What Are the Risks of Using Online File or PDF Converters?

What Are the Risks of Using Online File Converters?

When using a file converter website, you'll typically get what you ask for. However, these services are often a front for scammers. So, while it may be tempting to use a free service, here's what may come with the finished product.

Malware Installation

When you upload a file to a conversion service or download the result, you may unknowingly trigger a malicious installation of spyware or ransomware on your device.

Spyware can secretly monitor your activity, potentially capturing passwords, browsing history and personal data. In contrast, ransomware locks or encrypts your files and demands payment to restore access.

Identity Theft

File conversion websites can also steal your identity without installing anything on your device. One way is to scrape the file you're trying to convert for any personal information they may use or sell.

Another way is to set up the website as a phishing scam, requiring you to provide personal details to use the service.

In both instances, the scammer may use your information to open credit accounts in your name, file fraudulent tax returns or engage in other forms of fraud.

Learn more: What's the Difference Between Phishing, Smishing and Vishing?

Data Breaches

When you submit a file to a conversion website, there's no way to know whether it'll be stored or deleted. If the website does store your data—intentionally or not—it may be exposed if the site experiences a data breach.

Poor File Quality

Online file converters don't always prioritize quality. You might end up with corrupted formatting, missing elements or lower resolution.

This may especially be true with complex documents, images or videos. In some cases, the converted file may be unusable or require extra editing to fix.

Best Practices for Using Online File Converters

While it's best to use alternatives (more on those below), here are some steps you can take to safeguard your information when using online file converters:

• Run antivirus software. Make sure your device has up-to-date antivirus protection to detect and block potential threats from downloaded files.
• Don't upload sensitive files. Avoid converting documents that contain personal, financial or confidential information. If it's something you wouldn't email to a stranger, don't upload it to a free converter.
• Read the privacy policy. Look for transparency about how your files are handled, especially whether they're stored, shared or deleted after conversion.
• Stick to well-reviewed tools. Use services that have strong reputations and positive user feedback to minimize the risk of malware or shady practices.

Alternatives to Online File Converters

Even with the best practices, it's still possible to be duped by a scammer. If you want to neutralize the risk altogether, here are some alternatives to consider:

• Adobe Acrobat: Adobe offers a free file converter that includes options for PDF files, Word documents, Excel files, PowerPoint presentations and JPG or PNG images. That said, anything you submit will be uploaded to Adobe's servers, so it's best to avoid using it for confidential files.
• Microsoft Office: Using the "Save As" feature in Microsoft Office, you can convert a document to a few different formats, such as a Word document, PDF, rich text, HTML or OpenDocument text.
• Canva: For image conversions, consider a graphic design platform like Canva, which offers options for JPG, PNG, SVC, WebP and HEIC formats.
• Google Drive: If you have a Google account, you can upload a file to your Drive and then download it in another file format. Depending on the type of file you submit, you may have different conversion options.

The Bottom Line

Online file converters can be helpful in a pinch, but the risks—ranging from malware to identity theft—are real. Whenever possible, use trusted alternatives and avoid uploading sensitive information.

If you do use an online tool, take extra precautions to protect your data. Even with your best efforts, though, identity theft can go unnoticed until it's too late. As such, it's important to regularly monitor your credit to spot any suspicious activity early.