To Download or Not to Download from the Internet
These days, many of us use the Internet as often as we can. Using the Internet frequently brings us to websites where we find something of interest and start downloading it onto our computer.
We are more often than not fascinated by free offers or special deals, which might yet land us into trouble owing to a virus that, may be hidden deep into their beguiling attraction.
Also we need to be wary of certain attachments, which may appear in our inbox. All these downloads can launch a virus attack on our system with the aim of collecting information such as our financial or personal particulars and send it back to the person who has written the software.
Once they get the required information, these hijackers develop the capability to pilfer money from us by committing ‘identity theft’ or ‘identity fraud’. Millions of people have been victimized by identity theft and have lost large sums of money as a result. It is then necessary for us to protect ourselves from these crimes not just in the real world, but in the cyber world as well.
Given below are a few safety tips on how to handle mail attachments and other downloads from the net. Follow them for the safe of security.
Safety guidelines on opening applications
Always be extra careful while opening files that come from somebody you do not know. This may include email add-ons, instant messaging file transfers, and other files you may have downloaded from the Internet. A downloaded file might have a name or icon that makes it appear to be a document or media file (such as a PDF, MP3, or JPEG), while in reality it is a nasty application.
Distinguishing lawful and nasty applications
You must download and install applications only from sources you trust, like renowned application publishers, certified resellers, or other eminent distributors. It is also sensible to use good anti-virus software to examine any files before setting up.
Other safety tips
- You must check each phase of the process and read carefully before trusting the signer. Read the terms and conditions as well.
- Check boxes and choices to make sure that you get JUST information on the product/service you are fascinated in.
- You must use your Spam Solution Email address in all doubtful downloads.
- If you feel that you have made the wrong choice downloading a file, then delete it without any further delay.
- If you have set up a program, which you later feel is bad; you must uninstall it at once.
- Reboot your computer to clear up any changes.
If the problems persist, replicate the above process and also make sure you check for supplementary names the download may be known by.
