How to tell if a link is safe to click

Have you ever clicked a link only to discover pretty quickly that you should definitely have not clicked it? The unfortunate fact is that we don't always think about Internet safety or the safety of a specific link until it's too late. But what is a safe link? And how can you make sure that what you’re clicking on won’t introduce dangerous Malware on your device or give someone access to your information?

In this guide, we’ll cover what a safe link is, what happens if you click an unsafe link, and, most importantly, how to tell if a link is safe. Let's dive in!

What is a safe link?

A safe link is a URL that leads to a legitimate website and does not pose a threat to your device or personal information. Basically, a safe link takes you to exactly where you expect it to take you.

What happens if a link isn't safe?

Clicking on an unsafe link can lead to several issues, like viruses or even identity theft. Here are some of the things that can happen if you click on an unsafe link.  

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1. Malware or viruses

You can expose your computer (or other device) to Malware or viruses that can cause real damage. Malware is software that can be installed on your device without your knowledge. It's designed to mess with your computer (or your smartphone), steal your information, and essentially spy on you. Once Malware is on your device, it can cause all kinds of trouble, like slowing things down, locking you out, or accessing your personal info. 

2. Unauthorized access

If a shady character figures out how to get into your computer or smartphone, they can access your private information. Passwords, bank info, emails, and even your personal photos can be at risk. This is the digital world equivalent of someone breaking into your home. And these sneaky hacks can happen if you click sketchy links, so beware!

3. Phishing scams

There you are, going through your massive backlog of emails, just minding your own business. Suddenly, you spot a message that looks super official from your bank, Netflix, or something else equally important to you. It reads, "Your account is at risk! Click here to resolve it!" Naturally, you click the link and log in as instructed. Now, the bad guys have your username and password. This is known as a phishing scam. 

Scammers today are good — too good at making their fake messages appear 100% genuine — so it can be hard to spot the difference. And, once a scammer has your login details, they can create all sorts of trouble. Phishing scams aren’t limited to email; they can happen via text, too. Here are some text scams to avoid.

4. Identity theft

Identity theft can be really scary. It’s when someone steals your personal information — name, address, Social Security number, credit card details — and then goes out into the world as you. These thieves might take out loans in your name, open credit cards, or even mess with your medical records. It's not just stealing your money; it's hijacking your entire identity. Fixing it is a nightmare, so consider using strong passwords and be cautious of clicking on any link that seems off. When you sign up for Greenlight Max or Infinity, you’ll have access to identity theft protection as well as phone* and purchase protections, making it easier to keep identity thieves at bay. 

Is this link safe? Here's how to tell

Now that you know how dangerous clicking an unsafe link can be, we'll cover three easy ways to verify that the link is legit before you click it. 

1. Check the URL

Take a look at the URL to make sure the domain name is real (it shouldn’t have numbers replacing letters or be misspelled). On a computer, you can do this by simply hovering your mouse over the URL and inspecting the web address that pops up. If you are on a mobile device, you can do a long press on the URL without removing your finger, and the full URL will pop up. If your device shows a preview of the link instead of the URL, you can click “Hide Preview” to view only the URL. 

For long URLs, copy and paste it into a text editor to check it out. If you receive the link via email, it’s common for tracking data to be attached, so focus on verifying the actual domain (the part that comes after https://).

Tip: A URL that starts with "https://" indicates that the data in transit is encrypted and usually signifies safety. It’s not a guarantee, but it’s definitely a good sign.

2. Verify the sender

Another way to tell if a link is safe is to consider where it came from. If a trusted friend, family member, or coworker sent you the link from an email address or phone number you recognize, the link is most likely safe.

Be very cautious of unknown senders — this is how phishing scams can start. For example, if you receive an “urgent” email from a familiar company that you might have an account with, the easiest way to check if a link is safe is to look at the sender’s email address. If the domain in the email is not the actual web address of that business, don’t click! 

If you’re still unsure if the link is safe, analyze the context of the link. In general, messages that apply urgency tactics to get you to do something are usually fake.

3. Use a link checker tool

Finally, if you are still unsure about the safety of a link, you can use a link checker tool to verify the link. Copy and paste the suspicious link into a tool like NordVPN Link Checker or Google Transparency Report, which can tell you right away whether a link is safe or not. 

With these tips, you can keep your personal information and devices secure. Stay cautious and take a moment to verify questionable links: it’s always better to be safe than sorry! 

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