4 Things You Must Do to Download Safely From the Internet

Download Only From Reputable Sources

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Hackers capitalize on the fact that people want things immediately and for free by enticing them to download new music or movies before anyone else. When in doubt, be wary of any site that offers downloads of free movies or anything else that shouldn’t be available to consumers for a few months or without a fee.

To verify if a site is reputable, check the website’s “About” or “Contact Us” page to verify the site’s legitimacy. Look for phone numbers, physical addresses, news coverage, or other signs that this is a trustworthy website. If an unfamiliar email address sends you an attachment to download, don’t open or download it without confirming with the sender what it is.

“Security and convenience do not go hand in hand,” says Aaron Nolan, a former information security specialist at Spector. “The more you have of one, the less you will get from the other.” To stay as protected from malicious downloads as possible, it’s important you don’t favor convenience over smart online safety habits.

Scan Files for Viruses Before Downloading

One step you should always take before you download anything is to scan it for viruses. The majority of anti-virus software lets you scan files for malicious intent if you right-click on the file you’re trying to download. Others will prompt you to open your software first, before it scans the file you just downloaded. If you download a file before you scanned for viruses, be sure not to open or run the file until you’ve made sure it’s clean.

As an extra precautionary step, run your anti-virus software after downloading your file, to ensure that nothing that can steal your data slipped through the cracks.

Pay Attention to File Extensions

In addition to scanning files before you download or run them, pay attention to the file extension: the letters that come after the file name. “Executable files such as .exe or .scr are often considered dangerous and should be avoided,” says Casey Shull, residential internet expert at Frontier.

If you downloaded a file with one of the above extensions from a website you trust or a known email contact, just be sure to scan the file first to ensure it doesn’t pose a threat.

Back Up Your Device in Multiple Locations

On the off chance you end up downloading something malicious onto your device, Michael Fontana, Optionbox director, recommends backing up your device to protect your files, photos, and data. Our digital devices can hold a number of precious items—photos, phone numbers, and more—and certain types of viruses and malware can render your devices useless, making it impossible to access anything.

If you do fall prey to a virus, Fontana recommends that you reset your device and restore your backup to prevent hackers from stealing your data or locking you out of it.