Short URLs: Risks of shortened links and how you can protect yourself against them
Short URLs have many risks, but are advantageous for the creators and users / recipients. We explain the risks with the shortened links and show you how to protect yourself from dangers.
Beware of short URLs: This will prevent viruses
The short URLs are generally a good thing. Both the operators of websites and private individuals can benefit from the use of the shortened links in everyday life. Unfortunately, criminals have also recognized the advantages of short URLs.
- With a URL shortener, you can shorten a link with just a few clicks. The short URL no longer shows which website you are being redirected to.
- Such links are often sent via hacked Facebook accounts. The URL doesn't look suspicious at first and the message finally comes from a friend.
- However, the URL can lead you to any website. Simply by opening an infected website, you can load viruses onto your PC or smartphone.
- Of course, you can always trust well-known and reputable websites. You should always check the links on unknown websites or when receiving dubious messages. In the following practical tip, we will show you how to extend a short URL again and thus see which website you are really redirected to.
Advantages of short URLs for companies
With the appropriate tools, companies and website operators can create short URLs with their own domain. Since many users have become suspicious of short URLs, trust in the link can be increased and the likelihood of a click increased. Services like bit.ly can hardly be trusted today. In general, the short URLs offer some advantages for website operators:
- The shortened links not only look better and clearer, but are often necessary for short message services like Twitter. If necessary, the user can type in the link much easier or even memorize it.
- You can change the destination of the URL later at any time. If the article has moved or you would like to refer to newer content after a while, you can always keep the link up to date.
- The short URLs for traffic analysis are particularly interesting. For example, if you only post the short URLs on Twitter or use the short URL as a link in a post, you can later determine the exact number of clicks.
In the next practical tip, we will explain how exactly a URL works.