The Internet can sometimes be a dangerous place. We click links regularly, sometimes in an email, sometimes in a message, sometimes in a social post, and hardly even thinking twice about it. But then comes the problem: not all links are safe ones. Some of them can lead to a phishing attack, a download of a malicious virus, or a fake website with an intention to steal your information. That’s why checking URLs beforehand is one of the easiest yet most effective techniques for safeguarding yourself when surfing the web. Let’s break down why and how to defend yourself.
The Hidden Dangers Hiding Behind Unverified Links
Not every link you see is real. Hackers have become experts at getting one to click a spurious web address that looks almost similar to a real one. These links can lead you to a website that will resemble your bank’s log in page, an e-shop, or even a social website with a name you are acquainted with. After you share your information on such a page, hackers can have access to your information.
Beyond phishing scams, unverified URLs can even include malware in them. With one wrong click, you can download a virus, unaware, that can steal your information, lock your files, and even hijack your device.
How Scammers Mislead with URLs
Scammers are smart, and they have many tricks for forging links that will pass for real ones. One of the most common scams is using similar addresses for a real one. For example, a scammer can use amaz0n.com or amazon-secure-login.com, and at first glance, it looks real, but it isn’t.
Another sneaky practice is URL shortening. Bitly and TinyURL are two such services that can truncate
long web addresses, but spammers utilize them for a sneaky intention: inserting a malicious link in them. Since a full web address isn’t present, you have no idea where a link will direct when you follow it till it’s too late.
Why Checking URLs is So Important
When you verify a URL beforehand, and then click, you’re taking care of your web security yourself by understanding what is online privacy. It’s a lot like checking through your peephole when opening your door for a visitor – you’re assured about what you’re getting yourself into. With a quick scan, you can spare yourself hijacked passwords, identity theft, and loss of money.
Checking URLs also protects your devices from malware. Most of the dangerous websites have an intention of loading harmful software onto your computer, phone, etc., and even you don’t have an idea about it. By not checking links, your system can become a victim of such hidden threats.
How to Verify URLs Like a Pro
Thankfully, you don’t have to have any technical expertise in order to detect suspicious URLs. There are a few simple tips for checking out links before you actually click:
- Hover Over Link: On your computer, move your cursor over a link but don’t press down. Check at the base of your computer for the real URL. Don’t press down if it doesn’t look similar to what you anticipated.
• Look for HTTPS: Secure websites start with https:// and not with http://. “s” for secure, and it indicates your information is getting encrypted. That being said, spammers use HTTPS too, and thus, don’t rely on it alone for testing a website’s security.
• Check for misspelling: Look closely at the web address. Hackers will sometimes swap letters or add in an attempt to make a phony site sound real. If it doesn’t sound correct, trust your gut instinct.
• Use a URL checker: There are specialized tools like Bitdefender link checker that enables you to enter a URL and confirm whether it’s safe. In case you ever have any uncertainty, plug in the link through one of them first.
Phishing Emails and Fake Websites – Biggest Perpetrators
One of the most common methods for getting conned with a counterfeit website is through a phishing email. Such an email will claim to have been sent by a trusted organization, such as your bank, PayPal, or a delivery service. It will demand that you go through a link in order to update your information, track a delivery, or confirm a payment. Once you go through it, it will take you to an impersonator site with a motive to steal your information.
Fake shopping websites are a big trap, too. With online shopping at an all-time high, fraudsters replicate actual stores and offer enormous discounts in an effort to lure buyers in. The problem? After your payment information is entered, fraudsters go out of site, and your order is not received.
Social Media and Misleading Links
Social media is yet another haven for conmen and conwomen. In posts, DMs, and even in comments, spammers go about distributing harmful links at an alarming pace. There can be a trending post with a freebie giveaway, a sensationalized post with a “read more” link, and one wrong click can lead you to a dangerous website that hacks your device or steals your logins.
Even influencers and celebrities can become a victim of them. Hackers hijack them and post fake links in a desperate try to deceive followers. That’s why, if something seems suspicious, double-check the URL before clicking.
The Bottom Line
Verifying URLs beforehand can sometimes seem a small task, but it can spare a lot of headaches for you. There will always be new scams and new tricks for hackers, but taking care and taking a quick two seconds to verify a link can save your security in cyberspace. Next time a link comes your way in an email, SMS, or social media, slow down and verify. That two seconds of precaution can preserve your security in cyberspace.
