Dangers of Free Downloads
Free Downloads Can Be Dangerous
Since the dawn of the public Internet, the concept of file sharing has been a part of it. Dating back to a time when computer users would use a dial-up modem to patch into local bulletin board systems, the ability to download files for free has been around.
However, even back then in the mid-1980s, cybercriminals were up to the task, masking malware within 8-bit games and pictures that could be downloaded for free. But now, especially since the Internet has grown from a few thousand “computer nerds” who dialed into BBS into a massively popular form of entertainment for everyone, the threats from free downloads has multiplied immensely.
As the Internet grew in popularity (especially with computer novices), and the World Wide Web came into existence, so did dedicated file sharing sites. Now cybercriminals had their infectious software available to the masses, and not just to people in the same area code dialing into the same bulletin board.
Outside of dedicated file sharing sites, many free downloads on the Internet aren’t specifically on file sharing sites. They can be found on seemingly reputable sources (and many perfectly reputable sites), as well as sites dedicated into duping people to downloading malware.
It goes without saying that not every free download available on the Internet is dangerous. There are some free downloads that are beneficial that come from reputable sources, and some that are even necessary. However, don’t let that be a false sense of security.
Here are some of the dangers of downloading free software from unfamiliar or unreliable sources:
Viruses
Computer viruses are the original malware. They are programs that can be deposited into a computer, and once executed, can replicate themselves. Some can be simple annoyances; while other can cause such horrific damage that they can cripple or even permanently crash a computer.
It was the first way that cybercriminals (or, at the time, mostly pranksters) found to infect other computers. With the introduction of those small-time bulletin boards and chat programs (such as IRC) also came the beginning of file sharing.
The two events go hand in hand. Viruses need to be physically executed by the computer user in order for them to work their damage, so the “best” strategy to implement them is to attach them to a file that the receiver will open. With a computer expert having easy access to the software, the ability to alter it with a virus, and then put it back up for multiple people to download it (instead of having to hand it around to friends on a floppy disk), viruses were shown to be a viable way of spreading malware.
Adware
Adware is malware that forces unintended advertising upon the victim, and also is a popular addition to free downloads. This can be done several ways. It can create unwanted pop-up advertising. Many times, these unwanted pop-ups are for offensive Web sites, such as pornography, or they may be in the form of scareware. Scareware is false advertisements that claim that a computer has a virus or other infection, and then defrauds the victim by either selling them software that doesn’t work, or leads them to download more malware onto their computer.
Adware can also force Web browsers to display advertising that is different from the ones that advertisers paid to be seen. This can happen for traditional ads in the margins of Web sites, or even the paid ads on top of search engine rankings. This not only may lead a victim to go to a harmful site, but also may cost the Web site and the real advertiser the honest revenue.
Adware is quite commonly attached to free online games that are available from downloads, even from seemingly reputable sites.
Spyware
Spyware is a malware program that can collect data from the targeted computer. Unlike viruses and adware, which are always malicious, Spyware can in fact come from reputable sources. This type of adware usually comes from reputable companies who only want to track their software’s usage. However, this is dangerous, as any form of malware can alert cybercriminals to an infected computer and opens the door for more damage to be done.
Other types of spyware are dangerous from the start. These are programs like keyloggers that can record any data typed into a Web browser, easily capturing personal data. Other forms of spyware include programs that can view private files or even watch what is displayed on the target’s monitor in real time, which can lead to embarrassing situations.
Prevention
Some free downloads are completely safe, and are important to take care of, such as security patches and updates for operating system software, or software like Adobe Reader, Adobe Flash Player or Shockwave Player, Quick Time browser plug-in or Java Virtual Machine. However, even in this situation, it’s important to take preventative measures in order to stay safe.
First, install subscription-based antivirus software like one of the Norton 360 options. A valid subscription is important in order to have the latest software version and definition files. This can alert a computer user if the file they’re downloading is dangerous. Also, learn about which Web sites are safe and which are dangerous. If a site seems strange or a free file seems too good to be true, it probably is. Using common sense is the best way to protect against becoming infected from free downloads.