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Nairaland Forum / Science/Technology / Programming / The Danger Of Shortened Url And What You Must Do To Protect Yourself. (224 Views)
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The Danger Of Shortened Url And What You Must Do To Protect Yourself. by digitaltechhub(m): 10:47am On Mar 06, 2023 |
To protect yourself online, it is best to verify whether a shortened URL is safe before you click on it. To do this, you can search the shorter URL on our URL Unshortener which will show the full URL you are about to visit. It is also recommended to look for any weird or misspelled words or phrases before clicking a link, as these may indicate a suspicious link. Many websites, use shortened Uniform Resource Locators (URLs) which may carry malicious links and code, making them a major security risk for unsuspecting internet users. It is important to be aware of the dangers of shortened URLs and take the necessary steps to protect yourself. Shortened URLs, also known as tiny URLs or URL shortening, are used to make web links smaller, more compact, and easier to share over various digital platforms, especially on social media platforms. For example, a 3000-character-long web address may often be shortened to just 10 characters. While convenient, these abbreviated links may conceal malicious software without a user's knowledge. To protect yourself online, it is best to verify whether a shortened URL is safe before you click on it. To do this, you can search the shorter URL on our URL Unshortener which will show the full URL you are about to visit. It is also recommended to look for any weird or misspelled words or phrases before clicking a link, as these may indicate a suspicious link. You can also protect yourself from shortened URLs by keeping your web browser and operating system up to date with the latest security features. Be sure to update your browser and operating system with the latest patches and fixes to provide an additional layer of protection against shortened URLs. Additionally, it is also important to be alert to any suspicious activity or pop-ups that appear on your computer. Common Security Threat With Shorten URL Here are 10 common security threats associated with shorten URLs. 1. Malware– Malware is unwanted software that can spread through shortened URLs distributed through emails and malicious websites. Once a person clicks on the link, their device can be infected with a virus or other malicious software that can corrupt data, cause system crashes, and even steal personal information. 2. Phishing– Shorten URLs can be used to hide phishing sites, which look like authentic websites but are actually created to steal users’ personal information. Attackers can also send malicious links to unsuspecting targets which can compromise their private data. 3. Data Breaches– Shorten URLs are sometimes used to mask data breaches. Attackers may use them to access sensitive information, including passwords, financial information, and other confidential data. 4. Scareware– Scareware is malicious software that is used to scare users into downloading a malicious application or making a purchase. It typically hides behind a shorten URL and can lead to serious security issues if users interact with it. 5. Unsecured Network– The shortened URL may take users to an unsecured network, which can make users vulnerable to data interception, eavesdropping, and other cyberattacks. 6. Spam– Shorten URLs may redirect users to spammy websites, either filled with ads or malicious content. This can lead to costly losses in time and money if users interact with them. 7. Identity Theft– Attackers may use shorten URLs to mask their true identities and trick users into disclosing confidential information such as their Social Security number, credit card numbers, and other financial data. 8. Worms– Shorten URLs can be used to propagate worming, where a computer is infected with a malicious program that replicates itself to other computers connected to the same network or over the internet. 9. Trojan Horses– A Trojan horse is a malicious program disguised as a legitimate program or application. Attackers may use shorten URL as part of their distribution strategy, sending users to malicious sites that can compromise their devices. 10. Denial-of-Service Attacks– Shorten URLs can be used to disguise denial-of-service (DoS) attacks, which attempt to paralyze a computer or network by flooding it with requests and preventing legitimate requests from being processed. By being aware of these common security threats, users can better protect themselves and their information when using shorten URLs. Always make sure to use a reliable URL shortener, and only click on URLs from trusted sources. It is also important to be wary of suspicious links or emails, scanning them for viruses before opening them. Following simple safety guidelines can help keep users safe and secure when using shorten URLs. Use this Unshorten URL tool to find the original URL https://www.webkits.click/tool/url-unshortener |
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