Help/Support Anti Virus Software Suggestions Needed

[Ambrosianyc 120 iPhone 16 Plus 26.1]

Hi everyone,

My mom's computer keeps getting hacked to the point where they're taking control of her desktop PC and deleting files, programs right from her device, putting up warning signs, freezing her computer, etc.

I am going to buy her a new desktop PC (she can't use Apple's for her work) and I desperately need recommendations on the BEST anti-virus software and anything else you would recommend for this computer to keep it safe. She is not computer savvy at all (hence why she clicks random email links and gets hacked) 

Our dog of 14 years passed away suddenly last week, and we're completely devastated. I dont want her to have the stress of a fcked up computer so I would like to make this as protective as possible.

Thanks so much for your suggestions 

Updated July 16, 2022 by Ambrosianyc

[Rook 564.6k iPad Pro (2nd gen) 17.4 Donor]

Hey,

Right now it seems like you really need to format the PC.

Avast & ESET are some decent free antivirus programs for Windows.

[Ambrosianyc 120 iPhone 16 Plus 26.1]

1 minute ago, Rook said:

Hey,

Right now it seems like you really need to format the PC.

Avast & ESET are some decent free antivirus programs for Windows.

Oh thank you! She's fine with paying for antivirus programs too. Whichever you recommend. Anything else I should do while setting it up to better protect it? Would it help if she used a VPN every time she's on her comp? 

[Rook 564.6k iPad Pro (2nd gen) 17.4 Donor]

Just now, Ambrosianyc said:

Would it help if she used a VPN every time she's on her comp? 

Not really. I believe a VPN would be a waste of time for her use case.

But a format seems to be really necessary. At this point, probably even better than installing an antivirus. After a format, the antivirus can be installed.

[0xygen 395.8k iPad Mini 4 13.6]

I recommend turning off your WIFI (the physical one) when the computer is on, so they cant access it remotely.

I personally have used Bitdefender in the past, but it's known to be quite heavy on the PC.

I now just use Windows Defender & Malware Bytes

I would highly recommend to teach your mom about scams, phishing, etc, when everything goes back to normal, cos sometimes even with the best antivirus, you can still get hacked if you knowingly (well unknowingly but you consented to it) give access to ur computer

[Ambrosianyc 120 iPhone 16 Plus 26.1]

Just now, Rook said:

Not really. I believe a VPN would be a waste of time for her use case.

But a format seems to be really necessary. At this point, probably even better than installing an antivirus. After a format, the antivirus can be installed.

how does she format it? i only use Apple so i'm not sure how to format a PC. What does that entail?

Just now, Zahir said:

I recommend turning off your WIFI (the physical one) when the computer is on, so they cant access it remotely.

I personally have used Bitdefender in the past, but it's known to be quite heavy on the PC.

I now just use Windows Defender & Malware Bytes

I would highly recommend to teach your mom about scams, phishing, etc, when everything goes back to normal, cos sometimes even with the best antivirus, you can still get hacked if you knowingly (well unknowingly but you consented to it) give access to ur computer

Thank you so much. When she uses Zoom she has to be on WiFi unfortunately, but turning it off when she's not using it is a great suggestion.

[Rook 564.6k iPad Pro (2nd gen) 17.4 Donor]

2 minutes ago, Ambrosianyc said:

how does she format it? i only use Apple so i'm not sure how to format a PC. What does that entail?

You can use either of these:

https://support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/mac-help/mchl7676b710/12.0/mac/12.0
https://support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/mac-help/mh27903/mac

Although, if you're on macOS, it's possible that your mother simply installed a program which is causing all these issues.

[0xygen 395.8k iPad Mini 4 13.6]

I am assuming the PC is on Windows,

You could go to the Virus & Threat protection in settings of Windows and click on Scan options. Choose the "Microsoft Defender Offline scan" and give that a try.

Could you also check if there any remote access tools installed on the PC? Like teamviewer, etc. From what you wrote, it seems like they granted remote access to the PC using the credentials the program provides.

[Ambrosianyc 120 iPhone 16 Plus 26.1]

4 minutes ago, Rook said:

You can use either of these:

https://support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/mac-help/mchl7676b710/12.0/mac/12.0
https://support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/mac-help/mh27903/mac

Although, if you're on macOS, it's possible that your mother simply installed a program which is causing all these issues.

she doesnt have a mac. she's only every used PC's.  What needs to happen to format her new PC which ill be getting this morning

1 minute ago, Zahir said:

I am assuming the PC is on Windows,

You could go to the Virus & Threat protection in settings of Windows and click on Scan options. Choose the "Microsoft Defender Offline scan" and give that a try.

Could you also check if there any remote access tools installed on the PC? Like teamviewer, etc. From what you wrote, it seems like they granted remote access to the PC using the credentials the program provides.

Yeah she is on Windows. Three times a technician from Geek Squad came to her house to fix the issue and she still got hacked. They are so useless, i told her not to use them. So i'm just going to buy her a whole new PC today and want to set it up fresh.

And yeah, she has Teamviewer on her current comp. She has to use Zoom for work, no matter what computer she gets

[Rook 564.6k iPad Pro (2nd gen) 17.4 Donor]

1 minute ago, Ambrosianyc said:

she doesnt have a mac. she's only every used PC's.  What needs to happen to format her new PC which ill be getting this morning

Ok, then in this case. Search for "Reset this PC" on Windows Start Menu.

Backup important data to a USB or Dropbox first!

You may get an option to save user data but always good to have backups. Especially when a virus is involved.