How To URL

Hackers are pretty smart. They’ve figured out how to infect your computer with malware or other viruses via URL links. Just clicking on an infected link can transfer a virus to your computer designed to steal your personal information or hijack your computer.

Unfortunately, even the best anti-virus software can’t always protect you from the headaches you’ll encounter if you click an unsafe URL link.  Unsafe links appear to be shortcuts to funny videos, crazy news stories, or great coupons.

Your friends can unknowingly pass on unsafe URLs in emails, Facebook posts, and instant messages. Their accounts may have been taken over, and it’s not actually your friend sending the message.  You’ll may also encounter unsafe URLs in web ads and even sometimes search engine results.

Use these URL-scanning tips to check suspicious links. All of these solutions are free, fast, and don’t require you to download anything.  If a URL looks funny, take an extra moment to check to make sure it’s safe before you click on it.

Use a URL Link Scanner

URL scanners are websites and plug-ins that allow you to enter the URL of a suspicious link and check it for safety. There are many free and reliable link scanners available.  Check out URLVoid, which scans a URL using multiple services, such as Google, MyWOT, and Norton SafeWeb, and then quickly reports the results back to you.

Check Out Shortened URL addresses

URLVoid can’t properly check shortened URLs from companies like bitly, Ow.ly, and TinyURL (URLVoid will scan the shortening service website instead of the link to which it points). To scan the funny-looking URLs you’ll often find on Twitter and Facebook, use Sucuri. Sucuri automatically expands the short URL and draws upon a handful of services, such as Google, Norton SafeWeb, and PhishTank, to determine if the full URL is safe. You can also use Sucuri for scanning non-shortened URLs, but URLVoid checks more sources.

If you own an ecommerce website, you should consider getting a green browser bar extended validation SSL certificate.  Your visitors will trust your site links more.

URL Safety| How to Tell if a URL is Safe Before You Click

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