Something is on your computer that should not be
Pop-ups, a browser that will not behave, and warnings telling you to call a number. Let's get it off.
Signs you need this
- Pop-ups appearing when no browser is open
- A browser homepage or search engine that keeps changing back
- A full-screen warning telling you to call a support number
- A machine that has become dramatically slower for no clear reason
- Security software that has been switched off and will not turn back on
- Contacts telling you they received mail you did not send
What the work involves
The first question is what actually got on the machine, because it changes what has to happen next. Adware that hijacks a browser is a different problem from something harvesting passwords, even though both look alike from the outside.
Removal means clearing what is there, undoing the changes it made to the browser and to startup, and then checking the things it was in a position to reach, because the software being gone is not the same as the problem being over.
If it had access to saved passwords or to mail, changing those credentials matters more than the cleanup itself. We will tell you which ones and in what order.
This can very often be handled remotely, which means it gets dealt with the same conversation rather than waiting for a visit.
In short
A virus can make your life on the computer difficult. Allow us to remove the virus, and get you back on the information highway.
What it costs
- Residential
- $125 per hour, one hour minimum.
- Business
- $160 per hour, one hour minimum.
- Coming to you
- $35 on-site fee in the local area. There is no on-site fee for work done remotely.
Common questions
- A pop-up gave me a number to call. Should I?
- No. That is the scam itself. The warning is the bait and the phone call is where the damage happens. Close the browser and call us instead. If you already called and let someone connect, say so, because that changes what needs checking.
- Is it faster to just wipe the machine?
- Sometimes, and we will say so when it is. It depends on how deep it went and what is on the machine that would need moving off first.
- Do I need to change my passwords?
- If anything was in a position to read them, yes, and there is an order that matters, starting with email, because that is what password resets for everything else go through.
Got a problem like this? Let's get it sorted.
Call (916) 412-7616 or email [email protected]. Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.