Tech Diaries|| 5/04/2022 || How to check if a link is safe ||

The increasing popularity of social media sites has also increased the use of URLs containing shortened links. However, many users don't know how to verify the safety of the shortening service. To avoid becoming a victim of a phishing scam or virus attack, it is important to be able to check if a shortened link is safe to visit.

Source: https://shortest.link/3yc2

Have you ever received a link in an email or instant message and wondered if it's safe to click? It's a common worry these days since links are often how viruses and other malware spread. One of the best ways to protect yourself is to simply be more cautious when clicking links. But there are also some simple steps you can take to find out whether a link is safe before you click it.

Some links are obviously risky. If you receive an unsolicited link from someone you don't know — especially if it contains random characters or misspellings — that's a red flag. The same goes for links from people you do know if they seem out of character for them. And obviously, any link that promises free stuff should be approached with caution (unless it's from someone whose judgment you really trust).

There are some tricks for identifying potentially dangerous URLs, but keep in mind that hackers and scammers use many techniques to disguise their true nature, so never assume a URL is safe just because it passes these tests.

1- If the link is not to a site you are familiar with, hover over the URL to get a preview of the website's address.
2- Look at the domain name (the part of the URL that comes after http://www. before the 1st, 4wd slash. Make sure it’s
spelled correctly, as typos are often a sign of a bad link.
3- Avoid downloading files from websites that you don’t know much about. These could contain malware or viruses.
Look for these warning signs:
4- Sub-sections open in a new window with each step
5- A popup that is not from your antivirus program asking you to download something
6- A warning that your computer has a virus (even if you have up-to-date antivirus software)
7- Remember that some scams target mobile users. Do not click on suspicious links on your phone or tablet or
download apps from unknown publishers.
8- If you understand how URLs work, it is easier to determine if they are safe to use or not.