We all know that downloading suspicious files is a good way to get a virus, but hackers are now able to disguise a file to make it seem harmless. They do this by changing or hiding the extension of the file.
What’s a file’s extension?
The extension is simply the three digit code at the end of a file’s name that we use to identify what it is . Commons example are “.mp3” or “.pfd”, but the most common is “.exe” which is what programs are… and viruses.
Hackers have many ways of hiding “.exe” in the file name, the easiest one is already done for them. Windows natural default is to hide the files extension to make it the title look cleaner. This is great news for hackers because they can call the file anything they want and chances are you won’t even see the extension.
Attackers also have clever software that allows them reverse the name of a file. This means that they can send you a virus called “fdp.exe” and have it show up on your computer as “exe.pdf” making you think it is a harmless pdf file.
Another way you might be making it easy for attackers to get into your computer is by using an administrative account. What an administrative account does is make it easier for you, and hackers, to install programs on your computer.
How do I spot a virus file?
- Change Windows default to show extensions
- Know your extensions
- Don’t use an administrative account
- Have a good Security Software
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