Risk associated file downloads from the Internet and how to be safe | SNM Consulting
By Aruneesh Salhotra / May 19, 2023
We have to agree that the reliance on downloads from the internet has increased many folds in the last 10+ years and continues to grow providing users ease of access to software, media, and documents. More and more information, tools, and media content are now stored and accessible online. From software applications to music, videos, documents, and other forms of media, users often rely on downloading files from the internet for both personal and professional purposes.
Gone are the days when you had to wait for the software CD and music CDs to arrive in the mail. Users now can easily access and download files from anywhere and at any time. This allows them to stay productive and access the information they need at their convenience.
However, as with all moves to newer ways of working, there are bound to be associated risks. File downloads do carry the risks such as malware and viruses that can infect your computer or mobile phone.
Gone are the days when you had to wait for the software CD and music CDs to arrive in the mail. Users now can easily access and download files from anywhere and at any time. This allows them to stay productive and access the information they need at their convenience.
However, as with all moves to newer ways of working, there are bound to be associated risks. File downloads do carry the risks such as malware and viruses that can infect your computer or mobile phone.
Potential Risks associated with downloading files from the Internet
Malware and viruses
- Downloading files from unknown or untrusted sources can put your device at risk of malware and viruses, which can damage your system or steal sensitive information.
Phishing attacks
- Cybercriminals may disguise malicious files as legitimate software or documents, tricking users into downloading them and then stealing their personal information.
Unwanted software
- Downloading files from the internet may also result in the installation of unwanted software, such as adware or spyware, which can slow down your device and compromise your privacy.
Legal risks
- Downloading copyrighted content without permission can result in legal consequences, including fines and even criminal charges in some cases.
There are many options ranging from Anti-Virus, Anti-Malware, End Point Detection Tools, and online scanning services at your disposal. You should choose a tool or a set of tools based on the risks that you are mitigating.
One such tool is “Virus Total” (now part of Google) which gives the user ability to scan the file for malware against well-known signatures or find if a domain name is associated with some malicious activity. .
One such tool is “Virus Total” (now part of Google) which gives the user ability to scan the file for malware against well-known signatures or find if a domain name is associated with some malicious activity. .
VirusTotal is free to end users for non-commercial use in accordance with their Terms of Service. It works with engines belonging to many different organizations, however, VirusTotal does not distribute or promote any of those third-party engines. It simply acts as an aggregator of information, allowing an objective and unbiased service to our users.
To minimize risks associated with the files you download from the internet, it’s important to only download files from trusted sources and to use reputable anti-virus software to scan all downloaded files before opening them.
To minimize risks associated with the files you download from the internet, it’s important to only download files from trusted sources and to use reputable anti-virus software to scan all downloaded files before opening them.
