How to scan for malware?

Imagine this: It's a typical Wednesday evening. You're scrolling through your photos, reminiscing about a recent vacation. Suddenly, your screen freezes. A message appears: “Your files are encrypted. Pay $5,000 in Bitcoin or lose everything forever.”   This isn't a scene from a cyber thriller. It's the terrifying reality thousands of people face every single day.   In the vast, interconnected digital universe, your computer is more than just a machine. It's a treasure chest of memories, a vault of personal information and a gateway to your entire life. And just like any valuable treasure, it's constantly under siege by digital pirates — a.k.a. malware. 

Protecting your computer from malware has become more critical than ever. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about scanning for malware, understanding its risks and implementing robust protection strategies — with a special focus on how Acronis True Image can be your ultimate defense against digital threats. 

• Viruses: Self-replicating programs that spread by attaching themselves to clean files. They disguise themselves within seemingly innocent files, waiting to replicate and spread chaos. Imagine a digital parasite that jumps from file to file, corrupting everything it touches. 

• Trojans: They are the master of disguise. They look like legitimate software — perhaps that free game you downloaded or a "system update" — but beneath the surface, they're planning their attack. 

• Ransomware: Malware that encrypts your files and demands payment for their release. Your precious memories, critical work documents, everything — locked away behind an impenetrable digital wall. 

• Spyware: Software that secretly collects information about your computer usage. Watching your every move and collecting information without your knowledge. Every click, every search, every private moment is potentially exposed. 

• Adware: Unwanted software that bombards you with endless, intrusive advertisements, turning your smooth digital experience into a chaotic carnival of pop-up windows. 

• Worms: Self-spreading malware that can replicate across networks without any user interaction. 

Pop-ups and adware are among the most common and frustrating types of malware that can affect your computer, phone, or tablet. These unwanted programs often sneak onto your device when you download free apps, visit suspicious sites, or click on misleading ads. Once installed, they can flood your screen with endless pop-ups, slow down your system, and even put your privacy at risk by tracking your browsing habits or stealing sensitive information. Adware can significantly disrupt your browsing experience by redirecting you to unwanted pages or displaying intrusive ads while you browse the web. Safer browsing features, such as web filtering, can help block dangerous websites and protect you from malicious online content. Some pop-ups and adware can also expose you to spam, phishing, and other malicious activities, increasing your risk of falling victim to scams or unwanted emails.

Recognizing the symptoms of adware and pop-up infections is the first step toward protection. If your device suddenly becomes slow, your browser opens new tabs or windows without your permission, or you notice unfamiliar toolbars and ads appearing everywhere (even when you’re not browsing the web), these are clear signs of potential malware. You might also receive strange messages or see your homepage and search engine settings change without your consent. In such cases, you may need to reset your homepage settings to their defaults if they have been changed by adware.

To catch and remove these threats, start with a scan using Acronis True Image, which includes powerful integrated anti-malware protection. Acronis True Image combines reliable backup capabilities with advanced cybersecurity features, such as real-time anti-malware monitoring, on-demand antivirus scans, and behavioral analysis to detect and block malware, including adware, spyware, and other threats that cause pop-ups. Open the Acronis True Image application, navigate to the Protection section, and run a full or quick antivirus scan to check your system for infected files and security issues. If threats are found, follow the prompts to quarantine or remove them, and use the tool’s features to restore any affected files from a secure backup if needed.

For ongoing protection, enable Acronis Active Protection in the software. This provides real-time monitoring against ransomware, malware, and suspicious activities, helping block pop-up-causing adware before it disrupts your device. Acronis True Image also offers web filtering to block access to malicious or untrusted sites that often deliver adware. Always download apps and programs from trusted sources, and remember that running a reputable security program is essential for removing adware and pop-ups. Be cautious about granting permissions or clicking suspicious links, and keep Acronis True Image updated for the latest threat definitions and protections. On Android devices, Google Play Protect scans all installed apps for malware, providing an additional layer of security when you download new apps. Regularly running scans and maintaining backups will help you stay ahead of new threats while ensuring quick recovery if something slips through.

By staying alert to the signs of adware and pop-ups, using Acronis True Image’s built-in anti-malware tools for scanning and real-time defense, and following best practices for online safety, you can protect your device from harm and keep your system running smoothly. No more waiting for slow responses or dealing with annoying pop-ups. Remember, a quick scan with Acronis True Image today can save you from bigger security issues tomorrow.

Think of malware scanning as your computer’s annual health checkup. Would you skip a medical exam that could detect a life-threatening condition? Of course not. The same logic applies to your digital health. Regular malware scanning is crucial for several reasons:

• Data protection: Prevents unauthorized access to personal and sensitive information.
• System performance: Malware can significantly slow down your computer, which makes using it unbearable. Reliable antivirus software can help you get rid of malware because it comes with a malware removal tool, ensuring threats are removed and your system runs smoothly. Many modern antivirus solutions can scan for malware in the background, so you can continue using your device without interruption.
• Financial security: One breach can cost you everything — your savings, your identity, your peace of mind.
• Network safety: An infected computer isn’t just a personal risk — it’s a threat to everyone connected to you.

