The need for social media and email URLs has made the use of Compressed URLs very popular. Social media platforms and emails impose restrictions on space to write URLs, unlike normal URLs. Shortened URLs have the aforementioned benefits and enable the user to save some important space. However, users need to be careful while using URLs which have been compressed as these too come with their own share of problems. In this article, we will discuss how to mitigate the possible risks associated with compressed URL and ensure a safe browsing session.
What is a Compressed URL?
The use of the term “compressed URL” refers to the short form of a long web address. Users have a wide selection of tools that allow them to create shortened URLs like Bit.ly, TinyURL, and Google’s URL Shortener. With these tools, long web addresses can be easily shared without the need to type them out in detail. When a compressed URL is simple enough, it becomes necessary to alter some useful information, say the destination of the link.
Why are short URLs dangerous?
Shortened URLs are dangerous due to their lack of transparency about the endpoint. A standard URL usually has an indication of its particular website or domain like www.compressedURLs.com, but that information is stripped in a compressed URL. This is how cybercriminals take advantage of the situation and use it to direct users to harmful websites. These sites can host viruses, phishing scams, and other malicious content.
Additionally, the problem of using short URLs for spam or malware is another concern. Since the URL is shortened, it does not reveal the entire address making it impossible for the user to establish its safety. This is why overcoming the dangers posed by a shortened URL is vital for online safety.
Let’s find out how to reduce the risks of using compressed URLs.
After fully discussing the impacts of compressed URLs, in this section we will see how can you mitigate the risks associated with them.
This list of pointers will help you protect yourself with dangerous links and allow you to surf freely.
Use URL Preview Tools
One of the best ways to protect yourself from the risks that come with compressed URLs is using URL preview tools. A good number of URL shortener service providers offer the feature of previewing the compressed URL. For instance, Bit.ly claims that users only need to add a plus sign (+) at the end of the compressed URL (e.g. https://bit.ly/xyz123+) to see the destination without following the link. Therefore, with these previews, you’ll be able to know if the link is safe for you.
Check The Source of the Link
The tiny URL should be analyzed very carefully, especially regarding its source. Whenever you are sent a link via email, text, or other messaging platforms and it is from an unfamiliar contact, you need to be very careful. Additionally, even if the link seems to be coming from a friend or a company you trust, I recommend double-checking the sender’s identity. So often, it is an innocent person sending an equally dangerous link that was sent to them by a scammer.
Use Link Scanner Tools
Another way of reducing the threats related to compressed URLs is using a link scanner tool. These tools help in checking the safety of a link before actually clicking on it. For instance, VirusTotal and Web of Trust (WOT) check the associated compressed URLs and let you know if the link is safe or dangerous. Therefore, even if you feel uncertain about a link, there is no way you can be wrong by verifying it before doing anything that might put you at risk.
Enable Web Protection Features
Modern browsers and security applications have features that alert users of malware sites. Make sure those features are enabled. For example, Google Chrome has one that warns users of potentially malicious phishing sites as well as sites that may contain malware. These features help reduce the risk of being redirected to dangerous compressed URL’s.
Educate Yourself and Others
One of the best ways to eliminate risk is to be educated on the topic. Knowing how compressed URLs could be dangerous and the various ways of how they could be exploited is crucial. Persuade other people to utilize URL previewing, sourcing the links, and make people hyperaware of random unknown compressed URLs.
Use a Trustworthy URL Shortener
Not all URL shortening services will be equally secure; some are more trusted than others. It is wiser to depend on the well known services for URL shortening. For example, trusted URL shorteners like Bit.ly, TinyURL, and even the google’s URL shortener are good examples.
Conclusion
Like everything, a compressed URL carries both benefits and risks. As we know, cybercriminals may exploit it to mask malicious URLs which makes it hard for a user to find out if a website is good or harmful. In any case, there are very basic steps that one can take to minimize the risks. Some of these include the use of preview tools, verifying the sources, scanning links, and having protective features of browsers turned on.
All-in-all, it is clear that one can take advantage of the compressed URLs and be careful of the functionality at the same time. So think of how you can manage the risk when it comes to a compressed URL and surf the internet safely.
