus or firewalls, giving hackers free reign to access all your data and private information. This is especially likely to be the case if trying to turn it back on doesn't work. While battery performance can decline over time, a sudden drop in battery life can be a sign that your computer has a virus. Viruses use up resources on your machine and carry out their own, surreptitious activities, meaning your battery may run down faster than usual. The more a virus spreads, the worse the battery drain is likely to be. A frequently-crashing computer, or a screen that freezes regularly, can be a sign that something is amiss. A computer virus often takes up a lot of space, and can overload your computer's resources. Frequent error messages may indicate the same thing. What Should You Do If Your Computer Has A Virus? If you discover that your computer does have a virus, don't panic — it should be possible to remove it. You should first run a full system scan with an anti-virus package to make sure that the machine really is infected. Disconnect from the internet by turning off the wifi, and enter Safe Mode. Delete temporary files, as these could be the source of the virus, and install any software updates that you may have missed — these will contain security patches to protect you. And if all else fails, call in an IT professional, who will have more sophisticated tools and methods at their disposal. They may be able to help remove any viruses from your computer using a remote connection. How Do You Prevent Computer Viruses? While viruses can happen to anybody, there's a lot you can do to minimize the chances of infection. The first line of defense, obviously, is a good antivirus package that should detect and protect you from any threats. You should make sure all your accounts have strong passwords, and use two-factor authentication where possible. Don't click on links you're not 100% certain about, and perhaps install an ad blocker to help. Never download content that you don't fully trust, and avoid suspicious links and attachments. You should also make sure that you keep all your software up to date, so that you're getting any security updates. You could also consider using a virtual private network (VPN). Bottom Line Having your computer infected with a virus can have a devastating effect, hitting your machine's performance, exposing your data, possibly including your financial information and more. It's important to know the signs, so that you can act quickly to get rid of any malware and stay safe in future. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) What Are Different Types Of Computer Viruses? There are lots of different types of virus, but what they all have in common is that they can attach themselves to other programs, self-replicate and spread onto other devices. A boot sector virus damages or controls the boot sector on the drive, rendering the machine unusable. A web scripting virus attacks web browser security, while a resident virus infects applications as they are opened by a user. A direct action virus accesses a computer's main memory and infects programs, files,and folders, while a file infector virus injects malicious code into the files that run the operating system. What Are Examples Of Popular Computer Viruses? There are tens of thousands of computer viruses roaming around the world, with thousands created every month. Almost a third of the world's computers are believed to have been infected with a virus at some time. Conflicker, first detected in 2008, is possibly the most prolific virus of all time, and is still active today. The most famous is probably ILOVEYOU, released in 2000, and spreading through email attachments that appeared with the subject line 'I love you.' Meanwhile, CryptoLocker, discovered in September 2013, sneaked into systems through email attachments. And the Stuxnet worm, discovered in 2010, has been hugely destructive to industrial control systems. How Do You Tell If A Mac Has A Virus? Apple's security is famously tight, leading many people to believe that Macs are virus-proof. Unfortunately, while it's true that they're are more secure than PCs, they can still be vulnerable. The signs that an Apple Mac has a virus are essentially the same as for a PC. They include slow performance, overheating or freezing or crashing, and a fast-draining battery. Other indications that your Mac may have a virus include a deluge of pop-up ads or the appearance of unfamiliar apps or browser extensions.
Wall Street Journal
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Wall Street Journal
‘28 Years Later' Review: Danny Boyle's Bloody Zombie Bore
'28 Years Later' imagines a Britain that has become so overrun by a zombie virus that few who haven't been infected are left. Not unreasonably, Europeans have strictly quarantined British islands to keep anyone from emigrating to spread the savagery-inducing disease to the continent. Welcome to the Hotel Britannia: You can freak out any time you like, but you can never leave. In the follow-up to '28 Days Later' (2002) and '28 Weeks Later' (2007), at least one small island off the coast of the U.K. mainland is, for now, safe. The resourceful, macho Jamie (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) and his slightly timid 12-year-old son, Spike (Alfie Williams), are among the uninfected villagers who live in a merry commune so tradition-minded that a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II is given a place of honor. These jubilantly rural folk have turned back to pre-modern ways: Their culture venerates bow-hunting, and kids have not heard of cellphones. Perhaps never before has the link between electronic pocket devices and zombification been quite so starkly defined.