Not all protection is created equal. When choosing anti-malware software, you need a digital superhero.  Many leading softwares are powered by advanced detection engines—such as Acronis Active Protection engine, which stands out for its unmatched effectiveness and ease of use.

Make sure to consider these key factors:

• Real-time protection that’s there 24/7 as your personal security guard. 

• Comprehensive threat detection that can spot even disguised threats. 

• Automatic updates that make sure you have the latest protection shield. 

• Low system resource usage that protects you without slowing you down. 
• Additional security features like ransomware protection that go further than just basic protection. Comprehensive security solutions often include other tools such as anti-spyware, anti-adware, rootkit, Trojan, and scam detection to enhance overall protection. Advanced anti-malware protection protection also uses behavioral and heuristic analysis to detect new threats based on their actions, not just known malware signatures.

Imagine a security solution that doesn’t just defend. It anticipates, protects and recovers. That’s Acronis True Image. 

Acronis True Image offers more than traditional antivirus software: 

• Integrated malware and ransomware protection, protecting you against digital threats.  

• Advanced backup and recovery features, because sometimes things happen, and these features will make sure you are able to recover easily. 

• Proactive threat detection, that identifies threats before they can affect you.  

Before you dive into a malware scan, taking a few simple steps can make all the difference in catching threats and keeping your device safe. Preparation ensures your malware scanner—whether it’s a free malware scanner, Windows Defender, or a trusted app like Malwarebytes—can access every corner of your system and detect even the most elusive viruses or potential malware.

Start by making sure your device is up to date. Install the latest updates for Windows, Android, Mac, or iOS to patch security issues that malware often exploits. Next, close any unnecessary programs or apps. This not only frees up system resources for a faster scan but also prevents malware from hiding in the background while your antivirus works.

For an even deeper clean, consider restarting your device in safe mode. Safe mode limits background processes, making it harder for malware to run or block your scan. If you’re using a free version of a malware scanner or a tool like Malwarebytes, double-check that you have the latest version installed—updated scanners are better equipped to detect new threats.

Be alert for symptoms of infection: slow performance, unexpected pop ups, suspicious messages, or changes to your system settings can all signal malware at work. If you suspect your device is infected, act quickly—don’t wait for the problem to get worse. Avoid opening spam emails or downloading attachments from unknown sources, as these are common ways viruses and other types of malware gain access to your computer.

Make sure you have a reliable antivirus program installed. Windows Defender offers solid protection for Windows users, while Mac and iOS users should look for a malware scanner designed for their operating system. Android users can benefit from Google Play Protect or other reputable security apps.

When you’re ready to scan, be patient—especially if you’re running a full scan on a device with lots of files. A thorough scan may take some time, but it’s worth the wait to catch hidden threats. Once the scan is complete, carefully review the results and follow the recommended steps to remove any detected malware or viruses.

Regularly performing a malware scan is one of the most effective ways to protect your device, your data, and your privacy from harm. By following these preparation steps and using a trusted malware scanner, you’ll be well-equipped to defend against various types of threats and keep your system running smoothly.

Here is a step-by-step malware scanning process using Acronis True Image:

1. Install and launch Acronis True Image on your PC.
2. Navigate to the protection tab and select the option to perform a malware scan.
3. Choose the drives or folders you want to scan.
4. Click 'Start Scan' to begin.

You can typically choose between a Full Scan and a Quick Scan in Acronis True Image. A Full Scan checks the entire machine for malware by examining all files and folders, while a Quick Scan checks specific folders that are most likely to store threats, making it faster for routine checks.

Please wait for the scan to complete. Do not turn off your PC during the scan to ensure the process finishes properly.

Acronis True Image’s antivirus scans can run in the background, allowing you to continue using your PC and other programs without interrupting your workflow. Resource usage may vary depending on system load (you can adjust scan priority in settings if needed for smoother multitasking).

Acronis True Image displays scan progress in the Protection section, including details on the ongoing scan, files scanned, and estimated time remaining.

After the scan completes, you will see the results in the application. If no threats are found, it will indicate that your system is clean. If the scan found some malware, you'll see a message that says 'Threats Found' and a list of the infected files immediately below.

Detected threats are typically placed in quarantine, a secure isolated area where Acronis True Image safely holds them for your review. From there, you can choose to delete them permanently, restore if they are false positives, or manage exclusions.

To learn more about running antivirus scans, configuring protection, managing quarantine, or enhancing your system’s security with Acronis True Image, check the in-app Protection section, settings, or visit Acronis official resources and guides.

