When it comes to online threats like phishing attacks and malware, clickable links can be one of the most dangerous places to get infected. Thankfully, you can avoid these threats by carefully examining links and using free tools that provide information about link safety.

When looking at a check if the URL is safe, be sure to check for the “https” or lock icon at the beginning of the address. This indicates that the website uses an SSL certificate, which encrypts the data flowing between your browser and the server. The certificate verifies that the server you connect to is actually the one you requested.

Another important factor to look for is whether the website has a valid domain name. A shady website may use a false domain to trick you into thinking you’re visiting a legitimate site, such as an auction page or social media platform. A quick check in a search engine can reveal if the domain is valid or not.

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You should also look at the uniform resource locator (URL) to make sure it’s spelled correctly. A spoofed URL will often be nearly identical to the correct one, and an accidental mistype could lead you to a phishing or malware site.

Finally, you can use a link checker to verify that a URL is safe. These tools scan billions of websites per day and can give you a report in just seconds. Some will even tell you if the site is suspected of containing a virus, phishing, or abusive content. These tools are available 24/7 and don’t require you to sign up or download anything.