Verification of the Monero binary files should be done prior to extracting, installing, or using the Monero software. This is the only way to ensure that you are using the official Monero binary. If you receive a fake binary (eg. phishing, MITM, etc.), following this guide will protect you from being tricked into using it.
If the fingerprint of this key **DOES NOT** match, **DO NOT CONTINUE**. Instead delete the file `binaryfate` from the `Downloads` directory and go back to [section 2.1](#21-download-signing-key).
If you receive an **INVALID** signature, **DO NOT CONTINUE.** Instead delete the file `hashes` from the `Downloads` directory and go back to [section 3.1](#31-download-hash-file).
If your hash **DOES NOT** match **DO NOT CONTINUE.** Instead delete the Monero binary from the `Downloads` directory and go back to [section 4.1](#41-download-binary).