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Miniature links can be misleading
Posted by Caitlin on July 13th, 2009
We've mentioned the danger posed by the miniature URLs that are often used in place of full length links. Whenever a complete URL is too long or cumbersome, many users turn to URL shortening services like TinyURL. Unfortunately, a condensed URL that appears harmless can easily lead to a malware download or phishing site, rather than the destination you were expecting. What appears to be a link to a friend's home video may actually be pointing you toward the Koobface virus. Hackers can target a single URL shortening service and intentionally misroute millions of users.
To find out where those mini URLs lead before you click on them, paste them into a URL lengthening service (naturally!) like TinyURL Decoder or Untiny. Untiny also offers browser add-ons that make it easy to see the full URL automatically. And, of course, protect yourself from spam and malware with Internet security software.
- Malicious hack impacts 2.2 million shortened URLs
- If I install Identity Guard, will it automatically uninstall Norton?
- Mobile VoIP developments run rampant in 2008
- Data Breach Alert: Hundreds of thousands of computers infected by Russian hackers
- What is the most recommended software?
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July 16th, 2009 at 4:41 pm
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July 17th, 2009 at 4:32 am
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September 24th, 2009 at 6:37 am
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September 24th, 2009 at 11:12 am
[...] Shortened URLs that are necessary to keep tweets within the 140 character limit help mask these scams. As explained by NextAdvisor: [...]