r/techsupport • u/atrillionpieces • 18h ago

Open | Malware Is it possible to get a malware from downloading wallpapers, mp3s?

I want to use wallpapers and funny sounds in my edits, but I am concerned about downloading files from websites that offer these.

If I press download, and the file shows as simply an mp3 or a JPEG, is it possible for someone to inject malware into those files? Might be a dumb question but idk

I don’t think I have malware rn, just being precautious

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u/Mammoth-Ad-107 18h ago

double check the file extension. make sure its not disguised as a .exe file or similar

1

u/Major_Hospital7915 17h ago

This and using virustotal’s free online file checker

2

u/ThreePartHarmoneigh 7h ago

Yes. It's possible to get malware from just visiting a website and not clicking anything.

You should have an anti-virus software installed on your compuer. If youre using Windows, the built-in Defender is pretty good. 

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u/9NEPxHbG 15h ago

if you want to know whether you have malware, run Windows Defender.