Disarm potential malicious links from URL shorteners like Bitly
To effectively disarm potential malicious links from URL shorteners like Bitly, you can utilize various URL expander tools that allow you to preview the actual destination of shortened links before clicking on them. Here’s a detailed guide on how to do this, along with open-source alternatives to Bitdefender for enhanced safety.
Steps to Disarm Malicious URL Shorteners
Use URL Expander Tools: These tools reveal the full URL behind a shortened link, helping you assess its safety before clicking. Some reliable options include:
- Urlex: A straightforward service that unshortens URLs and allows batch processing of multiple links at once. It also provides a simple interface without unnecessary features [1].
- RedirHub: This tool expands shortened URLs easily without requiring registration. Just paste the shortened link, and it will show you the original URL [2].
- CheckShortURL: Offers previews and checks for safety using multiple security tools, displaying screenshots of the destination page [7].
Enable Browser Safety Features: While Bitdefender offers robust web protection, consider using built-in browser features or extensions that block known malicious sites. For example:
- Web of Trust (WOT): This browser extension helps identify unsafe websites based on user ratings and reviews.
- Google Safe Browsing: Integrated into many browsers, it warns users about phishing and malware sites.
Avoid Clicking on Unknown Links: Always exercise caution with shortened URLs from unfamiliar sources. If unsure, use the expander tools mentioned above to check the destination.
Open-Source Alternatives to Bitdefender
If you are looking for open-source alternatives for URL safety and protection against malicious links, consider these options:
- ClamAV: An open-source antivirus engine that can be integrated into your system to scan files and URLs for malware.
- Maltrail: A malicious traffic detection system that can help monitor network traffic for suspicious activity.
- OpenDNS: While not strictly antivirus software, OpenDNS provides DNS services that can block access to known malicious sites.
Conclusion
By utilizing URL expander tools and open-source security solutions, you can significantly enhance your online safety when dealing with shortened URLs. Always verify the destination of any suspicious link before clicking, and consider implementing additional protective measures through open-source software.
Citations: [1] https://urlex.org [2] https://www.redirhub.com/tool/url-expander [3] https://www.cmu.edu/iso/aware/dont-take-the-bait/shortened-url-security.html [4] https://github.com/eldadru/url-expander [5] https://www.getlinkinfo.com [6] https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=40843683 [7] https://checkshorturl.com [8] http://lnkiy.com/check-short-link [9] https://www.reddit.com/r/AirForce/comments/63dttr/anyone_know_why_some_link_shorteners_like_bitly/ [10] https://unix.stackexchange.com/questions/736238/how-to-get-full-url-from-shortened-urls-like-bit-ly [11] https://bitly.com/blog/google-url-shortener-alternatives/