How Do You Check if There’s a Virus in a PDF?
Considering whether or not PDF files are viral is crucial in today’s world where viruses can get into various file formats and destroy our systems. PDFs are a common target for hackers because of their popularity. These cyber criminals use a set of PDF files to inject viruses or attach dangerous image names that lead users to websites full of cryptojackers that use your hardware to mine cryptocurrency for the benefit of hackers.
How PDFs Get Infected With a Virus
One of the ways that hackers started their scam was by publishing PDFs with deceptive names. These names not only infect your computer with a virus, but can also download malicious software from the websites they lead to. Also, the virus can be encrypted directly as a PDF file, which is specially designed to take advantage of system risks and infect all connected devices on the same network. JavaScript is often used to intelligently run these malicious scripts in the background without your knowledge, causing local damage or starting downloads of spyware.
How to Check if a PDF Has a Virus
To ensure your security, it is important to scan your PDF files for viruses before opening them, especially if they come from suspicious websites or attached emails. Most email providers scan PDF files automatically to find viruses, but it is recommended that you do additional scans after downloading them. The best anti-virus protection is to use antivirus software that has the ability to real-time scan. Fortunately, the Windows operating system comes with Microsoft Defender. Great antiviral solution. Follow these steps to check if PDF files are viruses:
- Move to your download folder
- Search for downloaded PDFs
- Right-click on the file and select “Scan with Microsoft Defender”.
- Check scan reports
If the report reads “no current threat”, that means the PDF will be virus-free. However, if the virus is detected, Microsoft Defender will give you the option of cleaning the virus ocean or removing it from the file.
How to Protect Yourself From Malicious PDF Files
Protecting yourself from malicious PDF files is important because it takes just one click without knowing to destroy your system. By applying these three best practices, you can reduce the risk:
- Learn to be aware of phishing attacks, especially by email. Hackers often send viral PDF files that are hidden as trusted emails, so it is important to avoid opening all these emails. Before downloading attachments, verify with the expected sender.
- Adobe Acrobat is a secure PDF viewer. These readers can block non-PDF attachments from opening apps. Disabling JavaScript and accessing PDFs in the cloud can protect you from fraudulent apps.
- Use Microsoft Defender to scan your PC and PDF files for infections. Frequent scans can detect and fix infections before they spread and cause damage.
How to Recover PDF Files Deleted by a Virus
Unfortunately, despite these precautions, there is still no 100% virus protection. If the virus slips through your security protections and deletes your PDF files, don’t be afraid. Professional data recovery tools like WinfrGUI can help you recover deleted file images. Follow these steps to recover PDF files that have been erased by the virus:
- Download and install WinfrGUI from the official website.
- Start the software and click on “Hard Drive and Location” to see the installed drivers.
- Select the drive with the deleted PDF file and start the scan process.
- When the scan is complete, please browse the recovered file and select the PDF file you want to receive.
- Click on “Recover” and select a suitable location to save the recovered files.
WinfrGUI has the ability to recover not only PDFs, but also missing emails, audio files, videos, pictures, and more from virus-infected devices.
Conclusion
In conclusion, opening a PDF file may be dangerous because it contains viruses. However, by following the recommended guidelines for scanning PDF files, learn how to recognize phishing attacks and use a reliable PDF reader. You can reduce the risk. In the unwanted case of PDF file loss with virus, professional data recovery tools such as WinfrGUI can help restore them.
Scan PDF For Virus: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is a PDF safe to open?
A: PDFs from trusted sources such as academic research, official company websites or well-known portals are generally safe to open. However, caution should be taken when downloading PDF documents from other sources or receiving them via email as they may pose risks.
Q: How can I download a PDF file?
A: Downloading a PDF file requires caution. Stick to an online library that requires user registration, verify the author’s name and name, use a PDF reader in the cloud and scan the PDF file before opening it for safety.
Q: Which PDF files usually contain viruses?
A: While ebooks may sometimes contain viruses, it is common to find viruses in ebooks presented by dangerous websites. These stations cheat users with promises to have free ebook names from famous authors, aimed at infecting their devices with viruses as part of a complex scam.
>>Also Read: Fixing the Error: PDF Preview Handler Not Working
