Try this first
- Physically remove the USB. No "safe remove" needed; just pull.
- Run Microsoft Defender Full Scan (not Quick). 30-60 minutes, but let it finish.
- Note down: who plugged in the USB, into which laptop, when. For potential investigation.
- Do not throw the stick away. Keep it in a sealed bag. A specialist can analyse it.
- If the user opened files from the USB: Quick Scan those files via right-click > "Scan with Microsoft Defender".
When to bring us in
For laptops with access to customer data or payments: call us after scanning. A clean scan does not automatically mean no risk; we check Sign-in logs and suspicious network traffic.
See also
- I think I clicked a phishing linkNo shame, happens to everyone. The next fifteen minutes matter.
- A colleague's account is acting strangelySending mail in their name, rules hiding folders, unusual sign-ins. Suspicious.
- Lost the MFA app: new phone, no backup codesClassic problem after a phone upgrade. You are not the first to be locked out.
None of the above fits?
Describe your situation below. We pass your input plus the steps you already saw to our AI and return tailored next-step advice. If it's too risky to DIY, we'll say so.
Or skip the DIY entirely
Our Managed IT clients do not look these things up. One point of contact, a fixed monthly price, resolved within working hours.