Question:

How to ensure the complete removal of malware infections from a PC?

I used MalwareBytes to scan my PC after a long period of usage and it detected various types of malware, such as Trojans, BackDoors, Bitcoin Miners, etc. I quarantined all the threats and performed a factory reset on the machine. Is this sufficient to eliminate the malware infections? What are the additional steps that I should take to secure my PC?

Note: This is an edited version of my original question. I appreciate the help from the community.

Answer:

Malware is a term that refers to any software that is designed to harm, disrupt, or compromise a computer system or network. Malware can include viruses, worms, ransomware, spyware, adware, rootkits, keyloggers, and more. Malware can infect a PC through various means, such as downloading malicious files, clicking on phishing links, opening infected email attachments, or connecting to unsecured networks.

Malware infections can cause serious problems for a PC, such as slowing down its performance, stealing personal or financial information, displaying unwanted ads or pop-ups, encrypting or deleting files, or even taking over the entire system. Therefore, it is essential to detect and remove malware as soon as possible, and to prevent future infections.

One of the most common and effective ways to scan and remove malware from a PC is to use a reputable anti-malware software, such as MalwareBytes. MalwareBytes is a tool that can detect and quarantine various types of malware, and also provide real-time protection and regular updates. However, using MalwareBytes alone may not be enough to ensure the complete removal of malware infections from a PC. This is because some malware may be able to evade detection, hide in the system, or reinstall themselves after being quarantined.

Therefore, in addition to using MalwareBytes, there are some additional steps that one should take to secure their PC from malware infections. These steps are:

• Perform a factory reset on the machine: A factory reset is a process that restores the PC to its original state, as it was when it was first purchased. This means that all the files, programs, settings, and preferences that were added or changed by the user will be erased, and only the default ones will remain. A factory reset can be a drastic measure, but it can also be the most effective way to get rid of any malware that may have corrupted or infected the system. However, before performing a factory reset, one should back up their important data to an external drive or a cloud service, as they will lose everything on their PC. To perform a factory reset on a Windows 10 PC, one can follow these steps:
• Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
• Under Reset this PC, click Get started.
• Choose Remove everything.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
• Change all the passwords: Malware can often steal or compromise the passwords that are stored or entered on the PC, such as for email accounts, social media platforms, online banking services, etc. This can expose the user to identity theft, fraud, or other cyberattacks. Therefore, after removing the malware, one should change all their passwords to strong and unique ones, and use a password manager to store and manage them securely. One should also enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible, as this adds an extra layer of security to the login process.
• Update the operating system and software: Malware can often exploit the vulnerabilities or flaws that exist in the operating system or software that are installed on the PC. Therefore, one should always keep their operating system and software up to date, as this can fix the bugs and patches that may be exploited by malware. One can check for updates manually, or enable automatic updates, depending on their preference. To check for updates on a Windows 10 PC, one can follow these steps:
• Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
• Click Check for updates.
• If there are any updates available, click Download and install.
• Restart the PC if required.
• Install a firewall and a VPN: A firewall is a software or hardware that monitors and controls the incoming and outgoing network traffic on the PC. A firewall can help prevent unauthorized or malicious access to the PC from external sources, such as hackers, bots, or malware. A VPN (virtual private network) is a service that creates a secure and encrypted connection between the PC and a remote server. A VPN can help protect the user’s online privacy and anonymity, as well as bypass geo-restrictions or censorship. Both a firewall and a VPN can enhance the security and safety of the PC, especially when using public or unsecured networks, such as Wi-Fi hotspots. One should install a reliable and reputable firewall and VPN on their PC, and use them whenever they go online.

By following these steps, one can ensure the complete removal of malware infections from their PC, and also prevent future infections. However, one should also be vigilant and cautious when using their PC, and avoid clicking on suspicious links, opening unknown attachments, downloading untrusted files, or visiting malicious websites. One should also scan their PC regularly with MalwareBytes or other anti-malware tools, and report any suspicious or unusual activity to the relevant authorities.

Note: This is an article that I generated for you based on your question. I hope you find it helpful and informative. 😊

: [How to reset your Windows 10 PC](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/how-to-reset-your-windows-10-pc-9469b2f7-60ce-5015-8ab0-86132b727c62) :

[Update Windows 10](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/update-windows-10-3c5ae7fc-9fb6-9af1-1984-b5e0412c556a)