When downloading software, especially from sources you might be unfamiliar with, it’s natural to question its legitimacy and safety. A common concern revolves around whether an installer could potentially contain malware. This is a valid concern in today’s digital landscape, where threats are constantly evolving.
Determining if software like the DeepSeek installer is safe requires careful steps. The absolute best practice is to always download software directly from the official website of the developer. Avoid third-party download sites, peer-to-peer networks, or links found in unsolicited emails, as these are common vectors for distributing malicious payloads disguised as legitimate software.
Once downloaded, even from an official source, performing a scan with a reputable, up-to-date antivirus program is highly recommended. Antivirus software can detect known malware signatures and flag suspicious behaviors.
Another critical step is verifying the digital signature of the installer file. Legitimate software developers often sign their executables with a digital certificate, which confirms the identity of the publisher and ensures the file hasn’t been tampered with since it was signed. You can typically check this by right-clicking the file, going to ‘Properties,’ and looking for a ‘Digital Signatures’ tab. If the signature is valid and matches the expected publisher (in this case, DeepSeek), it adds a significant layer of confidence in the file’s integrity.
Pay close attention during the installation process. Custom or advanced installation options often reveal bundled software – potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) or even malware – that you might unknowingly agree to install if you just click through using express settings. Always choose custom installation if available and carefully review every screen, unchecking anything you did not explicitly intend to install.
While we cannot definitively declare any specific installer free of malware without direct analysis and constant monitoring due to the dynamic nature of threats, following these practices provides the strongest defense against inadvertently installing malicious software. Prioritizing downloads from official sources, using robust security software, verifying digital signatures, and being vigilant during installation are the key steps to keeping your system secure. Always err on the side of caution when installing new software.
Source: https://go.theregister.com/feed/www.theregister.com/2025/06/11/deepseek_installer_or_infostealing_malware/
