| Internet downloads offer unlimited potential; if you want | | | | downloads, there are two things you can do. First, only |
| something, chances are there is a download for it. | | | | download from trusted sites such as CNet and |
| Because of the history of downloads and the uses | | | | TuCows. If you stumble into downloads that are not on |
| they have provided, most people have developed a | | | | trusted sites because of exclusivity, research the |
| mindset that with proper computer security and | | | | website by checking the Better Business Bureau or |
| internet security, downloads are harmless. | | | | using a search engine. Second, use integrity checking |
| Unfortunately, there is more to downloads than meet | | | | software to see if downloads have been altered. |
| the eye. | | | | Integrity checking software provides good computer |
| Have you ever had advertisements (i.e. adware) | | | | security and internet security because of what it |
| spontaneously pop up on your computer? What about | | | | examines. The software can be downloaded for free |
| dramatic decreases in computer security, speed and | | | | and analyzes MD5 hashes, which are like ID tags for |
| performance? Now you would think computer and | | | | downloads. MD5 hashes look like |
| internet security software would always detect these | | | | this:de4174sd23859b1f1fr147424328fb7m |
| things when they first appear on your system, but they | | | | These hashes can be trusted because the most minor |
| don't. Know this: computer security software, no | | | | modification will change virtually the entire string, thus |
| matter how expensive or how much is on your | | | | making it easy to detect unauthorized alterations or |
| system, will never provide 100% security. Hackers and | | | | malware in downloads. The software is easy to use |
| malicious software (a.k.a malware) developers know | | | | and can be done in three steps: (1) copy the MD5 hash |
| this and capitalize on people's ignorance, therefore | | | | supplied by the website, (2) download the file onto your |
| allowing them to infect people with ease. | | | | computer, and (3) use integrity checking software to |
| This is where psychological computer security and | | | | develop a MD5 hash of the downloaded file. If the |
| internet security come into play. Before you download | | | | hash from the website is identical to the one you |
| anything, make sure to use your judgment and | | | | created, it hasn't been modified and reduces the |
| common sense. This can be one of your best internet | | | | probability of malware infections! |
| security defenses against malware and it doesn't cost | | | | Now you know why psychological computer security |
| any money! With that in mind, just remember all | | | | is so important when it comes to malware infected |
| downloads are not created equal, which you will quickly | | | | downloads. There are a lot of times where internet |
| discover. | | | | security software will not help, thus leaving protection |
| Hackers and malware developers evade computer | | | | entirely up to you. While common sense and judgment |
| security by taking legitimate downloads and injecting | | | | can act as a double-edged sword, remember to use |
| homemade or pre-constructed malware in them. This | | | | the strategies above. Knowing and practicing what you |
| serves two purposes: (1) antivirus software will have | | | | now know about internet downloads will provide you |
| more troubles detecting malware within other files, and | | | | with above-average computer security and internet |
| (2) people will download and install the program since it | | | | security against malware, and you didn't even spend a |
| looks legitimate at face-value. | | | | penny to do so. |
| To protect yourself from running into malware infected | | | | |