Malicious links continue to pose a serious danger to online security despite advancements in cybersecurity technology. Cybercriminals use these links to fool users into clicking on them and redirect them to harmful websites, steal sensitive information, install malware, and conduct other forms of attacks.
Your most effective way to tackle malicious links and the various problems they cause is to download antivirus software. An effective antivirus will perform more than just virus removal; it will also operate automated URL checks and immediately block any links that could be detrimental to your device. There are settings as part of popular antivirus software, such as TotalAV, that enable blocking “Low Trust” websites, such as those with poor reputation, using unethical and deceptive methods to coerce you into giving up money or personal information. There’s also a special feature that allows you to block “Cryptomining URLs,” which can use your device to mine cryptographic coins, utilizing more of your device’s energy and diminishing its resources.
You can further avoid malicious links by following a few easy steps:
- Check Site Security: Make sure the website you’re visiting has an “https” and a little padlock icon in the search bar. For extra protection, check the provided SSL certificate by clicking on the padlock and ensuring it states “extended validation” – this ensures the website is legitimate.
- Be Vigilant with Emails: Hackers frequently email false URLs. Simply don’t click on the link. Hacking emails are becoming increasingly sophisticated and are beginning to look more and more realistic, taking you to a site that can look nearly identical to the one they are replicating; whether it be your bank, social networking sites or a random person pretending to be your friend. Simply enter the relevant web address into your browser to securely access your account, and check for contact.
- Avoid Pop-Ups: Perhaps install an ad blocker to eliminate pop-ups which pose as components of a website that could potentially be legitimate. Clicking on these pop-ups can redirect you to unsafe websites or download malware to your device.
If you want to avoid becoming a victim of malicious attacks, you should invest in cutting-edge antivirus software and stay informed about phishing attempts.