If a computer appears to be infected, which step should you take first?

If a computer appears to be infected, which step should you take first?

• A. Run an antivirus program with the latest virus definitions
• B. Restart the computer
• C. Delete the user profile
• D. Install an unrelated app

Answer: (A)

Scanning with an up-to-date antivirus is the first step because it uses the latest malware definitions to detect and identify what’s on the system, and it can quarantine or remove the infection safely. A restart might hide symptoms temporarily or allow some malware to run again on boot, but it doesn’t reliably detect or remove threats. Deleting a user profile is drastic and risks data loss, while installing an unrelated app could introduce new risks or do nothing to eliminate the malware. Starting with a current antivirus scan gives you a clear, safe basis for what to remove or repair next.

Scanning with an up-to-date antivirus is the first step because it uses the latest malware definitions to detect and identify what’s on the system, and it can quarantine or remove the infection safely. A restart might hide symptoms temporarily or allow some malware to run again on boot, but it doesn’t reliably detect or remove threats. Deleting a user profile is drastic and risks data loss, while installing an unrelated app could introduce new risks or do nothing to eliminate the malware. Starting with a current antivirus scan gives you a clear, safe basis for what to remove or repair next.