Beware of these free online converters! The FBI alerts certain tools that take advantage of the operation to install viruses on devices that use their services.
When a file refuses to open, this is generally due to the fact that the format of the file-that is to say the nature of a computer document which makes it possible to identify the software necessary for its reading-is not supported by the software trying to open it. This is where online converters intervene since they can, as their name suggests, convert files in many formats – Word, JPG, PNG, PDF …
ÇA too good, there are full on the internet! Just type “convert PDF into a free word” or “Download a YouTube video” in Google’s search bar to find dozens. The handling is fast, simple and, in addition, free. Also, most Internet users use these tools without asking questions too much.
And that’s the problem, because this kind of tool has many risks! Denver’s FBI office launches an alert on a scam that spreads quickly via free online file converters and sites that offer to merge several files into one. Indeed, these tools do what is asked for them, but with a small bonus: they install a charming malware, which will allow hackers to access the victim’s device.
Once downloaded by the Internet user, the malware will be able to quietly siphon all the personal data available on the computer or smartphone, including social security numbers, birth dates, electronic addresses, telephone numbers, bank details, passwords … When the victims realize it, it is generally too late. And the consequences can be disastrous: identity theft, computer blocking by a ransomiciel, unauthorized access to bank accounts, money theft, etc.
Malwarebytes researchers have already listed some conversion sites that propagate malware, and which must therefore be avoided:
Of course, this is only a sample. The Internet is a real Lerne Hydre: when a malicious site is closed, two others open. Also, in order not to be fooled, beware of the ads at the top of Google results or in advertisements that make too beautiful promises to be true (of the “Free conversion in 2 seconds!”), Because they are often bait. In addition, if a site asks you to download something before converting your file, it is that there is an entouroupe. Normally, everything is done in the browser, without installation.
If you ever have any doubts about a site, check in Google, by typing its name followed by “opinion” or “scam”, in order to see if internet users have had problems with. The best is to go through software that you use on a daily basis, and which often hide conversion functions of which you ignore existence. For example, on Windows, Microsoft Word and LibreOffice do the trick very well. On macOS, the applications seen, pages and Automator are quite sufficient. Obviously, there is the essential Adobe. No need to look far!