How to Avoid Downloading Malware Infected File?

The biggest challenge that comes across to anyone who attempts to download any file or program is the threat of malware. Malware is not only malicious software that harms your system but also attempts to create a gateway for hackers for easy entry into your system. This results in data stealing and tampering. But threats cannot stop users from downloading files because it is necessary. However, the simple solution to this complex problem is that you need to be careful while you are downloading.

Through this article you will be able to know the potential threats and tips to avoid malware infections.

About downloading

It is not always easy to download that program file or your favorite screen saver from a given website or a link. It is not surprising that while you are trying to get a particular software utility file you are bombarded with numerous links. Some websites contain link landmines that only seems to be links to download but in actual turn out to be something else. Often clicking on these brings about system failure, tampered toolbars and unwanted add-ons. The most common one is a malware threat.

Numerous links appear as search results and it is actually not possible for users to be aware of each of them and not open them. However, if you are careful you can get past these and avoid it. Adware, malware, unwanted installation tools and add-ons are required to be kept at bay and these are available with freely available programs.

Accessing the Download Button

The initial thing that you need to take to take care of is that it is a legit website like download.com from CNET. This is a popular website that ensures that each download link provided is clean. Now navigate to the link and click the Download button.

However, it seems easy but here you need to read past the fine print. Hover your mouse over the Download button and you will be able to see the fine print and the terms regarding the download. The fine print is all about installing adware on your system indirectly.

If you accept and proceed then you will get various options for downloading third-party software for supporting it. Another way to download is to skip the offers, as they appear one by one.

You might see the following two options on your screen:

• Full Installation (Recommended)
• Custom Installation (Advanced User)

If you come across any of these then you need to select the radio button against the option of Custom Installation. Then carefully uncheck the boxes against options that ask you to install toolbars and other add-ons.

Checking for Authentic Direct Download Option

The direct download options seem to be an easy way out. However, if you see more than one download button options then again you are in a dilemma about which one to click on. It is not as easy as it sounds, as now you need to find out which one is direct link to download. To find out hover your mouse over a button to check where it is leading to. If it is redirecting you towards another link or website then it would be safer not to click on it. Remember to avoid a double click ad or something that is similar to it. An authentic download button might display a message or keywords like firmware download.

Scan for Malware

You can effectively scan the file for any malware threat by using AV or a scanner like Malewarebytes. You can even utilize cloud service like VirusTotal for scanning files and checking for suspicious URLs.

For all those who are using Firefox they can opt for VTzilla as a browser extension in the toolbar. This extension will help you check hyperlinks and scan it. Another option can be VirusTotal that will alert you against any malicious website.