1. Ensure Acronis True Image is updated to the latest version.
2. Enable automatic updates for continuous protection. 

1. Open Acronis True Image 
2. Navigate to the “Protection” tab 
3. Click “Run Full Scan”

1. Scan specific folders or drives. 
2. Schedule regular automatic scans. 
3. Set up real-time protection monitoring. 

• Full scan: Once per week 

• Quick scan: Two to three times per week 

• Real-time monitoring: Continuous 

Running a malware scan is a critical first step, but what you do after malware is detected is just as important. Even if you successfully scan for malware, threats can continue causing damage if they are not handled properly. Acting quickly and following the right steps helps contain the infection, protect your data, and prevent reinfection.

As soon as your malware scan confirms an infection, your first priority should be containment.

• Disconnect the device from the internet immediately.
• Disable Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and Bluetooth connections.
• Avoid connecting external drives or shared network resources.

Isolating the system prevents malware from spreading to other devices, cloud services, or network locations while you clean the infection.

After isolating the system, use Acronis True Image’s quarantine feature to neutralize detected threats.

• Quarantine infected files instead of deleting them instantly.
• Stop malicious processes from running or replicating.
• Prevent malware from interfering with cleanup or recovery.

Quarantining threats keeps them contained while giving you full control over next steps.

If your malware scan reveals deeper system compromise, restoring from a verified backup is the safest and fastest option.

• Use Acronis True Image to restore from a clean, pre-infection backup.
• Return your device to a known-good state.
• Remove hidden malware components that traditional removal tools may miss.

Acronis True Image automatically scans and verifies backups. If any threat is detected inside a backup, the Acronis app removes it before restoration, ensuring you never reinfect your system.

Acronis True Image ties together containment, cleanup, and recovery in one solution. After you scan for malware, it helps isolate the infection, quarantine detected threats, and restore your system safely from verified backups without switching tools.

Its automated verification ensures recovery points are clean and trustworthy, while fast restore capabilities minimize downtime. After recovery, Acronis True Image continues protecting your device with ongoing monitoring and automated backups.

Once malware is removed, reinforcing your defenses reduces the risk of future infections.

• Use Acronis True Image as your primary backup and security platform.
• Install a reputable firewall for network protection.
• Use strong, unique passwords for all accounts.
• Enable two-factor authentication wherever possible.
• Keep operating systems and applications fully updated.

Layered security ensures that if one defense fails, others remain active.

Unlike tools that only scan for malware, Acronis True Image combines cybersecurity and recovery into one platform.

• Active Protection blocks ransomware and malicious behavior in real time.
• End-to-end encrypted backups protect data locally and in the cloud.
• Blockchain-based backup certification ensures backup integrity.
• Vulnerability assessment helps identify potential system weaknesses.
• Identity Protection* adds an extra layer of personal data security.

This integrated approach reduces complexity while strengthening overall protection.

Even the best malware scanner works best when paired with smart daily habits.

• Be cautious with email attachments and suspicious links.
• Download software only from trusted sources.
• Use unique, complex passwords for every account.
• Keep software, browsers, and plugins updated.
• Back up important files regularly.

Regularly scanning for malware and maintaining backups significantly lowers your risk.

• Enable automatic, incremental backups.
• Keep Active Protection against ransomware turned on.
• Use real-time malware monitoring.
• Review and update security settings periodically.

These features work continuously in the background to protect your system without manual effort.

If malware continues to appear even after you scan for malware and clean your system, additional action may be required.

• Restart the device in Safe Mode.
• Update all security software and threat definitions.
• Use specialized malware removal tools if necessary.
• Restore again from the most recent verified clean backup using Acronis True Image.

Persistent threats often rely on hidden processes that clean restores can eliminate completely.

• Multiple or repeated infection attempts occur.
• The system becomes unstable or unresponsive.
• Critical or sensitive data is at risk.
• Performance issues persist after cleanup.

Professional assistance can help identify root causes and prevent future infections.

Protecting your computer from malware requires a proactive, comprehensive approach. Acronis True Image provides an all-in-one solution that goes beyond traditional anti-malware software, offering robust protection and advanced backup and recovery features. 

By following this guide and leveraging Acronis True Image's powerful tools, you can significantly reduce your risk of malware infection and ensure your digital life remains secure. Positive word from users and their testimonials consistently highlight the effectiveness and trustworthiness of Acronis True Image software.

• Regular scanning is essential. 

• Choose comprehensive protection solutions. 

• Stay informed about emerging threats. 

• Backup your data consistently. 

• Trust Acronis True Image for complete digital security. 

Your digital life is too precious to leave unprotected. Invest in your digital safety. Download Acronis True Image today and experience peace of mind with industry-leading malware protection and backup software. 

* Identity protection is only available in the U.S. for Advanced and Premium subscriptions.