Get guidance on conducting an effective malware detection test.
Get guidance on conducting an effective malware detection test.
Hi everyone. I’m seeking some guidance on a tricky situation. I mistakenly opened what seemed to be an email from a shipping company, but it wasn’t. I should have verified the sender’s address first. I saved a file without an extension, assuming it was a receipt, and when I realized it wasn’t, I deleted it right away. I ran antivirus scans using Avast, RogueKiller, and then Malwarebytes as suggested by a friend. All tests came back clean, but I still feel the need to take further action. I considered using HitmanPro Scanner, but its odd download and mixed reviews deterred me. I also changed my passwords in case it was a keylogger and enabled two-factor authentication on all accounts. Could you share the best steps to handle this kind of issue? I’m relatively new to these matters. My system specs are: Windows 10 64-bit, AMD R5 3600, GTX 980, 16GB RAM, and a 970Evo 1TB SSD from Samsung. I’ve installed Avast. What should I do next?
I understand this situation... for me it’s the same. The best way to feel safe when my security is at risk is to completely reformat the drives and reinstall the operating system. I’d rather invest a few hours getting everything back in order and then worry-free afterward.
I have a feeling I should try that, but I have 500 gigabytes of project files—textures, OBJ files, sound recordings—and more. I couldn’t back them up because of their size, and my budget isn’t enough for a NAS. I’m not sure how to handle it all. I’m considering searching online, maybe booting into safe mode and using the CMD version of RogueKiller. Or at least that’s what I hope. Finding the right steps is tough; people give conflicting advice.
You're asking for confirmation about the presence of malware. The file name wasn't specified, but you mentioned reviewing it twice. For Windows Defender: select your drive, click right-click, choose "Scan with Malwarebytes," and enable rootkit detection. This process may take a while—expect around 30 seconds or more. Running a full scan is recommended for accuracy. It's wise to disable any antivirus software beforehand and ensure Windows Defender is active. Multiple antivirus programs can interfere, so running both scans sequentially is best. The process typically takes about an hour per drive, including the full scan. If you notice unusual behavior only on the C drive, that might help narrow things down. You're not likely infected, but double-checking with a reputable scanner like VirusTotal is a good idea.
Thanks for your reply. I completed the full custom malware scan using the settings you suggested, which took about three hours. The results came back clean—zero threats detected, which is great. I also ran Avast’s boot scan, and it returned negative findings, except for a few rare decompression issues from old TIF and BMP files (though I think that’s just Avast being quirky). For now, I’m planning to enable two-factor authentication on all accounts and will be more cautious moving forward. A small note: I removed the file and email during my initial panic, so there’s nothing left to upload to Virustotal. If I receive another similar message, I’ll reach out to someone experienced and consider submitting it for analysis. Also, start saving up for a NAS. Thanks, Mark and Biohazard777.