Some are legitimate, but it can be impossible to know at first glance or without risking finding out the hard way. — Freepik
WASHINGTON: If a product is offered to consumers for free, no strings attached, then the consumer is the product: Such seems to be the message from US officials on "free" file conversion websites.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is warning Internet users that many free online file conversion tools are often scams that install malware or ransomware, a form of extortion whereby hackers seize access to files or accounts until the victim pays a ransom.
"These converters and downloading tools will do the task advertised, but the resulting file can contain hidden malware giving criminals access to the victim’s computer," the FBI warns.
The US officials add that the trickery can also extend to searching the user's files for personal identifying information, bank details, email addresses and passwords.
A quick Internet search shows dozens, even hundreds, of websites offering to convert files, such as transforming YouTube clips into downloadable audio such as .mp3 files or changing image formats from .png to .jpeg.
Some are legitimate, but it can be impossible to know at first glance or without risking finding out the hard way.
"Unfortunately, many victims don’t realise they have been infected by malware until it’s too late, and their computer is infected with ransomware or their identity has been stolen," the FBI says in a March warning to consumers.
"By using one of these online converters you could be at risk of getting infected with ransomware or enable criminals to steal your data or identity in full," anti-virus software company Malwarebytes warns in a recent statement giving a list of virus-spreading file converter sites to avoid. – dpa/Tribune News Service
