RAR Files

 

What are RAR files?

A Roshal Archive Compressed, or RAR file, is a compressed file that contains multiple files and folders inside of it.

 

In essence, a RAR file is similar to a normal folder on your computer. It holds your files like normal, but in a compressed state that requires specialized software to open and extract.

What are RAR files used for?

RAR files can be used in multiple ways, but the primary advantage of RAR files is compression.

 

Because the data within a RAR file has been compressed down to a smaller size, download times are much faster and the data takes up much less space on your drives – meaning fewer costs associated with storage.

 

RAR files can also be password-protected and encrypted, so the contents of these files are only accessible to those who know the password. At any time, you can extract the data from the RAR file and use the files as per usual.

 

Common uses of RAR files are:

• Storage of software and other online content downloads
• Storage of large documents or other files
• Keeping sensitive and private files password-protected
• Sharing a large number of files at once.

Are RAR files dangerous?

When you download a RAR file, you are actually downloading multiple compressed files. If you are downloading a RAR file from a legitimate source, the files contained within the RAR are likely safe.

 

However, if you're not sure about the source, then there is definitely a chance that one or more files are unsafe, even if others in the RAR file are valid. For example, there’s a chance that compressed PDF files have a virus.

 

A RAR file from an unsafe source could contain many different types of malware, including:

• Keyloggers
• Cryptocurrency miners
• Ransomware
• Rootkits
• Spyware
• Trojans
• Viruses
• Worms
• Heuristic viruses.