Yahoo
19-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Zika cases detected in Woodlands: What you need to know about the virus
SINGAPORE - Two Zika cases have been confirmed in Woodlands Street 11 and Street 32 on June 19. The National Environment Agency (NEA) said enhanced surveillance has revealed persistent Zika virus signals in the area, which suggest it is an area with likely Zika transmission. The Zika virus has been found in wastewater or mosquito samples collected in the vicinity of the reported cases. A check on the NEA website shows that as at June 18, there are no Zika clusters in Singapore. Here's what you need to know about the virus: Zika is a viral infection spread mainly through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito, which also carries the dengue and chikungunya viruses. It can be transmitted through sex, transfusion of blood and blood products, or from mother to foetus during pregnancy. There is no noticeable pattern as to when Zika cases tend to peak. The symptoms of Zika and dengue are similar. The viruses can be differentiated by virological tests. Only one in five people infected with the virus displays symptoms. The most common symptoms are fever, rash, headache, joint and muscle pain, and red eyes. The symptoms usually develop between three and 12 days after the mosquito bite and often lasts between four and seven days. Nausea and vomiting may also occur. Individuals who suspect they have contracted Zika should see a doctor quickly, advised NEA. A reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test uses blood and urine tests to determine the infection. Zika infection in blood can be detected between five and seven days of the onset of symptoms, and in urine within 14 days of the first appearance of symptoms. Unborn babies are at greatest risk should their mother get infected with the Zika virus. Between 1 per cent and 10 per cent of women infected during pregnancy give birth to babies with birth defects. The most common defect is microcephaly where the baby is born with a much smaller head and often a smaller brain that might not have developed properly. Other birth defects include difficulty swallowing, hearing loss, and vision problems and seizures. Not all babies born with congenital Zika virus will have all of these conditions. Some babies develop long-term health problems later on in their life. There is no known cure for the Zika virus, but symptoms of the infection can be treated. To avoid getting infected, people are advised to use mosquito repellant and wear clothing that covers the body, arms and legs. NEA also advises the public to prevent mosquito breeding by removing stagnant water at home and surrounding areas. Stagnant water in potted plants should also be emptied regularly. Sleeping under mosquito nets and in rooms with wire-mesh screens can also help keep out mosquitoes. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the first notable outbreak of the virus was in 1952. It was first identified in monkeys in Uganda in 1947. WHO declared the virus a public health emergency in 2016. The first imported case of the virus in Singapore was in May 2016. The first local cluster was detected in August 2016 in the Aljunied area, with a total of 298 cases. The outbreak was contained in four weeks. According to NEA's website, about 72,000 gravitraps are currently deployed across Singapore. There have been a total of seven laboratory-confirmed Zika cases in Singapore as at June 12, 2025. There were 13 recorded cases in 2024. There is currently no evidence that suggests pregnant women are more vulnerable to the Zika virus. However, the effects of the infection are more severe should a pregnant woman contract it. The unborn child can develop a range of birth defects such as microcephaly and other issues later in life. Zika-associated birth defects are more common in infants born to women with exposure to the virus early in the pregnancy. The highest risk of Zika-associated birth defects is with infections that occur during the first and second trimesters of the pregnancy. If a non-pregnant woman contracts the virus, future pregnancies are unlikely to be at risk. The RT-PCR test, which looks for genetic material of the virus in blood or urine, can be used to determine if a pregnant woman is infected. If a pregnant woman is tested positive or inconclusive for Zika, she will be referred to a maternal foetal medicine specialist for counselling and management. She will be closely monitored and offered regular foetal ultrasounds. The healthcare professional may suggest amniotic fluid testing. She should take strict precautions against mosquito bites. There is no need to see a doctor if she is well. If she has symptoms of a possible Zika virus infection, she should seek medical attention immediately and consult an obstetrics and gynaecology doctor. SOURCES: World Health Organisation, National Environment Agency, Communicable Diseases Agency Singapore, US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control Source: The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction Discover how to enjoy other premium articles here
Yahoo
18-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Explainer: What is rabies and how do you avoid getting it?
