How to check whether an online link is safe

Cyber attacks are becoming more common, but they usually do not involve a shady figure looking into your computer. Instead, most start from an online link. 

They typically appear in emails from unknown senders or innocuous buttons on websites. However, clicking them will open your computer to various malware and fraudulent activities.

Nowadays, protecting your sensitive online information is essential. Use these tips to verify that online links are safe before clicking.

Check the sender

If you received an online link from a stranger, don’t open it. Instead, click the small arrow under the sender’s name to reveal their info and full email address. 

Look at the address and confirm whether it’s from a legitimate website by checking the original. For example, let’s say you received a link from amazon-deals.com.

Tech Advisor says it may look similar to the original amazon.com, but it’s a different website. Hence, you should avoid that link.

The same tip applies if the address has typographical errors or similar-looking characters replacing those from the original.

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For example, a fraudster could create a fake website called “amaz0n.com” to mislead people into thinking it’s from the real Amazon. 

That zero could easily look like an “o,” especially when hastily clicking online links. Also, scammers like taking advantage of typos so that more people could open their websites accidentally. 

If the online link looks unreadable, the sender may have shortened it, making it hard to read. Fortunately, you can reveal the original link via websites like Link Expander, so you can verify it. 

Alternatively, use VirusTotal or Google Transparency Report to check online links faster and simpler. Moreover, see if your antivirus program considers an online link fraudulent before clicking. 

Look for legitimate contact details and online reviews

Check the sender’s contact information by searching them on Google. See if their name, email, phone number, and other details appear on legitimate websites.

Otherwise, they’re likely a scammer sending unsafe links. Also, look up Google reviews of the sender or their company. 

READ: How to find all accounts linked to your email address

Overwhelming negative reviews are usually a red flag. However, you must be wary of fake reviews.

Note that they may belong to a lesser-known company with competitors trying to ruin their reputation. Some are too small to have several reviews. 

What if you opened an online link?

You might click on a sketchy link despite all these precautions. Fortunately, you can still keep your computer and data safe with these tips from Keeper Security: 

1. Don’t enter any data, such as your real name and email address.
2. Avoid clicking on any links and buttons, especially advertisements because they may contain malware. 
3. Disconnect from the Internet immediately to prevent hackers from accessing your device remotely. Moreover, it stops viruses from infiltrating other devices connecting to your Wi-Fi network.
4. Perform a full scan of your PC via antivirus software to eliminate any potential malware.
5. Monitor your online accounts for an extended period to ensure the cybercriminal hasn’t breached them.