We’ve all been in that situation. You receive an email, a text message, or a social media direct message with a link in it and wonder, “Should I click on it?” Given all of the cyber threats out on the internet these days, well, it’s actually a pretty smart thing to wonder. Malicious links can lead to phishing scams, download harmful viruses, or even steal your personal data without you knowing.
The best part is that it is possible to determine if a link is legitimate or not before actually clicking on it. And you don’t have to be an IT whiz to do it. In the following guide, we will go through some simple, actionable tips on how to identify dodgy links and guard against them.
Begin with the Gut Check
If it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Whether it’s an email from someone you don’t know or a link that randomly appears, trust your instincts. That little voice in your head thinking, “Something about this just doesn’t feel right” is usually correct.
Perhaps the text is something urgent such as “Your account will be closed” or “Click the link to receive your prize.” That’s your red flag. Scammers want to make it seem urgent so you don’t get the time to think.
Hover Before You Click
The simplest thing to do is just put your mouse on the link, do not click it, just place it on it. When you do put your mouse on it, your browser typically displays the entire link in the bottom left of the screen. Look carefully at the URL. Is it legitimate? Does it resemble some jumble of numbers and letters?
For instance, if you receive an email purporting to be from PayPal but has in the link something called http://paypal.account.secure.verify-now.biz, it is not an actual PayPal link. Authentic links have the format of https://www.paypal.com, clean and professional and recognizable.
Check for HTTPS (But Don’t Rely on It Alone)
Alright, this one’s significant. When you visit a website and click on it, make sure the URL begins with https://. That added “s” at the end indicates “secure,” and it signifies that the site’s using encryption to guard your information. You should also see a small padlock icon on the side in most of the browsers
But here’s the big but: just because a site has HTTPS does not necessarily mean it’s legitimate. Scammers also want people to look for that padlock these days, so many of them acquire secure certificates as well. Use it as just part of the piece of the puzzle but not the sole decision-maker to prevent being scammed or becoming a victim of data breaches
Google it
If in doubt about a link or what website it will take you to, just Google it. Name the website in the search engine (without opening it) to see what comes up. You will probably be able to find posts from other people warning people away from it. If it’s a legitimate business or organization, then it should be easy to find their actual website. If nothing shows up or everything appears questionable, that’s your cue to steer clear.
Utilize a Link Scanner
You can use free resources online where you can paste in a link and it will scan for safety. It’s like doing a quick background check. You can use specialized tools like Bitdefender link checker for this. You can highlight the link and paste it in their scan program and see what it reports. If the link checker reports it is malicious, avoid clicking the click.
Short Links? Unshorten Them
You’ve likely had experience with short links, like bit.ly/3hGsdXw. You’ll see them all the time on social media sites and in text messages. The issue is, you don’t know where they take you. That’s a risk.
But you don’t necessarily have to click it to know. There are websites on the internet where you can “unshorten” a link and view the full link before actually clicking on it. Just do a search for “unshorten link tool” and use one. That way, you’ll know where you’re heading before you go.
Be Careful With Email and Texting Links
Scammers enjoy posing as banks, delivery services, or well-known websites. They send e-mails with what appears to be legitimate-looking links, but they’re actually not. Double check the sender. Is the e-mail address unfamiliar or slightly off, such as [email protected] instead of paypal.com?
Although it appears legitimate, don’t click on the link in the message. Open another browser window and enter the site directly from the address line. It’s safer and also allows more control.
Keep Your Software Updated
Alright, this one isn’t necessarily about link checking, but it’s important. In case you accidentally click on the bad link, having updated antivirus software and an updated web browser can block the attack or warn you in advance. Keep your devices from being on outdated versions of software, they’re easier to hack.
What to Do if You Already Clicked
Let’s assume that you clicked on something and now you’re concerned. Don’t panic. Close the window at once if it’s questionable. And then do a scan for viruses or malware through your current security software. If you’ve entered your personal details, including passwords and credit card numbers, go and update them immediately. And if it was your bank account or online account, get in touch with the support team. It’s also worth keeping an eye on your accounts in the coming days, just in case anything dodgy appears.
Final Thoughts
Verifying whether a link is safe does not have to be complex or stressful. With some simple habits, such as hovering over links, using link scanners, and listening to your instincts, you can prevent yourself from being scammed. The internet can be wonderful, but only if we know how to traverse it safely. So the next time you receive a dodgy-looking message or link that just doesn’t seem right, take a deep breath, don’t rush, and do what we discussed. Internet safety is all about being a bit more alert and much more careful.
