How to avoid downloading malware on the forums

[test222]

I will update this guide periodically as I find new types of malware and ways people are spreading it.
If I've missed something feel free to comment and I will add it in and credit you at the bottom.
IF this could get pinned somewhere that would be great.
There are a few simple rules you can follow to keep yourself safe.
In no specific order:

• Negative Likes - If a thread has a negative amount of likes don't download it.
• OP has a recently created account or isn't upgraded. For extra security always download from upgraded or old members.
• Posts which have just been posted. If a post is only five minutes old. Give it an hour or so before downloading.
• Password protected ZIP files. These are commonly used to drop malware onto machines. If something has a password, just leave it.
• ENABLE SHOW FILE EXTENSION. You can get viruses from .txt files. Yes. Believe it or not people can name a file combo.txt.exe and if you have this disabled then it will only show combo.txt and you will inadveradly run an executable.
• ONLY RUN FILES IN A VM OR A SANDBOX ENVIROMENT. For extreme protection you can run it in a sandbox in a VM this will give you the most amount of security