How to enable viewing document extensions on windows 10 systems to minimize the risk of opening dangerous ransomware files
One of the first clues you can use to quickly determine how dangerous is that file you are about to click, is the file extension. Whether it is a file you just downloaded from the internet, received from a coworker or copied from a USB drive the most accessible & visible visual clue will be its true file extension.
Download our infographic on what are the 10 most used dangerous file types attackers are employing to compromise Los Angeles Small Business Networks.
Having the option to view file extensions enabled on Windows 10 will help you avoid opening dangerous files that might compromise, encrypt or destroy important data and systems.
While not a foolproof method nor protection, having visual cues of a file threat level contributes in real time awareness, combined with other measures that you can take in protecting yourself and your business from malware, virus and crypto viruses. For a complete tutorial of what you can do to be better protected, please check out our “How to avoid getting hacked in 2020” guide.
Viewing known file extensions is disabled by default on Windows 10, this default setting is commonly used by criminals to mask very dangerous files disguised as harmless file types.
1. Click on the Start button in the task bar
2 – Open the Control Panel.
3 – Click Appearance and Personalization, choose File Explorer Options.
4 – In the File Explorer Options window that opens, click the View tab.
5 – Deselect Hide file extensions for known file types and click OK.
From this point on Windows 10 Operative system will show file extensions for any file on your system, allowing you to visually identify the potential threat level of that file you are about to click.
Please, make sure to read our guide “How to avoid getting hacked on 2020” to learn what steps you can take today to ensure your business and data are protected from potential attackers.
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