Many people use the internet to search for free software to complete tasks such as document editing, changing screen savers, downloading fonts, and scanning for viruses. Yet freeware is not a bargain when your employees are dealing with system crashes, bandwidth slowdowns, data breaches, malware attacks, and more. These free software installations can cost companies thousands of dollars in reduced employee productivity, lost data, identity theft cleanup, and lawsuits. Additionally, efforts to remove unwanted settings often fail without an IT expert.
What should you watch out for when downloading free software?
- Fake download buttons: Most freeware sites, such as CNET Downloads and SourceForge, use display advertising to generate profits. Some of these ads include download buttons that appear to be part of the site but instead direct you to another site. When you hover your mouse over these ads, they will include “googleads.g.doubleclick.net.” Some ads may also include an AdChoices small triangular shape in the upper right-hand corner.
- Options for partner software installations: Many free software sites require you to use their installer to activate the program. Some sites will force or trick you into installing additional software by pre-selecting the option. They rely on users clicking the Next button in the installation dialog to proceed.
What can happen if you download malicious freeware?:
- Browser hijacking: The software will modify computer settings and install a random-looking search engine, such as Conduit Search or MyStart.IncrediBar Search, and Snap.do.
- Suspicious pop-up advertisements: You or your employees will notice a significant increase in pop-up ads, particularly on dating and porn sites. These pop-ups disrupt viewing of online content and can steal your personal information.
- Extra toolbars: A strange toolbar will suddenly appear on your browser and cover parts of the website’s page that you want to see. When you or your employees attempt to remove the rogue toolbar, it keeps reappearing.
- Redirects to undesirable websites: When searching in a browser and clicking a link, you will be redirected to an unwanted site each time.
How can you protect your workspace from malicious freeware?:
- Use comprehensive endpoint protection: Symantec Endpoint Protection not only removes viruses and malware but also helps your employees identify unsafe websites. Your IT department should run scans on your employees’ workstations regularly.
- Use ad-blocking software: AdBlocker Plus blocks banner, pop-up, and video ads to prevent them from interrupting your browsing.
- Create a restore point on your computer: Windows System Restore lets you roll back your computer to a time before the problems occurred. While the function will remove the program and system files installed after this point, it will not affect your documents and photos.
- Research software before downloading: If you find free software on a site such as CNET Downloads that meets your requirements, check review sites and message boards to confirm it does what it claims. If others are claiming the software contains malware, avoid it.
- Run data backups regularly: We recommend backing up your business workstations both on-site and off-site. Veeam Backup & Replication can archive your data to an on-site device and to an off-site cloud storage provider, such as Windows or Amazon. That way, if malware does take over your computer, your critical business data will still be intact.
- Only download from trusted sites: Ideally, download your free software directly from the vendor, such as Microsoft or Adobe. If the website looks like amateurs in their basement created it, steer clear. Do the same if you are in the US and the website redirects to a .ru or .pl domain, especially for torrent and peer-to-peer sites such as BitTorrent and FileHippo.
- Look before clicking: Do not rush through the installation. When installing software, check which options have a checkmark before clicking Next. Also, remove checkmarks for any extra partner toolbars and software.
- Consider well-known cloud-based applications instead: Many productivity applications, such as Microsoft 365, Evernote, Dropbox, and FreshBooks, let you enter your information directly into your browser-based account. Our blogs, “Cloud Applications for Businesses” and “Mobile Applications for Business Usage,” can provide ideas. Even a small monthly payment for a well-known program is a better value for your business than taking your chances with a free application.
SwiftTech Solutions, a managed IT services provider, can analyze your business’s IT systems, help you choose productivity software, and set up a network security plan. If any programs infected your business workstations, SwiftTech can help you remove malware and recover your data. You can call 877-794-3811 or email info@swifttechsolutions.com for a free consultation.
SOURCES
Pirillo, C. Is it really safe to download software? (2009, April 22). Retrieved from: http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/expert.q.a/04/22/downloading.software/index.html?iref=24hours
Wasserman, E. Why Free Software Downloads Aren’t Always Safe. Retrieved from: http://us.norton.com/yoursecurityresource/detail.jsp?aid=freewarerisks
Defending The Net. I downloaded a free screensaver, now my computer is acting up! Why did this happen? Retrieved from: http://www.defendingthenet.com/downloadingfreestuff.htm
IDC. The Dangerous World of Counterfeit and Pirated Software. (2013). Retrieved from: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/news/download/presskits/antipiracy/docs/idc030513.pdf
Pytlovany, B. The Dangers of Downloading Free Software. (2012, October 21). Retrieved from: http://billpstudios.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-dangers-of-downloading-free-software.html
NetSafe. Download dangers: what is safe to download online? Retrieved from: http://www.netsafe.org.nz/download-dangers-what-is-safe-to-download-online/
Whitley, C. Risks to Watch For When Downloading & Installing Free Software. (2011, December 2). Retrieved from: http://www.7tutorials.com/risks-watch-when-downloading-installing-free-software