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This is a process that everyone who downloads anything, from music to movies to games and even files, goes through.  

In the ever developing world, people are in constant need of different resources for their work, education, or entertainment. The internet, through sites and applications like Google, Wikipedia, and Play Store, among others, has facilitated people’s lives by providing a way to find said resources.

Though it is common to use the files one needs while displayed by the websites, it is more common to download the files to keep them for later use. Websites have also simplified the downloading process for their users to just a click on the ‘download’ button. Some of these sites include Play Store, Boom Play, Netflix, and many others, with most of them being for entertainment. While many provide safe files for downloads, the same can’t be said for others.

In search of affordable, fast, and easy ways to access files, people tend to go on sketchy websites and apps to find the resources they want. Even though they find the files they are looking for, they often don’t know that there is malicious ware accompanying the file. Something as undetectable as a virus is then used to wreak havoc on devices, deleting personal files, rendering the devices inoperable, and helping hackers to easily steal passwords.

So how can this be stopped before it even happens? First of all, everyone should keep their devices secured by keeping them up-to-date and running with software designed to scan, detect and delete malware from different devices which are known as antimalware and antivirus. One would think that this comes as an instinct with people using technological devices, but the number of people who don’t even know what an antivirus is often comes as a surprise.

Secondly, one should think twice before downloading a file. In the world of today, people often question free things when offered to them and are more cautious when receiving them. On the web, the same mentality should be used when provided with a link, a website, or an app that claims to offer free things without expecting anything in return. Therefore, the website or app user should know the exact source of what they are downloading, if it is safe or harmful for their devices and after making sure that the website or app’s license is legit, they should go ahead with their downloads.

Finally, the security and privacy setting should always be turned on for every laptop before browsing. This is a setting that blocks websites, internet browsers, and cable companies from accessing personal information. This is, therefore, highly recommended since it also acts as a shield and an identifier of malware trying to rob personal information. At the endpoint, it all comes to the person. It rests on the person’s choice to protect his or her personal files or just simply not. But with the disasters going on in our everyday lives, wouldn’t it be better if we could avoid this one?

The "Aspiring Journalists” initiative is a partnership between UNICEF and The New Times, encouraging young writers to develop and demonstrate their skills while spotlighting topics which are important to young people across Rwanda.