Ransomware
Encrypts your files and demands payment to unlock them. Fast containment matters: the sooner we're involved, the more we can usually save.
Cleanup & Protection
Virus & Spyware Removal
Think your computer's infected? Bay Geeks removes viruses, spyware and ransomware for homes and businesses across St. Petersburg, Tampa, Clearwater and the Bay Area, usually the same day, without wiping your files.
Same-day appointments usually available
Home computers: $150 flat, removed remotely
We've been cleaning infected computers across St. Petersburg, Tampa and the Bay Area since 2004, and our technicians continually refresh their tools and training as new threats emerge. In most cases, we can clean an infection without reinstalling your operating system, preserving your files, settings and installed software.
We recommend reaching out proactively, before an infection forces the issue. A single anti-virus program is no longer enough on its own: while we can't offer a 100% guarantee against every threat, a layered defense through one of our maintenance plans gets you as close to that as realistically possible, with daily scans and managed anti-virus doing the work in the background.
How Do I Know If I Have a Virus?
- Sudden slowdowns, freezing or frequent crashes
- Pop-ups, browser redirects, or a homepage/search engine that changed itself
- Unfamiliar programs, toolbars or browser extensions you didn't install
- Antivirus or Windows security notifications that got disabled on their own
- High data usage, unusual network activity, or a fan that won't quit at idle
- Contacts receiving spam or strange messages that appear to be from you
What's Included
- Removal without a full OS reinstall in most cases
- Certified Malware Removal Experts on every job
- Procedures refreshed regularly as new threats emerge
- Available through Commercial or Residential Maintenance Plans
How It Works
Our Removal Process
A thorough clean isn't just deleting the file that popped up the warning: it's making sure nothing was left behind.
Diagnose
We scan with multiple tools to find every infection on the system, not just the one causing symptoms, since malware rarely travels alone.
Remove & Clean
We eliminate the infection using professional-grade removal tools, preserving your files, settings and installed software wherever possible.
Harden & Verify
We close the entry point, update your defenses and re-scan to confirm the system is clean before handing it back to you.
Know Your Enemy
Common Threats We Remove
Malware isn't one thing: different infections behave differently, and knowing the difference shapes how we treat it.
Spyware & Keyloggers
Runs quietly in the background, capturing passwords, browsing activity or other sensitive data without your knowledge.
Adware & Browser Hijackers
Floods you with pop-ups, changes your homepage or search engine, and installs toolbars you never asked for.
Trojans & Rootkits
Disguise themselves as legitimate software or bury themselves deep in the system to avoid detection and removal.
Phishing-Delivered Malware
Arrives through a convincing email or fake login page, tricking you or a staff member into installing it directly.
Worms
Self-replicating malware that spreads across a network on its own, often turning one infected machine into many.
Prevent It Next Time
Pair Cleanup With a Maintenance Plan
Maintenance plans keep the infection from coming back with daily scans, patching and managed anti-virus.
Commercial Maintenance Plans
Automated and Premium options for businesses of any size.
See Commercial Maintenance Plans →Residential Maintenance Plans
Automated and Premium options starting at $55/mo per computer.
See Residential Maintenance Plans →Questions
Virus & Spyware Removal FAQ
Will I lose my files during virus removal?
In most cases, no. We aim to remove the infection without wiping the drive or reinstalling the operating system, preserving your files, settings and installed software. In severe cases, like ransomware encryption, some data recovery steps may be needed: see our Data Recovery Services.
How long does virus removal take?
Straightforward infections are often resolved same-day. Stubborn infections, rootkits or systems with multiple issues can take longer, since we're testing thoroughly rather than doing a quick surface clean.
How much does virus removal cost?
Virus removal on a home computer is $150 flat, done remotely, per computer. If the computer needs the operating system reinstalled or files recovered, we quote that before we start. An on-site visit for a home computer is $125/hr with a 1-hour minimum, and business computers are $175/hr, on-site or remote. The Fix-It Guarantee applies either way: if we can't fix it, you don't pay for our time. Schedule Service for a firm estimate.
Can a Mac get a virus?
Yes. Macs face fewer threats than Windows PCs, but they're not immune: adware, browser hijackers and phishing-based malware affect Mac users too, and we service both platforms.
What's the difference between a virus and spyware?
A virus is designed to damage, disrupt or spread. Spyware quietly monitors your activity, capturing passwords, browsing habits or other data without your knowledge. Different tools catch each, which is why our process checks for both.
How do I stop this from happening again?
Layered protection: Bay Geeks EDR, regular patching, safe browsing habits and daily monitoring. That's exactly what our maintenance plans automate, so you're not relying on memory or luck.
Not Sure If This Is What You Have?
Ready When You Are
Let's Fix It
No issue is too big or small. Call, open a ticket, or schedule a technician: we'll figure out the fastest path back to working.