Discover 6 effective tips on how to detect malware on your work computer

Every day we log into our computers and get on with our work

Each working day, employees log into their computers, access company systems, send emails, and handle sensitive business data. Most people do this with the assumption that corporate firewalls and security controls are keeping them safe.

Unfortunately, this sense of security can be misleading. Cybercriminals are highly skilled and continuously evolve their tactics to infect work computers with malware, giving them access to valuable corporate data.

One of the easiest ways attackers infiltrate an organisation is by targeting employees directly. All it takes is one person clicking a malicious link or downloading a compromised attachment for attackers to gain access to an entire network.

Malware has powered some of the most damaging cyber attacks in history, including WannaCry, NotPetya, and CryptoLocker. Global malware-related damages are predicted to exceed £20 billion in the coming years.

This malicious software is designed to operate silently in the background, monitoring online activity, stealing credentials, and transmitting sensitive information back to attackers. The stolen data may be used for financial theft, identity fraud, or to launch targeted spear phishing attacks for even greater financial gain.

Although malware is designed to remain hidden, there are often clear warning signs that your work computer has been compromised.

Top Tips to Detect Malware on Your Work PC

Below are some of the most common indicators that your work computer may be infected with malware.

1. Your PC is running slower than usual

A noticeable drop in performance is often one of the first signs of malware infection. Malware consumes system resources by running background processes that slow down your operating system.

In many cases, infected computers are remotely accessed by attackers to install additional malware, send spam emails, or become part of a larger botnet used to launch further attacks.

2. Unknown software loads when you start your PC

Malware often installs itself within your system’s start-up process to ensure it runs automatically. If you begin to notice unfamiliar programmes loading when you power on your PC, this may indicate a malware infection.

This type of malware can be particularly difficult to remove and, in severe cases, may require a full operating system reinstallation.

3. Unexpected pop-up messages

An increase in unexpected pop-up messages is a common sign of malware. These messages may falsely warn about low disk space or system errors while malicious processes fill your hard drive and destabilise your system.

4. Colleagues receive strange messages from you

Malware often spreads by exploiting your email contacts. If colleagues receive suspicious messages appearing to come from you, your system may be compromised.

This technique is commonly used in phishing attacks, where attackers exploit trust to trick recipients into clicking malicious links.

5. Your computer is locked

If your computer suddenly becomes locked and displays a ransom message, it is likely infected with ransomware. Your files may be encrypted and held hostage until a payment is demanded.

Paying the ransom is strongly discouraged, as attackers often fail to restore files even after payment.

6. An increase in pop-up adverts

An increase in pop-up adverts may indicate spyware infection. Spyware secretly monitors browsing behaviour, captures login credentials, and collects sensitive personal and financial data.

Spyware is often bundled with other malware, making it particularly difficult to remove without professional tools.

To reduce the risk of malware infections, employees should avoid clicking suspicious links, keep software up to date, use reputable anti-virus tools, and back up data regularly. However, technology alone is not enough — user awareness plays a critical role in early detection and prevention.

Learn More About MetaCompliance Solutions

Detecting malware early requires informed employees who understand cyber threats and know how to respond to suspicious activity. MetaCompliance helps organisations reduce malware risk by addressing the human element of cyber security.

Our Human Risk Management Platform empowers organisations to strengthen cyber resilience through:

To see how these solutions can help your organisation detect malware threats earlier and reduce human risk, contact us today to book a demo.

FAQs about How to Detect Malware on Your Work Computer

What is malware?

Malware is malicious software designed to damage systems, steal data, or gain unauthorised access to devices.