A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided for secure software download or installation. In this regard, sensory notifications and cognitive activities are implemented prior to proceeding to a download or installation procedure. For example, a sensory notification can be provided if security attributes of software are noncompliant with security preferences. Additionally, performance of a task can be required if security attributes of software are noncompliant with the security preferences prior to installation of the software, wherein requiring performance of a task comprises selecting the task such that the task is variable from one installation of the software to another installation of the software.