There are loads of ways of checking if a site’s dangerous. In general take care when a site asks for personal information before it can be accessed as they could be phishing for your sensitive information. Sites that offer something that’s good to be true or those with intrusive ads or multiple pop ups that tell you plugins need to be installed are also worth avoiding.
What to do if online account is hacked
Photos: YouTube.com
You should investigate a site that doesn’t look right before clicking on it. You’ll need to get the site’s URL without actually visiting it. To do this go to you Google results and right click on the site you’re interested in. Now select “Copy link address” if you’re using Chrome or “Copy link location” on Firefox. Continue to the next gallery image for the next stage.
What to do if online account is hacked
Photos: YouTube.com
If you’re still not sure whether the site’s dangerous or not, head to zulu.zscaler.com. This is another site that analyses websites. You’ll get one of three verdicts on the site: Benign, Suspicious or Malicious. If you get the latter one, just move on. If you get the Suspicious verdict, follow the next step.
What to do if online account is hacked
Photos: YouTube.com
Now check the URL with virustotal.com. This will run the site against domain blacklist. If the site’s not on any domain blacklists, it doesn’t necessarily make it safe.
What to do if online account is hacked
Photos: YouTube.com
Another general check you need to carry out is to make sure the site has a valid SSL certificate. If the site you’re trying to use doesn’t begin with https, then the information you send isn’t secure. That’s not necessarily an issue unless you’re sending bank details or other sensitive information.
What to do if online account is hacked
Photos: YouTube.com
Only if the SSL cert guarantees that the site is safe and that it belongs to a valid business, should you trust the domain you’re using.
What to do if online account is hacked
Photos: YouTube.com
Only if the SSL cert guarantees that the site is safe and that it belongs to a valid business, should you trust the domain you’re using.
What to do if online account is hacked
Photos: YouTube.com
