Tricked into Downloading Malware!

Believe it or not, if you get malware on your computer, the chances are very good that you downloaded it yourself!

Of course, you didn't download the malware intentionally.  Instead, a smart scammer tricked you into doing it.  Even your security and anti-virus software may not protect you from these types of viruses and malware, since you download it yourself.  Scammers have gotten extremely sophisticated.

How Scammers Trick You Into Downloading Malware

So, how do they do it?

First, they advertise free games, programs, videos or music.  You may see the promotions in an email, on social media or as an advertisement.

Next, when you try to open these items, you get a message that says you do not have the right software or that you need a software upgrade in order to get the free programs to work.

Naturally, you do a search to find the right software.  In the case of a video, they may suggest that need to add a special viewer or something else to your media player.  When you find the software or viewer, you download it.  No problem.  In fact, the games, programs, videos or music you want to use works just fine, so you are sure that everything you did was legitimate.

Unfortunately, this is not true.

When you downloaded the software, you may have also downloaded malware that can steal your private information or allow them to secretly use your computer for cybercrime!  You will have no idea this is happening.

Even when the crimes they are committing are not that serious, its possible that you may have inadvertently downloaded spyware that will allow them to sell your information, interests or search history to someone else.

How to Avoid Downloading Malware

First of all, think about this issue.  Any legitimate company will provide you with games, videos, programs and music that uses mainstream software.  They would not want to limit their customer base by requiring you to download anything special.  If a company says that you need to download something extra in order to get their items to work,  DO NOT DO IT!

Second, if you do need new software, only download it from legitimate sources like Microsoft or Apple.

Third, use anti-virus software and keep it up-to-date.  I also recommend that you use malware protection, too.  I like HitmanPro, but there are others.  HitmanPro was the only software that was able to remove some malware that I accidentally downloaded on my computer about a year ago.  (Yes, I'm speaking about this topic from experience, since I have fallen for these tricks myself.  I kept seeing an ad that told me I needed to update my Flash Player.  I clicked on it and, a few days later, I discovered that I had malware on my computer.  It cost me nearly $100 and hours of my time to get rid of it.)

Finally, keep your software and operating system up-to-date, as well.  The newer everything is on your computer, the less susceptible it is to malware ... although nothing is perfect.


Source:

http://www.scambusters.org/virusdownload.html

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Photo credit:  Photo taken by author, Deborah75; all rights reserved.