When this option is enabled, Windows will not display the file name extensions (.EXE. Disable Hidden File Name ExtensionsĪll current versions of Windows are initially installed with an option called 'Hide extensions for known file types' enabled. Of course, these guidelines don't apply only to Zip files they apply equally to any file type. Some email programs do not show this clearly, so you should make the effort to check. In the picture below, the email appears to be from Joy, but the email address has the name Mark. Faked emails may imply a friend's name, but have a different email address.

Avoid downloading Zip files from untrusted web sites.

Some viruses spread by emailing copies of themselves to everyone in the contact lists of infected computers this means that you can receive infected files even from people you know. If an unexpected Zip file is attached to an email from someone you know, consider verifying with the sender that the attachment is legitimate.

Never open a Zip file that is attached to email from an unknown source.

Make regular use of WinZip's Check for Updates feature to insure you have the latest version installed.

Windows Update also has an automatic update facility that can help keep you up to date.

You should also use Microsoft's Windows Update feature to be sure that you have Microsoft's latest fixes for your version of Windows.

Consider also installing an application to prevent and clean out malware and spyware, such as WinZip Malware Protector.

Most anti-virus programs have an automatic update facility that can help with this. Also, because new viruses are discovered almost daily, be sure to keep your anti-virus program up-to-date. We also recommend that you enable this option. Most virus scanners can also be configured to scan email as it arrives and quarantine infected messages. We recommend that you configure your anti-virus program to scan all files that you work with in real time.

It is very important to have a good anti-virus program installed on your computer.

WinZip Computing recommends that all WinZip users upgrade to the latest version of WinZip, because it contains important security related fixes and enhancements.

Here are some steps you can take to help protect yourself from viruses, trojans, and other malware that may be distributed in Zip files: System Protection and Updates However, they have been used by malicious individuals to hide the fact that they are sending harmful files. Zip files by themselves are not harmful or dangerous.

Are .rar files safe