Privacy, Devices & Citizenship · lesson 8 of 17 · 15 min
Safe downloads
Downloading means copying a file from the internet onto your device. Downloads can be completely safe — like getting a new app from an official store — or very dangerous, like downloading a file from an unknown website that secretly contains malware.
Malware (short for “malicious software”) is harmful software that can steal your personal information, slow down or damage your device, lock your files and demand money to unlock them, or even let attackers take control of your device without you knowing. It often hides inside files that look completely harmless — a game, a document, a photo, or a video.
The key to safe downloading is knowing where your files come from and only downloading from sources you trust. When in doubt, always ask a trusted adult before downloading anything new.
Safe download rules: Only download apps from official stores (App Store, Google Play). Never download files from websites you do not trust. Always ask a trusted adult before downloading anything new. If your antivirus warns you about a file — stop and do not continue.
Safe vs. dangerous download sources
✅ Generally safe sources
- Apple App Store
- Google Play Store
- Microsoft Store
- Official websites of well-known companies
- Your school or teacher providing a file directly
❌ Risky — avoid
- Unknown websites with lots of pop-up ads
- Links sent by strangers in messages
- Free versions of paid apps from unofficial sites
- Files that appeared without you looking for them
- Downloads that your antivirus flags as suspicious
Red flags in downloads
Watch for these warning signs that a download might be dangerous:
- The website looks unofficial or has lots of pop-up ads.
- The file is a “free” version of something that normally costs money.
- You did not go looking for it — it just appeared or was sent unexpectedly.
- The file type is unexpected (like a game that downloads as a .exe or .zip file).
- Your antivirus software warns you about it.
- The file size seems wrong — much smaller or larger than expected.
Key words to remember
- Download
- Malware
- Official app store
- Antivirus software
- Ransomware
Match each download safety concept to its description
Safe downloads — quiz
Where is the safest place to download apps?
- Any website that offers free downloads
- Official app stores like the App Store or Google Play
- Links sent by strangers in messages
- Pop-up ads on websites
Answer: Official app stores like the App Store or Google Play
Official app stores review apps for safety. Third-party sites may offer apps with hidden malware.
What is malware?
- A type of software update
- Harmful software that can steal information or damage your device
- A safe app for kids
- A type of Wi-Fi network
Answer: Harmful software that can steal information or damage your device
Malware is malicious software designed to harm your device or steal your information.
A free version of a paid app from an unofficial website is always safe to download.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Free versions of paid apps from unofficial sites often contain malware hidden inside.
What should you do if your antivirus warns you about a file you are downloading?
- Ignore the warning and continue
- Stop immediately and tell a trusted adult
- Download it anyway — antivirus is usually wrong
- Delete the antivirus software
Answer: Stop immediately and tell a trusted adult
Antivirus warnings are serious. Stop the download and tell a trusted adult.
What is ransomware?
- A type of safe app
- Malware that locks your files and demands money to unlock them
- A software update
- A type of Wi-Fi
Answer: Malware that locks your files and demands money to unlock them
Ransomware is a dangerous type of malware that encrypts your files and demands payment to restore access.
A file that appeared on your device without you looking for it is probably safe.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Files that appear without you downloading them are a major red flag — they could contain malware.
What does antivirus software do?
- Makes your internet faster
- Scans your device for malware and warns you about dangerous files
- Updates your apps automatically
- Manages your passwords
Answer: Scans your device for malware and warns you about dangerous files
Antivirus software protects your device by detecting and warning you about malicious files.
Which of these is a red flag that a download might be dangerous?
- It comes from an official app store
- The website has lots of pop-up ads and looks unofficial
- Your teacher provided the file
- The app has many positive reviews
Answer: The website has lots of pop-up ads and looks unofficial
Unofficial-looking websites with lots of pop-up ads are a warning sign that downloads may be unsafe.
What should you do before downloading anything new?
- Download it immediately
- Ask a trusted adult first
- Only download if it is free
- Download and then check if it is safe
Answer: Ask a trusted adult first
Always check with a trusted adult before downloading anything new — especially from unfamiliar sources.
Malware can hide inside files that look completely harmless.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Malware often hides inside games, documents, photos, or videos that appear safe — always download from trusted sources.
Try it: Safe download or not?
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