Nowadays, you can find herds of free software and "free" covering everything from entertainment services IT.
But beware that things that are "free" is not always good or safe.
What is the danger of downloading?
Before discussing how to protect you, let's take a moment to understand the dangers of downloading.
Today, malware is a growing threat. McAfee anti-virus company released in a recent report that they connect up to 100,000 new cases of malware every day. And the danger is not limited to desktop or laptop computers.
Another report from the safety authority indicates that mobile malware has hit 50,000 reports in 2013. That may not sound like much, but compared to about 3,000 in 2011, it is clear that the problem is growing exponentially.
Consequences for installing unverified and untrustworthy programs can range from a minor annoyance to ruined credit. Toolbars in browsers and software "to clean the system" can be a drain on IT resources, it sometimes intentionally hindering system performance to convince you of its value.
These inconveniences pale compared to the adware infection which produces advertisements on your computer without even having an open browser window. But the brass ring of cybercrime is, as we all know, identity theft.
Spyware unknowingly installed on your computer, can connect to your passwords and credit card information and email it to cyber criminals, at what point even the free music not worth the cost.
The tricky thing is to download the software mentioned above can infect your machine without your knowledge, coming sometimes comes with software from reliable sources. The malware consolidation process with legitimate software is not complicated either.
A simple search actually provides potential cyber criminals with a free tool that provides the act quickly and easily. Clicking distractedly through dialogue software installation can cause your unknowing consent to install toolbars and adware that may present a back door access to your computer and your personal information
With regarding illegal downloading :. If the acquisition of non-confidence program sources is like ordering dinner in a restaurant without nets, then do the same on P2P networks is like digging through the trash for food.
However, all free programs are malicious. Let's take a look at what you can do to make sure you download safely.
Start at the Source
First, be aware of the level of risk of certain types of downloads. The Internet offers the possibility to download attractive wallpapers, acquire free and play free games. Fraudsters are aware of this attraction.
The terms of the most dangerous search for malware, according to McAfee, include "free screen savers", "free screen background", "free games", "free lyrics," and "free music downloads". Even though the program is offered something seemingly innocent (music download manager search tool for lyrics, etc.), these clusters probably contains something malicious and should be avoided.
Next, use common sense when browsing the web. Start by asking yourself:?. "Do I really need this program" If the answer is yes, ask yourself if it is offered by a legitimate website or whether the page looks summary
perform Google search on the company offering the software and the site is being downloaded from and pay attention to all reports of phishing or malware. Do not fall for false notifications that claim to detect blinking computer security issues . the reality is, installing the program they offer will actually lead to security problems.
do your part
Even if you have verified that your download is a verified product from a trusted source, do not download if you do not already have antivirus software installed on your computer. After downloading the program, you open yourself to potential security problems.
So, before you click the button, check your computer to make sure you have a good antivirus program installed and is updated with the latest virus definitions and malware.
again, make sure you download the program has the ability to scan files before downloading, as this will stop many problems at their source. You can never be too careful when the stakes are so high.
Assuming the security check came out clean, you are now ready to download, but you're not out of the woods yet. Before you install, download the file to VirusTotal, a website that checks files from thousands of users and provides a report of when, and how often problems were discovered with the file.
If the control does the red flags returns, go ahead and install the program carefully. Click on each screen one at a time and read what you accept. Many programs sneak in one step with a pre-ticked box , agreeing to install additional software, you can not have pre-download knowledge.
Uncheck the boxes and go to the next window slowly and carefully. Once the software is installed, run a virus scan again and pay attention to all the problem and then proceed once the scans come back clean.
These days, you can not be too careful. Take precautions when searching for new software and avoid so-called "free" offers popular entertainment. You can end up spending a little time on the computer, but you will sleep better knowing that your private information remains private.
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