How to check for malware?

I'm not sure if i should create a thread on this or post it in my already posting thread. But i think it should be own thread. Windows 10 pro. I only have windows defender and do the quick scan and full scan and the malicious file scan and thats all. I had connected my laptop's ac adapter to a powerbank to charge it for a few minutes before pulling it out and then connecting it back to my laptop.




I know that its possible malware can exist in powerbank and even though i did not connect powerbank directly to the laptop, its still possible at least i believe.




Is there software that could check if any malware exist in my laptop? If so, what program to use? Is malwarebytes good? Can it detect things like that? I used malwarebyte years ago but haven't used it since because people on forums say you don't need it, you have windows defender and thats enough.

Types of malware can include computer viruses, worms, Trojan horses and spyware. There is no one software that can detect all kind of infections.

paulyjustin said:

...what program to use?

As Freebooter says, no one software will guarantee 100% detection. Use several to be sure.

Malwarebytes is good, but requires installing. I prefer ADWCleaner from Malwarebytes which can run without an install. I also enable Potentially Unwanted Program/Application (PUP/PUA) detection in Defender for extra protection.

Malwarebytes | AdwCleaner - Free Adware Cleaner & Removal Tool | Malwarebytes

Enable or Disable Windows Defender PUA Protection in Windows 10

I downloaded malwarebytes. It found a few malware but all of those programs, i know it does not have any malware though.


But is malware the best for this?

Hi there
WD is all you need on home computers --forget ALL the REST - especially if you are playing with Windows insider builds as these are updated frequently and 3rd party AV software can't be guaranteed to work.

Malware in any case on home computers is grossly overhyped these days --was a really big irritant years ago but the hacker and scammer community have moved on to much more lucrative scams earning big bucks $$$'s which really don't involve viruses or malware at all --e.g fake websites, fraudulent emails, money laundering scams (you are offered money for a service, overpayment goes into account, money then moved to scammers real target destination --money moved 'laundered from safe account to target --however YOU will be guilty of money laundering --in some countries really nasty penalties including serious hard jail time will be applied even if you are unwittingly used as a "money Mule"), too much data on social media sites so identity theft etc.

I'd concentrate if I were an AV company instead of pushing out last centuries solutions to problems that barely exist any more to develop a bit of Artificial Intelligence (A.I) logic to help people avoid being scammed in the sorts of ways I've outlined.
@CountMike

I think I've already --like you -- said ad Nauseam that the power box can't transmit malware and it has 2 USB ports to increase power availability from device to computer.

The only possible type of malware on these boxes would be for it to contain a "micro suitcase Nuclear Bomb" or a biological toxic nerve gas bomb which would explode in a crowded area !!!!.

Cheers
jimbo

Compumind said:

This all sounds so familiar, lol.

OK. My take... a layered approach.

1) Windows Defender or Norton Security.
2) MBAM - Free (use on demand - enable Rootkit scanning.)
3) SuperAntiSpyware - (Free (use on demand.)

Use Private Mode when surfing and don't visit garbage sites, if you know what I mean.

Use VirusTotal to check questionable files.

VirusTotal

Keep your AV and FW constantly updated. No guarantees.
Create a complete, clean, verified, full system image with Macrium Reflect (Free will do.) for system restoration - 3x weekly if you can.

Hope this helps.

Hi there
100% overkill

however do whatever you need to do

I still say on Home computers absolutely zero need of anything other than WD and a bit of "sensible" use in Brain power.

In any case most of the people who seem to get their machines infected are probably using warez or dubious torrent sites - and installing pirate software / obtaining pirated video / music.

Be interesting IMO if say some company like Malwarebytes was had up in front of a court for "Aiding and abetting" people in obtaining / using pirated / copyrighted material illegally !!!! -- actually that could probably be said of Ms with WD itself too -- where does legit security stop and the boundaries of making it easier for people to obtain copyrighted / pirated material illegally and safely !!!!!. -- One for the Lawyers I think here --somebody will test this stuff in a Court sooner or later I suspect. !!

Cheers
jimbo

CountMike said:

Power bank virus and malware ??? If you are so afraid of it just use charging USB cable, it connects only power (+ and -) no data can go thru that.

Count mike. You are saying if you buy a charging usb cable... then you connect it to the usb port of the powerbank, the connect the other end to like my iphone, there is 0 way any malware can transfer to the iphone?


If so, can you post a link of exactly which cable you are talking about? I googled this on amazon and found some usb charging cables but why are both ends not the same size?