The internet is truly amazing, offering unprecedented levels of connectivity and access to endless information. However, like many great things, the internet has its dark side, with an increasing number of scams and dangers emerging each year. Fortunately, you do not need to rely on the luck and goodwill of the sender to know that the link you’re clicking is safe.
Bad actors are becoming more creative with their schemes, utilizing tactics such as embedding viruses in files or employing phishing techniques with fake links and sneaky redirects to malicious sites. These scams can range from mild inconveniences, like pushing you to make a purchase with someone’s referral code for their commission, to more serious threats involving the compromise of your personal data or financial information.
The good news is that you don’t have to rely on luck to determine if a link is safe. Whether the link is legitimate or fraudulent, there are several steps you can take to assess its safety before clicking. While using a reliable antivirus app is one option, it’s not your only line of defense.
So, how can you check the safety of a link? Here are some natural and human-friendly steps:
1- Verify the sender:
When you receive a link, especially a suspicious one, check the sender. In platforms like Gmail, expand the sender’s information to view their full email address. This step helps you determine the authenticity of the account. Even with genuine senders, exercise caution, as compromised accounts may use well-known names to deceive users.
2- Compare the website address:
If the link leads to a well-known website, compare it with the official website’s link. For major sites like Amazon, the beginning of a genuine link should match the official site’s domain (e.g., amazon.co.uk or .com). Be cautious if the link differs significantly or contains typos, as phishing links often mimic established brands.
To make the link whole again you just need to use one of many free expanding utilities online. You just paste your shortened link there and they give you the whole URL in a blink of an eye. Here’s a list of some of the most popular:
3- Expand shortened URLs:
If you receive a shortened URL, use a link expander tool to reveal the full URL before clicking. This extra step ensures that you know where the link will take you. Various free online tools, such as URLex and Link Expander, make this process quick and easy.
4- Utilize link checkers:
Save time and effort by using link checkers, which automatically assess the security of a website. Popular options include VirusTotal, W3C Link Checker, PSafe Link Checker, and e.Veritas URL Checker. These tools consult security databases to provide a thorough evaluation.
Here are some of the most popular link checkers:
5- Use a Security Software:
While the previous methods serve as additional safeguards, your primary defense should be reliable antivirus software. Choose a comprehensive security suite that works across different web browsers and includes features such as email scanning to detect suspicious attachments and warn about phishing links.
Remember, staying vigilant and adopting a multi-layered approach significantly enhances your online security.
