Short on time?
Luckily, finding out if a PDF file is malware-ridden is quite easy.
Norton is my favorite antivirus for removing malware from PDFs in 2025.
That said,there are plenty of antivirusesthat can beat malware hidden in a PDF file.
And if you got the PDF from an email, investigate the email itself.
If it wasnt sent by a trustworthy source, dont open it scan it instead.
While I recommend Nortons flawless scanner, any of our top antiviruses will work.
Step 1.
Install Reliable Antivirus Software
Find an antivirus with a reliable malware scanner thats from a reputable company.
If youre on a mobile equipment, download it from the App Store or Google Play Store.
Step 2.
Run a Malware Scan
Once youve installed your antivirus, scan the PDFs you believe are infected.
Choose the third option, then clickFile Scanand navigate to the files you want to be checked.
Step 3.
Additionally, you should uninstall any applications or software installed by the malware.
Step 4.
Some infections can be particularly nasty or may have spread to other parts of your equipment.
How Do Infected PDF Files Get Onto Your System?
How Can a PDF Be Infected?
There are numerous ways that hackers can infect PDF files,all of them dangerous.
Here are a few of the most common ways cybercriminals insert malware into PDFs.
What Can Happen if You Have a Malicious PDF on Your equipment?
The malware could infect all of your files, destroying your equipment.
Just like with a PC or tablet, its important touse a quality antivirusto scan the PDF first.
You always have to ensure your files are safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are PDFs dangerous?
Usually PDFs are completely fine, but that doesnt mean they always are.
They may make a run at steal your data and encourage you to pay them.
Then,install good antivirus softwareand let it remove the malware from your gear.
How do I remove malware from a PDF?
The easiest solution is touse a good antivirus.
Whats the best antivirus to remove malware from a PDF?
My favorite antivirus to remove malware from a PDF isNorton.
It also has excellent web protection, ensuring you dont stumble across a malware-ridden PDF file online.
Bitdefenderis a close second.
What do I do if my PDF gave me malware?
Dont fret antiviruses will remove malware thats already infecting your system.
If your data has already been encrypted and stolen by ransomware, it may be trickier.
Decrypting data often requires a decryption key, which may not always be available.
