You can download videos safely if you have a safe environment on the device you are using, be careful when choosing video sources, and always use an antivirus program. Make sure that your browser, operating system, and antivirus are updated with the latest security fixes. When downloading videos on a site, make sure that the site has a good reputation. If you're unsure about which file to download or where to host the video, look elsewhere for it.
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Method 1 of 2: Downloading Safely and Taking Best Actions
Step 1. Make sure your web browser is updated
Update your web browser to enable the latest security fixes when you surf the internet. Most modern browsers will update themselves in the background.
- To update Chrome, go to " Menu > Settings > About ". Chrome also flags downloaded files as suspicious and asks if you want to keep them. When in doubt, select " Discard ".
- To update Firefox, click "☰ > ? > About Firefox ".
- If you are using Safari, please update this browser by going to the App Store and clicking the "Update" tab.
- Now Microsoft will automatically update Internet Explorer/Edge. If you are running an operating system older than Windows 10, download the latest updates for Windows and Internet Explorer by going to " Control Panel > Windows Update ".
Step 2. Make sure you are using an updated operating system
By updating the operating system, your device will have the latest security fixes. While this is not the most effective solution for downloading risky files, it will keep your computer safe from potentially harmful files.
- For Android users, check for the latest software available for this device by going to " Settings > About > System Updates ". Keep in mind that the availability of system updates may vary depending on the mobile operator and the age of the device being used.
- If you are using iOS, check for the latest software by going to "Settings > General > Software Update". Older devices may not be compatible with the latest OS updates.
- For Mac OS users, go to " App Store " and select " Updates ". If you're using an older Mac, or when the App Store isn't available, choose " Apple Menu > Software Update ".
- Windows 10 will automatically download and install any available updates (you cannot disable this feature). For users of older versions of Windows, go to " Control Panel > Windows Update ".
Step 3. Avoid file-sharing programs and sites
Torrent sites are tempting places to download videos, but they often contain a lot of dangerous files. Also, you can't be sure if the downloaded file is what it says before you open it.
If you prefer to use a file-sharing program, make sure you have an antivirus installed to check the downloaded file before opening it
Step 4. Choose trusted software
There are many video downloader programs to choose from. Look for programs that are well-rated and frequently downloaded. Open source applications are a safe choice.
- Most open source programs will mention it on their product page.
- If you're using a browser that supports extensions, such as Chrome, use " store " to search for free file downloader extensions. There are many programs here with varying quality and popularity ratings, and they can only be installed on a limited basis for your browser environment.
Step 5. Only download files from trusted sources
You'll have to spend a lot of money if you want to get videos from a reputable source, like the Play Store, iTunes store, or Amazon. If you want to get videos from free sites, choose well-known sites like YouTube or Vimeo.
- Downloading videos on YouTube is a relatively safe option because the videos there are are unlikely to be embedded with malware. In addition, you can preview the video before downloading. Be careful when looking for a downloader program. Make sure you download it from a reliable source, and that the program has a good reputation as well.
- A number of sites that sell TV/Movies sometimes also offer free videos. For example, Google Play has a number of episodes (and sometimes full movies) that can be downloaded for free. You must have a Google account to watch it. You can also download it to your mobile device using the Google Movies app.
- Some browsers like Chrome and Firefox will block sites that are known to carry malware. If this happens, you will receive a full-page notification.
- If you have any doubts about the reliability of a site, look it up on Google first.
Method 2 of 2: Using a Virus Scanner Program
Step 1. Download and install an antivirus program
You can use a reliable and free antivirus program like AVG, ClamWin, or MalwareBytes.
- Clamwin is the simplest program and takes up the least amount of system resources, while AVG has the most comprehensive features of the three programs. When installing ClamWin, make sure to select the "Integrate with Windows Explorer" option so you can right-click and scan video files in Explorer.
- Some programs like McAfee, Norton, or Symantec are very popular and effective, but you have to buy them.
- Antivirus programs for mobile devices are also created by several companies, but are often deemed unreliable and eventually removed from the Play Store or App Store. To replace this app, use your mobile device with caution.
Step 2. Enable automatic updates
It is very important to keep antivirus definitions updated in order for the software to be effective. Most programs are set to do this automatically, but you can also set the time interval manually if you prefer.
- Virus definitions in ClamWin are automatically updated in the background. If there is an update for the software itself, you will be notified automatically.
- You can schedule updates in AVG by going to " Options > Advanced > Schedule Settings > Definitions Update Schedule ".
- Virus definitions for Malwarebytes will be updated automatically. If you wish, you can also download it manually from the official website.
Step 3. Scan the file you downloaded immediately
When downloaded, most files will be scanned by web browsers and antivirus programs. You can also perform a manual scan by right-clicking (Ctrl click on Mac computers) the video file and selecting "Scan With… ".
Windows users who don't want to use a third-party antivirus program can perform a scan with Windows Defender
Tips
- If you are using Windows, check that Windows Defender/Windows Firewall is on and updated. You can check it via Control Panel under "System and Security". The latest definitions can be obtained through Windows Update.
- Virus scanners sometimes report incorrect results (e.g., giving a trojan warning when it doesn't exist). However, frequent virus scans are not a bad thing.
