File sharing, whether we’re referring to files shared legitimately or those illegal files being spread, and the software associated with it aren’t going anywhere. Chances are you use one or more file sharing program yourself — and, if you’ve been using it long enough, chances are you’ve accidentally downloaded at least one malicious program. Whether or not that program infested your system and caused a major headache, the experience likely reminded you that it’s a risky world. Whether you’re in the group of people who has already faced such an incident or you’re wisely taking precautions before anything of that manner occurs, there’s are several precautions you can take to ensure computer safety when using file sharing program.
The first thing to do is get a file sharing program that is current, legal, and secure. Ares is a great option, since it is open source and free of charge. Thanks to its open source status, Ares typically has any security holes patches within just days of discovery.
Next, when doing file sharing, keep the following in mind:
-Illegal software is a perfect hiding spot for malware. After all, you’re not going to raise a legal fuss if your system is infested! Thus, breaking the law also increases your chances of breaking your computer.
-Check your file size. Files that are too large or too small may well be malicious in nature.
-Beware of compressed files. You won’t be able to see what files are inside, and it’s more difficult to scan these compressed folders for malicious software.
Additionally, once you’ve completed your download through Ares, it’s a good idea to scan not just the file, but the entire download folder to be certain that nothing has slipped past your radar.
Good luck, and happy downloading!
