Why are automatic browser downloads dangerous?
There are many browsers that we can use when connecting to the network. Most have different tools and settings that are generally similar. However, it must be borne in mind that security and privacy are fundamental factors and are not always present. Sometimes it is common to run into automatic downloads in browsers. This can be a problem, and we will explain why.
Automatic downloads are a security concern
What are automatic
downloads? Basically, we can say that an automatic download is when the
download of a file starts as soon as we enter a link, without
asking ourselves anything. Let's say we receive an email, a message
through social networks, or we simply enter a link from a third-party site. That
link leads to a path to download a PDF file, for example, and it starts
automatically downloading to our computer.
This is a problem that can put
our security at risk. Why is it dangerous? We may be
facing a malicious file that has been sent by email with the sole purpose of
stealing our data or infecting the computer. Maybe we have accidentally
hit that link. We have no margin to decide if we want to lower it or not.
The problem is that this is quite
common in browsers. It is true that some have been
implementing security improvements, including not allowing automatic downloads,
but many others continue to allow files to be downloaded automatically and
without user interaction directly on the computer.
There have been many cases of attacks using this method. Sometimes they are hidden as if they were a legitimate page to download an update, for example. Sometimes they offer the download of some type of program or any file that is actually a problem for the safety of users.
How to avoid problems with automatic
downloads
As we have
indicated, in some cases, browsers already prevent this type of problem. When
we come across a download of this type, it does not
automatically download the file. What it does, in this
case, is ask where we want to save it and if we really want to download it or
not.
Now, we must bear
in mind that we must make use of other tools and tips to avoid problems. Mainly
if our browser automatically downloads the files. We can come across a
malicious link that can introduce malware onto the computer.
Something that we
must take into account is the importance of having security
tools. Having a good antivirus will prevent the entry of
malware and avoid security problems. Let's say we mistakenly download a
file that can be potentially dangerous and steal information from your
computer. This antivirus will recognize it as a threat and will eliminate
it as soon as the download starts.
There are many security tools
that we have at our disposal, and this is something that we must apply
regardless of the type of operating system and device that we are using.
It is also
important to have the latest versions of the browser. On many
occasions, vulnerabilities arise that can be exploited by hackers to deploy
their attacks. They can take advantage of those flaws and compromise our
privacy and security. We can avoid this if we install the latest updates
that are available. In this way, we will not compromise our security when
we use the browser. It is something that, once again, we must apply to any
type of software or device that we are using.
It is possible that our browser has a configuration that
allows us to avoid automatic downloads. For this, we must enter the
configuration and change the option to automatically download the files. We
must check the box so that it always asks us where we want to save these files. This
will prevent them from being downloaded automatically and putting our security
at risk.
Last but possibly most important, common
sense. It is vital that we do not fall into potential
traps that compromise our security. We are talking, for example, about not
entering third-party sites that may be dangerous and automatically download
files. It is essential that we always take precautions when using email
and social media.
In short, these
are some interesting tips to avoid problems when we go to use the browser. We
leave you another article where we explain how to increase browser
security.