Downloading an application and having malware is quite common. It is a method that cybercriminals use to sneak viruses. They could upload modified software and wait for someone to download it. To avoid problems, we are going to give you a series of tips. The goal is to avoid downloading programs that may have malware. Just by following a series of guidelines that we are going to show, you will improve your security.
What happens if you get a program that has a virus? They could steal your passwords, personal data, take control of the device… It is a serious problem that will expose your privacy and security. Cybercriminals can use very different varieties, such as ransomware, spyware, Trojan…
Avoid programs with viruses
Installing a program that has some type of malware may cause one of the problems we have mentioned to occur. They may be looking to steal your passwords, flood your system with malicious advertising, or monitor everything you do. The latter may include control of the webcam, sound, etc.
Always official sites
The first thing you should do is always download applications from official sites. You can go to the website of that program, as well as use the application store option, such as Google Play. This will guarantee that, at least, they have passed a previous filter to detect possible irregularities.
Avoid downloading applications from third-party sites. You don’t know if they could have modified that program, it could be dangerous and a fake copy. There are many platforms on the Internet that are not reliable and you should never download software from there.
Be careful downloading from ads
Yes, you could also come across ads offering to download applications. Be careful with this, as in many cases it could be a trap. They may announce a popular program that many people want to download. They may even show that it is an update, so you can have the latest version.
The problem is that, sometimes, you will go to a fake page to download that program. It is advisable that you take measures, that you always observe the URL very carefully and go to the official website instead of accessing from third-party sites that you cannot trust 100%.
Check comments and ratings
You can always see the comments and ratings of other users. Before you, there are surely many who have downloaded and installed that application. You can see what information they have shown, if they have positively rated that program or, on the contrary, have warned that it may be a threat.
You will mainly see this in application stores. For example, in Google Play you can see the rating of each program that you are going to install. You can also see it in browser extensions and add-ons.
Be careful with added accessories
If you are installing a program with add-ons, be careful. In many cases, you may encounter a message inviting you to install other software during the installation process. That can be a trap. It could be an application that starts spying on you or sneaks in some type of malware.
It doesn’t mean that every plugin you add is malicious, but you should always be careful and check what you are installing. This will help you avoid security problems and keep privacy always present.
Always scan with an antivirus
Something that cannot be missing is having a good antivirus. When you download a program, you should run the antivirus and detect if it contains any type of malware. This will be of great help to avoid security problems. You can do it both on the computer and on mobile devices, since the risk is always present.
We recommend that you use an antivirus that is quality, guaranteed, and that can really detect malicious software. There are many options available. You can always inform yourself well on the Internet and decide which one to install.
In short, when you are going to install a program, keep in mind these recommendations that we have given to avoid malware. This will help you protect your security and prevent the entry of viruses, whether on your mobile or computer.
