What Should You Pay Attention To In A Hyperlink?

Hyperlinks are everywhere. You see them in your emails, text messages, social media DMs and so on. But, do you stop to think if they’re safe? There are several things we should pay attention to in a hyperlink before clicking on them. It is important to be aware of the dangers of clicking on links that could lead to a malicious website or download a virus.

First, check the URL of the link. If it looks suspicious or if you don’t recognise the domain name, do not click on it. Second, look for signs that the link may be malicious, such as spelling mistakes in the URL or strange symbols in the address. Third, be wary of shortened URLs as they can easily hide malicious content. Additionally, hovering over the link can reveal where it leads to, which can help you determine whether or not it is safe to click on. Finally, never click on links from people you don’t know or don’t trust and always double-check with the sender if you are unsure about a link.

What does a hyperlink look like?

Hyperlinks come in two forms: The standard URL and the shortened URL.

Standard Length URL: The URL starts with www, followed by the website name, and ends with something like .com.
- https://example.com
Shortened URL
- https://bit.py/3rfgdTRn

Hyperlinks and Links: What to look for?

To get a preview of the full URL, type the shortened URL in your web browser’s address bar together with the characters mentioned below before browsing to the new URL:
a) Between the “http://” and the “shorturl”, type preview: https://preview.shorturl.com/zn72211b) At the end of the URL, type +: https://bit.ly/zn72211+
Use a link checker or URL checker, such as:
a) Google Transparency Report

b) VirusTotal URL Checker
View the full hyperlink address by hovering your mouse over the link before clicking it:

By following these simple steps, you can protect yourself from scams and other malicious activities online. It is also important to stay informed about current scams and cyber threats so that you can recognise them when they occur and take necessary precautions to keep your data safe.

Learn more about cybersecurity and how to keep yourself safe online here: https://blog.fundingsocieties.com/2022/12/19/cybersecurity-alert-be-aware-of-social-media-advances/

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