What to Do If You Accidentally Downloaded a Suspicious File

Clicked the wrong link?
A download started and you didn’t mean to?
Don’t panic — but don’t ignore it either.

Here’s exactly what to do next to protect your system.

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✅ 1. Don’t open it

This is the most important step.

If the file is sitting in your Downloads folder:

• Leave it unopened

• Don’t double-click

• Don’t extract if it’s a .zip or .rar

✅ A downloaded file isn’t dangerous until it’s executed.

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✅ 2. Scan it with VirusTotal

Before deleting or opening:

1. Go to https://www.virustotal.com

2. Upload the file

3. Let it scan with 70+ antivirus engines

If flagged by multiple engines → delete immediately.
If it looks clean → still treat with caution.

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✅ 3. Run a full antivirus scan

Use:

• Microsoft Defender (Windows)

• Malwarebytes

• Kaspersky, Bitdefender, etc.

Do a full system scan, not just quick.

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✅ 4. Delete the file securely

Use a tool like:

• Eraser (Windows)

• Secure Empty Trash (macOS)

• Right-click → “Delete permanently” or “Shred”

✅ Then empty the recycle bin.

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✅ 5. Change important passwords (if unsure)

If you opened the file before realizing the risk:

• Change email, banking, and social passwords

• Enable 2FA wherever possible

• Monitor for suspicious activity

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Key points to remember

• Suspicious download? Don’t open it.

• Scan it first with VirusTotal and antivirus

• Delete it securely — don’t just drag to trash

• If it was opened, change passwords and scan again

• Better safe than sorry