Understanding Zip Files, Viruses, and Zip Bombs
- Zip Files: These are storage formats, which compress several files into one single shipment package. This makes files smaller in size and therefore improves the ease of managing and transferring files.
- Viruses: Meaningful software is the one to damage the computers or steal the users’ information. This type of virus can be encased in the files that are located inside an archive. zip folder.
- Zip Bombs: Also known as decompression bombs, these are maliciously crafted zip files designed to crash or freeze your computer by causing an extreme load on your system resources when decompressed.
How To Scan Zip Files For Viruses And Zip Bombs?
A Zip File is a binary file format that creates a single file for multiple files for easy access as well as facilitates to sharing of large as well as multiple files over the internet. It provides user convenience in that it enables people to transfer, store, and share relatively small files. However, this convenience comes with a risk: Just like regular folders, zip files contain files and folders and might contain viruses, or a specific type of virus called zip bomb.
These threats are detrimental to the security of your computer since they can erase your data, freeze the operating system, or grant third parties access to information they are not supposed to see.
Here in our article, let’s follow through on how one can properly scan zip files for all these threats and how to ensure your computer’s safety. The preceding sections outlined the steps of using a good antivirus program, other stand-alone anti-virus programs, and online virus scanning services, in this part, there are other useful tips to avoid zip bombs.