In the digital era, website safety is paramount for safeguarding your personal information online. As cyber threats are ever-changing, it is essential to verify the legitimacy of a website before engaging with it to ensure your online security.
Use a Website Safety Checker
One of the quickest ways to assess a website’s safety is by using a website safety checker. Tools like Google Safe Browsing and VirusTotal can be invaluable. Google Safe Browsing scans billions of URLs daily, identifying unsafe websites. Enter the URL in their search box, and within seconds, you’ll receive a detailed report on the site’s legitimacy.
Similarly, VirusTotal aggregates results from over 70 antivirus scanners and blocklisting services. This tool detects various threats, including malware and viruses, offering a comprehensive safety check. Bookmark these tools for easy access whenever you need clarification on a website.
Leverage Browser Security Tools for Website Safety
Modern web browsers have built-in security features to protect users while navigating the Internet. These tools can block pop-ups, turn off Flash content, prevent malicious downloads, and control your webcam and microphone access.
To optimize your browser’s security:
- Chrome: Navigate to Settings > Advanced > Privacy and Security.
- Firefox: Go to Options > Privacy & Security.
- Edge: Visit Settings > Advanced settings.
- Safari: Open Preferences > Privacy.
For added security, consider using a privacy-focused browser, like AVG Secure Browser, which includes advanced features such as forced HTTPS encryption and digital fingerprint masking.
Inspect URLs Carefully for Website Safety
Before clicking any link, please hover over it to view the URL. This simple action can reveal whether a link is legitimate or a potential phishing attempt. For instance, hackers might use a URL like “Yah00.com” instead of “Yahoo.com” to deceive users. Always double-check for any misspellings or unusual characters.
In browsers like Chrome and Firefox, the URL appears in the bottom-left corner of the screen when you hover over a link. This feature is enabled by selecting “Show status bar” from the View menu for Safari users.
Ensure HTTPS is Enabled for website Safety
Always check if the website you’re visiting uses HTTPS, ensuring your data is encrypted and secure. Look for the padlock icon in your browser’s address bar. If the padlock is absent, refrain from entering any personal information.
While HTTPS is a crucial indicator of a site’s security, it could be better. Some phishing sites may also use HTTPS to appear legitimate. To add another layer of protection, use Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSE) to verify a website’s authenticity.
Review the Privacy Policy for Website Safety
Fair websites typically have a privacy policy that outlines how your data will be used and protected. If a site lacks a privacy policy or if the policy is difficult to understand, proceed with caution. Look for key terms like “third parties,” “data retention,” and “data protection” to get an idea of how your information will be handled.
Be Wary of Trust Badges
Trust badges or seals often appear on ecommerce websites to signal trustworthiness. However, these badges can be easily copied and pasted by fraudulent websites. Always verify the legitimacy of a trust badge by clicking on it to see if it leads to an authentic certificate or security provider’s site.
If you need more clarification about the legitimacy of an ecommerce site, conduct a quick online search for reviews or feedback. Phrases like “Is [ecommerce shop] a scam?” can yield valuable insights from other users.
Recognize Common Signs of a Scam Website
Certain red flags can help you quickly identify a scam website:
- On-Site Spam: Flashing warnings and excessive exclamation marks often indicate a scam.
- Pop-Ups: If a site bombards you with pop-ups, close the browser immediately, which could indicate adware or malware.
- Malicious Redirects: Being redirected to another website, especially a suspicious one, is a vital sign of a malicious site.
- Search Engine Warnings: Respond to warnings
Avoid interacting with sites displaying these signs and seek alternatives known to be safe.
Use WHOIS Lookup to Verify Domain Ownership
To determine who owns a particular domain, use a WHOIS lookup service. This tool provides information about the domain owner, registration date, and contact details, helping you ascertain whether the website is legitimate.
Contact the Company Directly
Contact the company directly if you still need to determine a website’s legitimacy. Look for a “Contact Us” or “About Us” page on the site. If the provided contact information is absent or leads to dead ends, it’s likely a scam.
Install Web Security Tools for Website Safety
For comprehensive protection, install robust cybersecurity software that includes web protection features. Programs like AVG AntiVirus FREE offer essential virus and malware protection and tools to block malicious downloads and email attachments, adding an extra layer of security, especially when dealing with potentially unsafe websites.
Conclusion
Navigating the web safely requires vigilance and the use of practical tools. Always be proactive in verifying the legitimacy of websites, and consider using a secure browser with built-in privacy features to enhance your online safety further.
