Even legitimate software can become dangerous if downloaded from a fake mirror site.
Here’s how to protect your downloads and your users from dangerous impersonators.
✅ 1. Always provide direct download links
Avoid:
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“Download manager” wrappers
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Third-party hosting with ads
✅ Link directly to .exe, .zip, or .msi files on your own server.
✅ 2. Use HTTPS — always
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No HTTPS = easy to spoof
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Use free SSL via Let’s Encrypt or Cloudflare
✅ Ensures the file can’t be modified mid-transfer.
✅ 3. Share checksum hashes publicly
For every file:
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Provide SHA256 or SHA1 hash
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Users can verify with tools like HashTab or built-in PowerShell
✅ Prevents silent tampering by third parties.
✅ 4. Avoid unknown file-hosting platforms
Don’t upload your software to:
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File-sharing forums
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Torrent sites
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Pop-up-laden file mirrors
✅ You lose control of the original file.
✅ 5. Monitor your brand name on Google
Use alerts like:
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inurl:yourdomain -
"your software name" download
✅ Alerts you if a fake mirror starts ranking or impersonating your site.
Key points to remember
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Use direct, HTTPS links
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Offer file hashes for user-side verification
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Avoid third-party mirrors that inject ads or malware
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Monitor your brand to catch impersonators early