Safety First
The internet is full of malware, spyware, and bad actors. Before you download anything, read this.
Trust No One
Section titled “Trust No One”Even “trusted” sources can be compromised. Always verify what you download.
VirusTotal
Section titled “VirusTotal”VirusTotal is a free service that analyzes files and URLs for viruses, worms, trojans, and other kinds of malicious content.
How to use it
Section titled “How to use it”- Do not run the file you just downloaded.
- Go to VirusTotal.com.
- Upload the file (or paste the URL).
- Analyze the results:
- 0/70: Clean.
- 1-3/70: Likely a “false positive” (generic detection), especially for pirated/modded software (cracks often look like malware to antiviruses). Proceed with caution.
- Red Flags: If major vendors (Microsoft, Kaspersky, BitDefender, Malwarebytes) flag it, DELETE IT.
[!WARNING] VirusTotal is not a silver bullet. Fully Unicoded/FUD (Fully Undetectable) malware exists. Use common sense. If a 2GB game is a 5MB
.exefile, it is a virus.
Common Sense Rules
Section titled “Common Sense Rules”- Check Extensions: Ensure
movie.mp4is notmovie.mp4.exe. Enable “File name extensions” in Windows Explorer View settings. - Official Sources: Always try to download from the official GitHub, website, or F-Droid. Avoid “softonic”, “cnet”, or random download buttons.
- Sandboxing: If you are unsure, run the file in Windows Sandbox or a Virtual Machine first.