How to Clean a Network Virus

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Network viruses can cripple a computer network. While it's relatively easy to clean an individual computer or laptop that's infected with a virus because the virus can be quarantined to a single machine, the virus can hide on any computer in an infected network.

The problem is even worse when the network has an Internet connection, because the virus can very likely replicate and transfer itself to all the connected devices.

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Threat Evaluation

Step 1

To effectively counteract the threat posed by network viruses, evaluate the severity of the infection using licensed antivirus software. Perform a complete network scan to identify suspicious files and programs. The scan displays results depending upon the level and extent of infection.

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Step 2

Your antivirus and anti-malware software must be kept up to date. Enable automatic updates and check to see if updates are available (then install them) checking for an infection. As hundreds of new instances of malware and viruses are created daily, your software's virus database will likely become obsolete even in just few days.

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Step 3

Understanding what the infected file does and how it affects the network system is essential to clean the virus effectively. The system or file could be infected with a virus, a Trojan or a keylogger--the most common types of network threats. Configure the antivirus so it also scans hidden files, the root directory, and running programs. Depending on the results, check the vendor's website to know more about the threat the network is exposed to.

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Counterstrike

Step 1

Back up all your system files and the registry using relevant tools. Many infections spread to files vital for running the system, and cleaning or deleting them might render your system unstable. With a Mac or a conventional PC, backing up integral files ensures data isn't lost and the network remains stable. The "system restore" option available in all modern versions of Windows allows the administrator to set a restore point to which the operating system can revert in emergencies.

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Step 2

Quarantine all suspicious files. Options available in antivirus software allow isolation of infected files and prevent all their exchanges from other files or the system registry. By altering or faking registry entries of the operating system, some network viruses can render themselves "invisible" to an antivirus program. A scan of the registry and subsequent isolation can pinpoint these particular problems.

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Step 3

Disinfect or clean all quarantined files. Certain antiviruses also check mailboxes for potentially dangerous emails. Once identified by the antivirus, such emails should be cleaned or deleted manually.

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