You are working on a client's computer and find that the user's desktop has changed, along with their home directory files and folders. The user is also experiencing significantly slow performance. What is the most likely cause of the problem?
The most likely cause of this issue is malware infection. Malware can modify the system to appear legitimate while simultaneously altering files and stealing user data. It can also cause sluggish performance by consuming system resources. While a faulty hard drive can cause slow performance and potential file corruption, it would be unusual for the hard drive to specifically affect the user's home directory. While a corrupted user profile can lead to slow performance and unexpected behavior, it is less likely to cause a major change to the desktop layout or file organization. System instability can cause slow performance, but is less likely to cause file and desktop alterations.
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What types of malware could cause a user's desktop and files to change?
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How can I identify if malware is causing slow performance?
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What are some preventative measures against malware infections?