10 Quick Ways To Spot Suspicious Links

Surfing the web comes with risks and dangers, especially from suspicious and malicious links that aim to steal your data or install malware on your device or hack your entire online existence. Therefore, we’ve compiled below the 10 ways you can determine if a link is suspicious.

1. Check the URL.
   The URL of a link can indicate if it is safe or suspicious. Look for misspellings, odd prefixes or suffixes, URLs that are too long, gibberish, or URLs that try to impersonate a legitimate website.
2. Hover over the link.
   Before clicking a link, hover your mouse over it to see a preview of the URL in the lower left corner of your browser. Check that the URL matches the website you are expecting.
3. Watch out for camouflaged links.
   Some links disguise themselves as innocent words or phrases but actually lead to malicious websites. Read the entire link carefully before clicking.
4. Look for SSL certification.
   Legitimate websites often start with “HTTPS://” instead of the regular “HTTP://” and have a green lock icon in the address bar. These indicate the website has an SSL certificate for encryption and security.
5. Consider the source.
   Links from unreliable or untrustworthy sources like unknown individuals or suspicious websites are more likely to be dangerous. Stick to links from trustworthy sources you know and recognize.
6. Check the link’s opening page.
   If all else checks out, open the link in a NEW tab (right click, open in new tab) and inspect the opening page. Make sure the website’s content matches the link address. Phishing and malware sites often have generic templates that don’t belong to the supposed website in the URL.
7. Beware of excessive pop-ups.
   Legitimate websites don’t usually have excessive pop-ups seeking personal information upon opening. An excessive number of pop-ups is a red flag the link may be suspicious. Use Ad Blocker to avoid damaging pop-ups.
8. Look out for uncommon file extensions.
   Links ending in unusual file extensions like .exe, .scr, or .jar could be secretly installing applications or malware instead of opening web pages. Avoid clicking these links at all costs.
9. Consider the source again.
   If your childhood friend suddenly sends you a link to click without an explanation, DON’T DO IT. These days very regular accounts get hacked and spam their friends BECAUSE they know normal people trust their real-life friends and family. Subsequently, an unfortunate domino effect takes place, and entire groups of friends end up hacked and locked out of their accounts.
10. Trust your instincts.
    If something about a link seems off or doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts. It’s usually better to err on the side of caution and avoid clicking suspicious links, even if you’re not entirely sure why they seem suspicious. Your instincts and “gut feelings” about links can help you spot dangers you may not always recognize consciously.

In today’s shifting economy and ever-changing society, the digital realm has claimed the spotlight for hosting both simultaneously. If one does not proceed with caution, from your bank account and compromising messages with former boyfriends and girlfriends, to the drafts you saved and never published, it can all be gone in one second by clicking the wrong link. It is your responsibility to guard your assets and identity by employing caution at all times.

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