How to Check Links For Malware
Cybercriminals hide malicious links in emails, websites, social media posts, and ads to trick unwary users into clicking them. These dangerous links download ransomware, phishing pages, and other cyber threats that threaten the safety of data, devices, and reputations. This is why it’s essential for individuals and businesses to learn how to check a link before they click it, and to adopt a culture of cybersecurity awareness in order to prevent cyber threats from entering the organization.
There are several tools available that can help you check links for malware before you click them, including the VirusTotal website, which scans files, URLs, and domain blacklists with more than 70 antivirus scanners. Some browsers, such as Safari on iPhone, also let you preview a link before you actually click it.
How to Check Links for Malware Before You Click
Another option is to use a tool such as EasyDMARC, which uses a machine-learning model that learns to identify phishing links through analyzing high-quality datasets containing millions of real-time updates. The tool then parses these datasets to determine patterns of phishing behavior and flags suspicious links with more than 90% accuracy.
Lastly, you can always perform your own basic security checks by hovering over any suspicious link with your mouse. Compare the URL that appears on screen to the actual one it links to and look for signs such as misspellings, excessive use of capital letters, or strange symbols. Additionally, make sure that any website you visit has a padlock icon and starts with HTTPS, which helps protect your information from being intercepted by cybercriminals.