Your computer is sluggish, plagued by relentless pop-ups, and your home page has mysteriously changed without your consent. Unfamiliar programs are running in the background, raising alarm bells. Congratulations, you may have fallen victim to malware.
In a startling revelation, hackers are leveraging artificial intelligence to generate an astonishing 560,000 new malware variants every single day. If you’re relying on free antivirus software, it’s likely ill-equipped to handle this onslaught.
🤖 AI broke antivirus, completely
Over the past year, malware attacks have surged by 131%, largely attributed to advancements in AI technology. Cybercriminals are now using tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude to create malware in mere seconds, deploying it before your antivirus software even registers its existence. The situation has escalated further with the emergence of AI-driven malware such as PromptFlux and PromptSteal, which can autonomously rewrite their code while actively attacking. Alarmingly, around 80% of phishing attacks now utilize AI, making the digital landscape increasingly perilous.
💰 Malware comes with a help desk
In a bizarre twist, malware is being sold on the dark web with the same ease as a Netflix subscription. For ,500, one can acquire 1,000 malware installations, while monthly subscriptions range from 0 to ,000, complete with customer support, regular updates, and even loyalty programs. These dark marketplaces feature product descriptions, user reviews, and promotional sales, making the illicit trade of malware disturbingly organized.
🍎 ‘Macs don’t get viruses’
Contrary to popular belief, Mac users are not immune to malware. This year alone, Mac malware incidents have increased by 50%, often targeting users through deceptive downloads. The prevalent mindset of “I’m safe because I use Apple” is precisely what hackers exploit, making their job significantly easier. Why target you? Perhaps it’s the credit card information saved in Safari, banking apps, or even a crypto wallet. It’s not paranoia; it’s a profitable opportunity for cybercriminals.
🚨 Think you’re clean? Let’s find out.
Windows:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Click the Processes tab. Look for any unusual activity consuming CPU or memory.
- If your browser is redirecting you unexpectedly, that’s a significant concern.
Mac:
- Open Activity Monitor (Command + Space, type “Activity Monitor”).
- Check for processes using high CPU that you didn’t initiate.
- Navigate to System Settings > General > Login Items.
- If you see anything unfamiliar, it’s time to remove it.
🚩 Red flags: Watch for sluggish performance, excessive pop-ups, a hijacked home page, overheating devices, disabled security software, or programs you never installed.
💊 The fix
In my ongoing quest to provide the best recommendations, I continuously test and compare various antivirus solutions. As of 2026, I’ve found Webroot to be the most effective. While free antivirus options like Microsoft Defender and built-in Mac protection may catch 60%-80% of threats, they leave a significant gap. Paid antivirus solutions with real-time cloud protection can stop 95%-99% of malware, presenting a much more favorable scenario.
Another concern is that many antivirus programs are notorious resource hogs. Solutions like Norton, Bitdefender, Trend Micro, and McAfee can consume 2-4 GB of RAM, whereas Webroot operates on just 1/6th of that memory. It scans six times faster and provides real-time protection against modern threats on both PCs and Macs.
✅ Currently, I’ve arranged an exclusive offer for you to receive 75% off Webroot Essentials. This is an unparalleled price, and I assure you, I receive no commissions or kickbacks from your purchase.
📤 Do you know someone whose computer is “acting weird”? Forward this information to them; they might be infected without realizing it. Alternatively, feel free to use the share icons below to spread the word.
