how to make sure computer is virus free

so now I am on windows 10 home version. The device should be the most updated and new, I don't have any third-party firewall installed. I think I've installed and Avira which is the free version and "protection" is on

I'd like to know if it's enough to secure the data on my device (desktop PC) from hackers or other internet attacks?

What can I do now to check if my computer has already been infected with virus or if my computer has already been hacked with someone else.

Yes, I have important data stored on the hard drives that I will take it seriously.

 

Uninstall Avira. You don't need any AV if you practice safe surfing habits and use legit software.

 

You "think" you installed Avira? Jumping the horse with this security stuff if you don't even know what you're putting on your computer .

And no, AV doesn't do crap against "hackers". Nevermind technical means of breaking into a computer, particularly a Windows computer, but someone who wants your data could simply use social engineering since the user (you) is the weakest link in any security system.

Also, part of evaluating how much security you need is determining how interesting your data is to a potential hacker. For a Joe Average user like you and I, you're probably not all that interesting to anyone (not trying to be mean, just realistic). So really, having a decent AV and not clicking on shady p0rn websites should be good enough for you.

 

social engineering ?? Did you mean they look up my email address and related information on Google or Facebook to try to find out my information?

Please, Please do not make a guess or assumption on how likely my information is interested to a hacker. I am asking this question because I have a big enemy that he wishes me die always (yea I wish him die too). He is a computer programmer. I am not into details because it's off topic.

Most of my important data is stored on my hard drives and google drives, I do not execute any suspicious EXE setup files but it's sometimes too difficult to avoid careless clicking on links from pop-up windows. That's all possible dangers I may have done.

How likely it is there is another one on the other side to remotely look at my computer, my desktop and my files?

Is it only possible for very advanced hacker or country officers to be possible to do that

 

No, as in an attacker will contact you and try to trick you in various ways to have you give up your password or other valuable information. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_engineering_(security)

Well, if it makes you feel any better, being a programmer doesn't automatically mean that they're knowledgeable enough to break into a system. You need to be be pretty smart in order to do that without social engineering, and I somehow doubt that your enemy is more capable than the average code money or script kiddie (speaking from experience).

And honestly, if he wants you dead, there are more efficient ways of going about it than messing with your computer. Guns, cars, hitman, etc. come to mind. I'd be spending your time going to the police or other relevant law enforcement than posting on this forum if what you're saying is true.

Well, given how paranoid your various posting have been here, I'm honestly surprised you'd trust cloud storage for your important data. But I digress...

It's not that difficult not to click on popups. On easy way to avoid that is to install browser extensions like AdBlock Plus and Ghostery, which will stop those popups from opening in the first place.

By brute force hacking? It'd be an involved process unless an easy exploit is discovered for whatever applications and OS(es) you're running. By social engineering? However easy it is to convince you to open up a remote connection for me.

Nope, just need either a rather smart programmer and laptop, or someone who's very convincing in communication.

 

I wonder why

 

OK. I totally understand what you said. I have been downloading important and confidential data from the Google drive cloud now

Saving those important documents on several USB sticks. Only inserting the stick into USB port whenever I need the data; Logging in and logging out every time; turning off computer during the nights.

Do these measure help reduce risks?

 

Yeah, that would help. It's hard to access data on external media if it ia not connected to anything .

Just be sure to physically secure it too (hide it, put it in a safe, whatever). And if we're going to go the extra mile, don't use external storage with Internet connections (WD My Cloud HDDs, for example).

 

One thing you could do is run the free scanner from trendmicro: http://housecall.trendmicro.com/

Also if your worried about stuff being installed without your knowledge, have the administrator account on your PC use a very strong password, and then create a second account as a "standard user" and use that as your user account so no major settings or changes can be made without authorization.

 

I had an Bitcoin mining virus hit my External HDD that i download my torrents too, about 150 files infected according to Avast, Avast killed all the virus`s as far as it knows, but i will run a couple of other free anti-virus like malware-bytes and the free iobit one to be sure.

John.

 

Windows by default has it's own Firewall not fancy or feature filled like others but they do have it. No firewall or A/V will be safe it's how you interact with the internet that will determine how safe your data is. If you put your data/files on the cloud expect those system to be attacked to get data-mining that will have not when will it happen. If you want secure protections turn on your Windows Update feature to "Recommend" that will insure O/S is protected from attacks if they look for weak points. Of which most people forget that by default on Window 7 and maybe 8 by default the "Windows Update" feature is off and should be turned to "Auto update" to update to the latest updates. If you been hacked the signs to look for:

1. Slow system startup
2. Slow response once it is up and running
3. Excessive Memory usage during idle times
4. Browser home pages are changed
5. Any attempts to run your A/V shows now response.
6. It runs programs you have no idea what they are before you run any other installed programs.

If your not sure then start your system in "Safe mode" and compare that to standard start and you can see what is going on and what is interfering with your system operations. Otherwise get a good book about computer security and learn how to secure your system better from attacks and malware infestations. Otherwise take it to a good computer shop and have them look over the system to verify everything is in working order. Cost $$ but far less then after you get infections. Also I use MSE and have no problems with the internet.