Every day, we receive countless emails and browse many websites – this has become a norm. However, with this convenience also comes risk. Links can lead to malicious websites, viruses, or even phishing attempts. So, how can you check if a link you’re about to click is safe? In this article, we’ll discuss several practical steps to help you protect yourself from online threats.
1. Check the URL before clicking
One of the simplest and most effective ways to verify the safety of a link is to carefully examine the URL before opening it. Even if the link seems trustworthy, it may still be dangerous.
How to do this?
Hover your mouse over the link in the browser – the full URL usually appears in the lower-left corner of the screen. Before clicking, ensure the link looks authentic.
Pay attention to small differences in domain names, such as swapped letters (“gooogIe.com” instead of “google.com”), extra characters (“paypaI-login.com” instead of “paypal.com”), or unusual domains.
2. Use link verification tools
If you’re unsure whether a link is safe, you can use tools to analyze it. Many free tools are available online that scan links for malware, phishing, and other threats.
Most popular tools:
- VirusTotal (Link)– one of the most well-known tools that checks both links and attachments for viruses, trojans, and other threats.
- PhishTank (Link)– a database of malicious phishing sites where you can verify a link.
3. Check the domain owner
If the link leads to a new or unknown domain, it’s worth checking who owns it and when it was registered. Domains that have been around longer are generally more trustworthy, although this is not a strict rule.
How to do this?
Use tools like WHOIS (Link) or ICANN Lookup to check who owns the domain and when it was registered.
If the domain was registered recently (within the last few days or weeks), this could be a sign that it’s being used for malicious purposes.
4. Pay attention to the context of the link
Links found in emails, social media messages, or communication apps are often used by scammers to spread malware or phishing attempts.
Common scenarios:
- Unexpected messages – If you receive an email or message from someone you rarely communicate with and it contains a link, it’s best to be cautious.
- Too good to be true – Links offering extraordinary deals, free gifts, or massive discounts are often traps.
- Requests for personal data – If a link leads to a page asking for personal information (e.g., password, credit card number), make sure the site is legitimate. Never provide personal information on suspicious sites.
5. Be cautious with shortened links
Shortened links (e.g., those generated by services like bit.ly, tinyurl.com) can hide the full URL, making it harder to assess where they lead.
How to handle shortened links?
Use tools that allow you to expand shortened links before opening them, such as CheckShortURL (Link) or Unshorten.It! (Link)
If you’re unsure about a link, and an expansion tool shows it leads to a suspicious site, it’s better not to open it.
6. Use common sense and be suspicious
The final step in checking if a link is safe is to use common sense. If something looks suspicious, don’t take the risk. It’s always better to be overly cautious than to become a victim of cybercriminals.
Signs that a link may be unsafe:
- Unknown source – If you don’t know the person or company who sent you the link, proceed with caution.
- Lack of context – Links without an explanation of where they lead may be phishing attempts.
- Urgent requests for action – Scammers often use scare tactics (“Your computer has been infected!”) or try to create a sense of urgency.
