Google Chrome users can opt to have the Web browser ask where they would like to place a file every time one is downloaded, or they can select a location to automatically place all downloaded files. Those who are Mac OS users have a slightly different process for finding the location of their recently downloaded files. The default Web browser on Mac computers is Safari.
Users of this Web browser can locate their Downloads folder by clicking on Downloads located on the Dock. Another method for navigating to the Downloads folder for Safari users is to click on Go from the Finder, and then click on Downloads.
Mac and Safari users who want to specify which folder they want to send their files to are unable to change their preferences. The files can be moved after they are downloaded, but users will always find them defaulted to the Downloads folder.
This malware consists of software installers that deceive users into thinking some legitimate software is being installed, while in fact malware is being installed instead. Alternatively, malware may be installed alongside the actual software. Recently a new Bundlore variant was found that poses as a Flash Player installer surprise, surprise. The installer will load an invisible helper file, which in turn loads a shell script, which then downloads and executes Bundlore from a malicious domain, qaeqxa[.
Luckily, XOR is typically very easy to decipher—although sometimes malware authors will double-cycle XOR the data which makes it harder to translate garbled data into readable text. Image credit: Confiant. Unfortunately, Apple often notarizes Mac malware. Apple was notified when this discovery was made, and they promptly revoked the certificate associated with this account.
Check the source: Always download your programs from a trusted source. If you are downloading an addon from Mozilla or an installer from Microsoft, it is logical that it will not likely be a virus. But if you are nabbing pirated content from shady sources, or a plugin from a random site, then be doubly careful.
Use your judgement: A very important consideration before initiating a download. Look at the size of a file. If it is too small or large for what it is, it may well be junk. Be extra wary of executable files, not just the ones with the.
EXE extensions but also. SCR, and so on. Downloading and running these without proper scanning can potentially open up a can of worms on your computer. Look for a signature: Popular software is usually signed off with a license.
Windows usually throws up a security warning when you try to run downloaded programs from the web, particularly ones that it considers a threat to your computer security or privacy.
Be alert of attachments: Email and forum attachments, both, can be a source of headache. If you get files sent this way, only download and open content from people and places you trust. Scan before and after: Although scanning is no absolute guarantee, and antivirus programs are not perfect and may not detect new malware, it still is necessary for when you are downloading things from strangers and sources that you are not sure of.
Use an online solution to scan before you download, or put your trusty old installed program to use when you have downloaded your file. Long story short, you are the best defense against malicious files. There is no substitute for basic online security practices. These can often be the difference between a safe usage experience and one littered with phishing, adware, and ransomware threats. That said, there may be times when you might be concerned that a file might be malicious.
There are ways to perform more in-depth checks if you suspect a file is compromised. Remember those days when almost every antivirus provider had an online component that let you scan your files in a browser? Of course, you do! It was many years ago when free online scanners like these were the norm, made available as addons that needed to be installed and enabled on in the browser.
Furthermore, they had to be manually removed from the browser. No surprises then, that these services are not very popular these days. Their number has dropped from over 60 to around 5. Did you like this?
Follow me for more of the good stuff. About the Author Lenny Zeltser develops products and programs that use security to achieve business results.
0コメント