Cybercriminals use fake URLs to direct users to malicious websites and download malware onto the device. With the help of malware, they compromise network security and steal valuable data such as banking details, personal information, and sensitive files on the device. They use spyware and ransomware programs to hijack the device and data, demanding that the victim pay the ransom using cryptocurrency. This makes the situation more difficult for the victim to find and deal with the black hats operating from a remote location. So, this block is going to be about fake URLs and how to deal with them. So stay tuned and learn to stay safe!
How to Recognize Fake URLs?
Scammers use a number of techniques to create fake URLs. For instance, they use numbers in place of letters, extra dashes or words, strange domain endings, and subdomains to create a fake URL. For example, there is a legitimate site for online money transfer such as “PayPal.com” but to confuse the user they will make it “paypa1.top.ru” to confuse the user and make it look legitimate.
Scammers also use clever and attention-grabbing taglines, such as verify-PayPal-login.com or google-verify-account.info, to confuse the user. But the moment the link is clicked, it’s like opening Pandora’s box, which triggers a chain of events that spiral out of control, and everything goes downhill. But you can avoid this disaster by simply following these steps while interacting with a URL:
Check the Real Domain Name
You should always check the real domain name of the website before any action. The real website name or domain name is put right after the “//” and before the “/” in the link. For example, in the link “http://google.com/security”, google.com is the real domain. You should focus on what comes between “//” and “/” in the link. If there are any extra words in the link between the slash signs, such as http://google.com.login-alert.ru, then it is a fake or potentially harmful URL.
Check the Hyphens and Extra Words
Scammers use hyphens and extra words in the websites along with legitimate names and addresses. These hyphens, extra words, or fake brand names mislead and confuse the users. For example, www.paypal-support-center.com could be a fake website because it has hyphens in the middle. A real website always remains simple, neat, and clean, such as PayPal.com. Hence, always check the hyphens and extra words in the website name to detect the fake website domains.
Beware of Number-Only URLs
Some fake links look like a series of numbers only, such as http://192.565.2.3. These number-based links are often the IP addresses of the devices and servers. Seeing these numbers, you will never be able to find out who owns these sites and links. It is highly important that you find out first before clicking such links. They are potentially malicious links that hackers create to fool users and launch cyberattacks on them.
Watch Out for Shortened Site Links
Scammers are using shortened site links or URLs to hide the real website links behind them. The technique of shortened URLs is used to make the long URLs short, concise, and fit for small spaces. It is used to save space, especially on social media or in texts, to put the website links in a concise way. When you see this link, you cannot tell which site it belongs to or where it leads to. It is so because the real link remains hidden behind these URLs. Scammers leverage this technique to hide malicious links to fool users.
Hover Over Link Before Click
Whenever you receive any link from an unknown resource, make sure to hover over it before clicking. Scammers hide malicious links behind legitimate-looking links to trick the user into clicking them. For example, the link may say that click here to track your package or an exclusive free device offer for you. If you ever come across this condition, make sure to hover over the link before you click it. It will show you the real direction where the link leads to.
Double Check Attached Links
When you receive any link attached in the email, sms or notification make sure to double check it before you click. Scammers use these channels as their launch pad to reach the users and trick them into taking rash action. Hence, you should always double-check the attached URLs before clicking them. They can be phishing links that can take you to malicious sites and download malware on your device to compromise your device data and information.
How to Stay Safe From Malicious Links?
No doubt the rise of fake URLs is at an all-time high these days. Scammers are using these channels to launch phishing attacks and download malware onto the user’s device. Malware programs such as ransomware and spyware infiltrate your system and device and compromise your security, privacy, and personal data. If you lose your digital security and personal details, then your whole future is at stake. Hence, you have to stay safe when you are interacting with the URLs especially those attached in emails, chats, and notification alerts. Here are some quick tips that effectively protect you from fake URLs:
Double Check Attached Links
Do not click or blindly follow the link coming from unknown and suspicious sources. Consider the following questions before you click any link:
- Do I recognize this website?
- Is the spelling correct?
- Does it look official?
If you are interacting with the link on a computer, then hover over it and if you are using a phone, then you can tap and hold on it to preview where it really leads.
Avoid Clicking Links From Strangers
If you get any email, sms, or text from an unknown person and it contains a URL, then never click on it. Scammers use emails with urgent and account alerts in the subject to provoke the user into taking rash action. Social media is another channel that scammers use to reach their target. They send malicious links on social media platforms to fool the user, and with text messages saying “You won a prize, click the link to get it”. When you see them, then don’t fall prey to any fall claim. No one gives away a free ticket to heaven.
Don’t Trust Shortened URLs
Shortened URLs are one of the most dangerous things in the world of malicious URLs. black hats hide malicious links behind the shortened site addresses to confuse the user. They are difficult to recognize with the naked eye. You should use preview tools like CheckShortURL.com, or if you are not sur,e then just avoid shortened links from unknown sources.
Avoid IP Address Links
If you ever come across IP address links and you have no idea about them, then always avoid them. These links can take you to harmful sites and deliver malware payloads. You can’t even see who owns these sites, and what is the internal system, you know.
Check for Minor Spelling Differences
Fake URLs often change just one or two letters in a brand name, and when users see them, they just read the first and the last letter,s which makes them think that they are following a legit link. You have to check the spelling in the URLs to catch the minor differences. For example:
- faceboook.com
- g00gle.com
- micros0ft-support.com
Examine the Domain Ending (TLD)
Online attackers use cheap and uncommon domain endings like:
- .xyz, .top, .buzz, .live, .cn, .ru
Trusted and legitimate sites usually use:
- .com, .org, .net, or their official country codes (like .gov, in, .co.uk)
So, when you come across unusual and strange domain ending, make sure they are legitimate and trusted. These small check marks can save you big troubles down the line.
Check the HTTPS in the Link
Always check that your site has HTTPS at the start. It stands for security and data encryption. Safe sites always have https in their domain, not the http. S in the HTTPS stands for secure. However, you cannot guarantee that your link has any suspicious or harmful elements.
Avoid URLs in the Pop-Ups and Ads
Scammers leverage pop-up texts, ads, and flashy banners to lure users into clicking links. They use Pop-up messages saying “You won!” ads promising “limited-time offers” or fake download buttons or fake virus warnings to create a sense of urgency and trick the user into clicking the link. Hence, it is highly recommended that you avoid flashy banners, pop-ups, and ads to push the user to take the wrong step. If you ever come across any such situation, then you must avoid it at every cost.
Use Antivirus
Always download and install a robust antivirus software on your device to immunize it against the lurking danger of cyber attacks and malware infections. It will protect your PC from hidden dangers and phishing links by detecting the danger in advance and blocking the threat at the start. It can detect and remove virus infections operating in your device from a deep location.
Advanced antivirus software uses the latest tools and technologies, such as behaviour analysis and macrovirus heuristic, to detect and catch threats effectively. With the help of an antivirus software, you can easily deal with the latest cyber threats carrying malicious links.
