// CYBER THREAT
Malware & viruses explained
Viruses, spyware and trojans can slow your device, steal your data or worse. Here’s what malware is, how to spot it, and how to stay protected.
- ● Plain English
- ● How to protect yourself
- ● Real help on call
/01 — WHAT IT IS
Know your enemy
Malware is a catch-all term for harmful software — viruses, spyware, trojans and more — designed to damage your device, spy on you or steal your data. It spreads through dodgy downloads, attachments, websites and infected USB sticks.
Good protection plus good habits keep almost all of it out, and catch what does slip through.
- Sudden slowness or crashes
- Pop-ups and adverts
- Programs you didn’t install
- Browser homepage changes
- Friends getting odd messages from you
- Unexplained data use
/02 — HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF
Stay one step ahead
Real-time protection
Malwarebytes Premium blocks malware as it tries to run.
Keep updated
Patched systems are far harder to infect.
Careful downloads
Only install from trusted sources.
Web filtering
Block malicious sites before they load.
Backups
So even a serious infection can’t cost you your data.
A human to ask
Not sure if something’s safe? Ask us first.
Our partner Malwarebytes Premium blocks threats like this in real time — prefer to protect your own device?
Affiliate link — we may earn a small commission if you buy through it, at no extra cost to you.
/03 — IF YOU’VE BEEN HIT
What to do right now
-
01
Disconnect
Take the device off the network to limit spread.
-
02
Don’t log in
Avoid banking and key accounts until it’s clean.
-
03
We clean & protect
We remove the malware, check for damage and set up protection.
// NEED THIS FIXED RIGHT NOW?
Skip the DIY — call 01202 775566 and we can be looking at your screen within minutes. You watch everything we do, and most problems on this page are fixed in one short remote session. (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm.)
// MORE THREATS EXPLAINED
Know the other scams too
// GOOD QUESTIONS
Frequently asked
How do I know if I have a virus?
Watch for slowness, pop-ups, unknown programs and odd account activity — then run a scan or ask us to check.
Is free antivirus enough?
Free tools help but often miss modern threats; we use managed Malwarebytes Premium for proper, always-on protection.
Can you remove malware remotely?
Yes — in most cases we can clean an infected Windows device remotely and secure it.
Worried about malware & viruses?
We protect Dorset homes and businesses from threats like this every day — with layered security, Malwarebytes Premium and a real person to ask.
01202 775566 · help@365techies.co.uk · MON–FRI 9AM–5PM