How to Check if a Link is Safe

Why Should I Check If a Link Is Safe?

Importance of link safety

The internet is where we spend much of our lives - whether we're shopping, reading news, on social media, or checking work emails. Links guide us from one page to another, often without a second thought. However, each click carries a potential risk. As cyber threats evolve, it’s more and more important that to evolve awareness and practices regarding link safety. 

Potential risks of clicking unsafe links

There are a lot of risks that come along with unsafe links, and some can have serious consequences: 

• Malware and viruses: Cybercriminals often use deceptive links to spread malware; in 2024 alone, AV-TEST has identified over 1.2 billion instances of malware. Once downloaded, malware can wreak havoc on devices, corrupting files, spying on user activities, and potentially moving across the network to steal data or encrypt files. 
• Phishing scams: These scams can trick users into revealing personal information by masquerading as trustworthy entities. A single click can lead to a fake login page designed to steal credentials. 
• Financial loss: Scammers can manipulate links to lead users to fraudulent websites where you might unknowingly enter financial details, leading to unauthorized transactions and financial losses.

Protecting personal information

Personal information is a prime target for cybercriminals. Being mindful of link safety can protect financial resources, sensitive business information, and personal data from malicious actors. 

Tips to Check If a Link Is Safe

Checking to see if a link is secure might feel like an extra step or a hassle in an already busy day, but it’s easy to make a few steps a quick habit that can prevent a future headache. 

Verify the source of the link

Before clicking on a link, take a moment to verify its source. Ask yourself: 

• Who sent the link? Is it from someone you know and trust? 
• Is the sender's email address or social media profile legitimate? Look for subtle discrepancies, like slight misspellings in the domain name. 
• Does the message context make sense? If you receive an unexpected link, especially one urging immediate action, be wary.

Check for HTTPS and secure connections

A secure website will use HTTPS (HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure) rather than HTTP. HTTPS encrypts the data exchanged between your browser and the website, making it significantly harder for cybercriminals to intercept and manipulate the information. Always look for a padlock icon in the address bar and ensure the URL begins with "https://" before entering any personal information. 

Use URL scanning tools

Several online tools are available to help you check the safety of a link before you click on it. These tools can analyze a URL and provide a report on its safety. Some popular options include: 

• Google Safe Browsing: Integrated into browsers like Chrome, this tool warns you about potentially dangerous sites. 
• Norton Safe Web: This tool provides safety ratings for websites based on user feedback and threat analysis. 

Using these tools can reduce the risk of online threats and help protect users online. 

To summarize, here’s “how to check if a link is safe”:

First, you’ll want to verify the source of the link, credibility of the sender, and rationale behind the email. If there aren’t satisfactory answers to the three questions above, it’s best to refrain from clicking on the link.

Second, make sure the URL begins with HTTPS, rather than the less secure HTTP.

Third, use link scanning tools like Google Safe Browsing and Norton Safe Web before clicking on links in unsolicited emails.

How to Check if a Link Is Safe on an iPhone

Preview link in Safari

On an iPhone, Safari allows you to preview a link before committing to a click. This feature is handy for checking the destination of a link without opening it. To use this feature, press and hold the link until a preview window appears. This preview can help you verify the URL and assess whether it looks legitimate. 

Scan website tool in Safari

Safari also includes a built-in tool that checks the safety of websites you visit. This tool uses a database of known malicious websites to provide warnings when you attempt to visit a potentially dangerous site. To ensure this feature is enabled, go to Settings > Safari > Fraudulent Website Warning and make sure the toggle is turned on. This tool adds an extra layer of protection, alerting you to threats before they can cause harm. 

How to Check if a Link Is Safe on an Android

Update security settings

Keeping your Android device’s security settings up to date is crucial for protecting against malicious links. Navigate to Settings > Security and ensure that features like "Google Play Protect" and "Safe Browsing" are enabled. These settings help detect and prevent threats from affecting your device. 

Enable Play Protect

Google Play Protect is a built-in security service that scans apps and links for potential threats. To enable it, open the Google Play Store, tap the menu icon, and select "Play Protect." Ensure it is turned on to benefit from real-time protection. Play Protect continuously scans your device for harmful behavior, helping to keep your data safe. 

What to Do If You Click on a Malicious Link

Recognizing signs of a malicious Link

After clicking a link, you might notice several red flags indicating that the link was malicious: 

• Unexpected pop-ups: A sudden influx of pop-up ads or messages can signify malware infection. 
• Slow device performance: Malware can run in the background, consuming resources and slowing down your device. 
• Unauthorized changes: Be alert for changes to your device’s settings or the appearance of unfamiliar apps, which could indicate malware activity.

Steps to take after clicking on a suspicious link

If you realize you’ve clicked on a malicious link, take immediate action to mitigate potential damage: 

• Disconnect from the Internet: This step can prevent malware from communicating with its command center or spreading further. 
• Scan your device: Use reputable antivirus or anti-malware software to perform a thorough scan of your device and remove any detected threats. 
• Change your passwords: Update passwords for sensitive accounts, prioritizing those linked to financial information or personal data. 
• Monitor your accounts: Keep a close watch on your financial and online accounts for any signs of unauthorized activity. Report any suspicious transactions to your bank or service provider immediately. Some security tools like LastPass offer dark web monitoring to help users catch potential data breaches early and monitor any leaks of sensitive information. 

Reporting and blocking malicious links

Reporting malicious links helps protect others from falling victim to similar threats. You can report suspicious links to your email provider or the website hosting the link. Additionally, use your browser's tools to block the site and prevent future access. Many browsers offer built-in features to report phishing sites and malicious content, contributing to a safer online environment for everyone. 

Stay Protected From Malicious Links

Importance of using a reliable link checker

Link checkers are tools that can detect and warn users about potential threats, significantly reducing the risk of clicking on dangerous links. By incorporating link checkers into your daily browsing habits, you can enhance your security and protect your personal information. 

Benefits of LastPass in link safety

LastPass is widely known for its password management capabilities, but it also offers features that enhance link safety. By storing and autofilling passwords securely, LastPass helps you avoid phishing sites that try to steal your login credentials. Additionally, LastPass can generate complex, unique passwords for each of your accounts, further protecting against threats. Integrating LastPass into your online routine adds a layer of security against malicious links and phishing attempts. 

Additional security measures for safe browsing

In addition to using link checkers and password managers, several other measures can help ensure safe browsing: 

• Keep software updated: Regularly update your operating system, browsers, and security software to protect against the latest threats. Cybercriminals often exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software, so installing updates and patches is key.  
• Use strong, unique passwords: Avoid reusing passwords across multiple accounts. Using a password manager like LastPass helps users create and store strong, unique passwords for each account, which means that even if one account password is compromised, it can’t be used across every account. LastPass not only stores and protects your passwords, but also lets admin users set a minimum requirement for length and complexity.  
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Add an extra layer of security to your accounts by enabling 2FA, which requires a second form of verification (such as a code sent to a user's phone) in addition to an account password. 
• Prioritize learning and education: Staying informed about the latest cybersecurity threats and best practices can reduce risk and improve user security.  

Ensuring link safety is a critical component of maintaining against online-based threats, and adopting these practices will help you navigate the digital world with confidence and peace of mind. Start your free LastPass trial today.