Avoid Viruses By Using Common Sense

Hi,

I've Decided to make a little tutorial about how to avoid viruses when downloading files.

[size=medium][Downloading Stuff][/size]

Of course everyone is downloading music, Videos, Images, Games etc etc. and if you are unlucky you can easily get viruses. So this is how you avoid getting viruses by downloading things.

You only Download from a trusted site. and not a unsecure site.
To recognize a unsecure site is easy. i'm not saying that every site like this is unsecure but mostly. If the website you want to download from have many ads like " you're the 1001 person to visit this site! " and the site is very sloppy, You should consider to find you download elsewhere. The most secure websites is the most known. The piratebay for example, Many people download here and there is mostly trusted people that upload. But beware here aswell! the more popular the site is the more targeted it is. But Read comments and ratings before you download.

P2P programs ( LimeWire bearshare ETC)

This is a very popular way for people to download, But Can be Very unsecure since you can't read other peoples experience on the file. But the most targeted here is people with bad Computing experience and want to download the new rihanna single. becuase most of the music files on P2P are viruses disguised as sound files. it's so easy to get virus by just searchin "the new single from that artist" download the file, opens it and it plays music While something you don't want enter you system.

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Files that are INFECTED
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If you've just downloaded a Music for or image etc etc check that your file is .jpg .png .wav .mp3 ETC and not .exe becase if it is an .exe it's guaranteed that it contains a virus.
Something else that is popular for people to put virus in is cracks for games. then the file is .exe first you scan the file with your antivirus if it don't find anything upload it to VIRUSTOTAL or NoVirusThanks and check the result. if no result the file should be secure but be aware the file you may be downloading could be cryptered so be careful.


So what is a Crypter and what does it do?

A crypter is a tool which makes the virus FUD= Fully Undetectable which can be hard for the antivirus to pick up so whats my advice to you Get: [Avira Antivirus Free Edition] Here is the LINK. And why you should get Avira well avira detects most crypted viruses and its hard to bypass.

[size=medium](Sandboxie)[/size]

What is Sandboxie?

Sandboxie runs your programs in an isolated space which prevents them from making permanent changes to other programs and data in your computer.

(Benefits of the Isolated Sandbox)

*Secure Web Browsing: Running your Web browser under the protection of Sandboxie means that all malicious software downloaded by the browser is trapped in the sandbox and can be discarded trivially.

*Enhanced Privacy: Browsing history, cookies, and cached temporary files collected while Web browsing stay in the sandbox and don't leak into Windows.

*Secure E-mail: Viruses and other malicious software that might be hiding in your email can't break out of the sandbox and can't infect your real system.

*Windows Stays Lean: Prevent wear-and-tear in Windows by installing software into an isolated sandbox.


Download Link:Sandboxie

(Targeted People And Files)


The most targeted files for viruses is Music & cracks. Because it's what people are downloading most. The more popular the game or song is the higher chance for virus.

The most popular targets is people with low computer experience or gamers. and the files are mostly equipped with dumpers.

Music= P2P and torrent sites. ( targets is to gain Mail, social sites. ebay and PayPal ETC
Cracks= Torrent sites and forums. ( same as above but targets here are steam, MMO accounts ETC that the gold companies want a hand on)


(Short & Easy)


1. Download from trusted sites & uploaders at that site.
2. check if the file extension is right that an image is .jpg and not .exe.
3. Scan downloaded files with antivirus and online virus scanner.
4. Check comments on file before you download. don't download if bad comments.
5. Don't download files that you get in PM from someone that links you to a upload site. it may not be a virus but beware!

Yup that's it! i hope I've managed to write something that may get people to think a little security when they are downloading :smile:

Happy downloading and stay secure!

Thanks For Reading

Source: hackforums