Watch Out: Free Tools May Contain Ransomware
Ever needed to convert a document — say, from Word to PDF — and turned to Google to find a quick, free tool?
It feels harmless, right?
Download, convert, done.
But what if that simple click opened the door to ransomware or data theft?
That’s exactly what the FBI is currently warning businesses about. Yes — the FBI.
File converters do exactly what they promise: turn one format into another. You might need to send a PDF version of a PowerPoint, or combine multiple images into a single document. Free tools for these tasks are everywhere, and many of them work well.
But that’s where the hidden risk lies.
Cybercriminals have started using free file converters to disguise more malicious software. On the surface, the tool functions as expected. Behind the scenes, it could be installing malware or even ransomware onto your device.
What’s the danger?
Malware is software designed to harm your system, steal information, or spy on your activity — all without your knowledge.
Ransomware is one of the most severe forms of malware. It locks your files and demands a payment (usually in cryptocurrency) to restore access. Imagine arriving at the office to find all your critical files locked away — and being forced to pay for the key.
Even worse, some of these converters scan the files you upload and extract sensitive information such as passwords, banking details, or employee data. If you’ve ever uploaded an invoice, a customer list, or anything containing confidential information, that data could be at risk.
Many of these tools appear completely legitimate — slick websites, smooth interfaces, and no obvious red flags. They do exactly what they advertise, making them hard to detect as threats.
What can you do?
If your team frequently needs to convert files, it’s far safer to use trusted tools from reputable providers — ideally ones with established security practices and data protection standards.
Understanding how these scams operate is your first layer of defence. Take time to review what tools your staff are using and whether those tools could be opening a security gap.
Need help improving your IT safety overall? Get in touch.