A grandmother from South Yorkshire has died from rabies after returning from a holiday in Morocco, where she was scratched by a puppy with the virus. Yvonne Ford, 59, from Barnsley, visited the North African country in February but . Her family now want to raise awareness about the virus. What is rabies? Rabies is a virus transmitted between mammals, nearly always through bites and scratches from an infected animal. Rabies is always fatal once symptoms appear - even if someone is treated for it - but post-exposure treatment is very effective if given quickly enough. How rare is it? Although cases in UK travellers are very rare, rabies is endemic in many parts of the world, including popular holiday destinations such as Morocco, Turkey, India, Thailand, the Philippines and Indonesia. While most developed countries are considered safe, the government says there is a risk from rabies in foxes in some European countries. Since 1946, 26 cases have been reported in the UK. The most recent incident involved a person in 2018. The only domestic case was in Scotland in 2002 when a person was bitten by a bat. There are around 59,000 cases of rabies globally each year, but there have been no incidents of human-to-human transmission. How do you get infected? Rabies is usually transmitted to humans through the bite or scratch of an infected animal, most often dogs, but also cats and bats. Even a minor scratch can pose a risk, but there is also a risk of transmission where the animal has licked the eyes, nose or mouth, or a wound. What if you are bitten, scratched or licked? Immediate medical help is essential. Anyone who is bitten, scratched or licked by an animal abroad should wash the site with plenty of soap and water and contact a doctor or medical centre. The NHS says the same applies for people who are bitten or scratched by a bat in the UK. Treatment, called post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), includes a course of rabies vaccinations and, in some cases, rabies immunoglobulin. What are the symptoms? Once a person begins showing signs and symptoms of rabies, the disease is nearly always fatal. Initially, people with the virus may exhibit flu-like symptoms, which develop into a fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, agitation, anxiety, difficulty swallowing and excessive saliva. Spasms of the muscles used for swallowing make it difficult for the patient to drink and people can suffer hallucinations and paralysis. The incubation period between being infected and showing symptoms is typically between 3 and 12 weeks, but can it can be as soon as a few days and can take many months. How do you avoid rabies? It is possible to get the vaccination before travelling abroad, but anyone who is bitten, scratched or licked is still advised to seek help even if they have had a course of jabs. The NHS says the rabies vaccine is recommended for anyone travelling to a part of the world where rabies is more common, especially if they're going somewhere where it may be hard to get medical help quickly; they might come into contact with infected animals (for example by doing lots of outdoor activities like cycling or running), or they're staying for over a month. But the rabies vaccine for travel is not available on the NHS meaning it will require a visit to a travel health clinic or pharmacy with travel health services. Dr Chris Smith, clinical associate professor at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), said that while treatments are "highly effective when started early", prevention is better. "Avoid contact with animals abroad; if bitten or scratched, seek medical care immediately - don't wait for symptoms to appear," he said.
The Independent
18-06-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Rabies: What are the symptoms and how to get a vaccine?
A British grandmother from Yorkshire has died after contracting rabies from a puppy during a holiday in Morocco, marking the first UK death from the disease acquired overseas since 2018. Yvonne Ford was reportedly "slightly scratched" by the animal during her trip in February. But it was only over the past two weeks that her health began to deteriorate. Here PA looks at what rabies is, its symptoms and how to get a vaccine for the disease. Rabies is a deadly virus which is passed on through injuries such as bites and scratches from an infected animal. In developing countries, people can often catch the virus from stray animals and dogs. Rabies is nearly always fatal, but post-exposure treatment is very effective if given quickly after a person has been in contact with an animal. What are the symptoms? Once a person begins showing signs and symptoms of rabies, the disease is nearly always fatal. The first symptoms of rabies can be similar to flu, while later symptoms include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, agitation, anxiety, difficulty swallowing and excessive saliva. Spasms of the muscles used for swallowing make it difficult for the patient to drink and people can suffer hallucinations and paralysis. The incubation period between being infected and showing symptoms is typically between three and 12 weeks, but can vary from a few days to many months. How many UK cases have there been? There have been no human cases of rabies acquired in the UK from animals other than bats reported since 1902. A single case of rabies acquired from a bat was reported in 2002 in Scotland – the person had suffered several bat bites. Between 2000 and 2024, there were six cases of rabies reported in the UK linked to people being exposed abroad. In 2018, a person in the UK developed rabies following a cat bite in Morocco. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said rabies is common in other parts of the world, especially Asia and Africa. People are advised to avoid contact with dogs, cats and other animals and check whether they may need a rabies vaccine prior to travel. Anyone who is bitten or scratched by an animal, or where the animal has licked eyes, nose or mouth, or licked a wound, should wash the site with plenty of soap and water and seek immediate medical help. People should do the same if they have been bitten or scratched by a bat in the UK. Anyone given post-exposure treatment should contact their doctor on return to the UK to ensure treatment continues and is effective. Even if people have not sought help abroad, they should see their UK doctor if they have been bitten by an animal abroad. How to get a rabies vaccine The NHS advises that people should get the rabies vaccine if they are travelling to a country where rabies is common. You can check the risk of rabies in the country you're visiting on the TravelHealthPro country information pages, or alternatively speak to your local GP or travel clinic. You will probably need to pay for the rabies vaccine for travel. The rabies vaccine is available from: How many cases are there globally? There are around 59,000 cases of rabies globally each year, but there have not been any cases showing human-to-human transmission.
