Beware Downloading Free Software (Apps)

An Annoying Security Risk Affecting Millions Of Internet Users
By Chris Morran | Consumerist.com

"Ad injectors work by replacing the ads that are supposed to be served to your browser or by inserting completely new, unwanted and unapproved ads. Many users affected by these injectors acquire them through free software downloads or extensions for their browsers.

On Google’s Online Security blog, the company says it has identified more than 50,000 extensions and 34,000 applications that worked as ad injectors."

My Comments About The Article AboveFrom my own experience I can attest downloading "freeware" carries risks. For years I used the free 'YouTube Downloader' software. It worked great downloading videos on many sites from 'Facebook' to 'Vimeo' and everywhere in between. I loved it. That was up to a few months ago. Now even though one may opt out of other programs when it installs it takes a life of it's own. I found it also installs at least four additional (what I consider) malware programs unbeknownst to users. Thank goodness through 'Norton Internet Security' and the fact I bought an entirely fresh new computer I'm rid of the beast.

For almost 20 years I've download free software without a problem. Things have changed. Almost all of them now have some sort of caveat attached to them. I admit I still use three or four freebies. However I use them cautiously. Each and everyone of them ask me if I want to update. When they do the answer is NO!

By allowing updating you are giving the programs permission to reinstall. Along with that permission these programs upload to their authors logs and hell knows what else they wouldn't be allowed to do otherwise w/o your granting permission.

My Advice..
If you're willing to take the risks, don't update them unless (1) They cease to work or (2) If they are worth taking the chance for the things you actually use. (3) Run a complete security scan with a reliable program like 'Norton's' internet security program.

Even then there's no assurance. Unlike a few years ago there's almost nothing FREE that doesn't come w/o a price. Everybody's looking to make a buck.

The same goes for all those free apps offered by the newspapers, TV and thousands of others. Does anyone really believe these apps aren't reporting back or installing malware of their own? If so, get a hold of me. I can give you a great price on the Brooklyn Bridge.

FURTHER READING: How apps access your private information