Harrison 
TLDR: Suspicious links can be opened via browserling.com/browse. This gives you instant access to a sandboxed browser that runs in an isolated environment outside your network.
introduction
Although most links and websites are harmless, there is still a large chance that you will come across a malicious link or website. With cyber-attacks and online fraud on the rise, it’s more important than ever to know how to safely inspect suspicious links. In this blog post, we explore the types of links that are considered unsafe and describe BrowserRing (built by me and my team), a reliable solution for safely inspecting these links.
Why is the link suspicious?
unexpected email link
Be careful if you receive an email from an unknown sender or an unexpected link from a known contact. Cybercriminals impersonate familiar contacts or companies to trick users into clicking on links that lead to malware or phishing pages.
grammar and spelling mistakes
Bad grammar, clumsiness, or numerous spelling errors in the text content of a message or email can be good indicators that a link or associated content is questionable.
Shortened URL
Link shorteners such as: bit.ly or t.co is legal, but it’s a favorite of malicious attackers because it’s easy to spoof the final destination of a link. Malicious attackers can even chain multiple link shortening services together to make links even more difficult to crack.
too many redirects
If clicking a link appears to redirect you to multiple pages, this could be a sign of a malicious link trying to hide the actual website providing the content.
Misspelled link
A common tactic used by cybercriminals is to register domains with typos or slight changes to well-known brand names in an attempt to catch users who enter the URL incorrectly. For example, you might make a typo. microsoft.com as micorsoft.com (letters ‘r’ and ‘o’ are swapped) or microsoftt.com (with two “t’s”).
URL mismatch
Cybercriminals often use subdomains to make URLs appear legitimate. for example, account.google.fakewebsite.com – Although it looks legitimate at first glance, the actual domain here is: fakewebsite.com.
URL mismatch
When you hover over a link, a tooltip message shows you where the link actually goes. If the hover link doesn’t match the URL in the text or appears unrelated, it may be malicious.
unusual file extension
If the link directs you to download a file, check the file extension. The most common files include .jpg, .png, .doc,Such. If you see an unusual file extension like: .exe (If you were not expecting to download the program), please be very careful.
Links sent via social media
Even if you receive a link from a trusted friend on social media, be careful. Their accounts may be compromised.
Links containing alarming or too true claims
Scammers often use clickbait tactics and make outrageous claims to lure users into clicking.
pressure tactics
Messages that pressure you to act immediately. For example, “Your account will be suspended!” could be a tactic to get you to act without thinking.
Introducing Browser Ring
So how can you inspect these links without putting your computer or your personal information at risk? This is where Browserling, which I and my team built, comes in.
What is browser ring?
Browserling is a live web testing platform that allows users to safely browse the web from a sandboxed browser without installing any software or plugins. One of its applications is the secure inspection of suspicious links.
How does browser ring help you open suspicious links?
Browser isolation
Browser Ring runs in a separate virtual machine. This means that even if the link turns out to be malicious, the malware will not affect your actual device or network. The virtual machine acts as a barrier between malicious content and your device.
Avoid malware and viruses
If a link attempts to download malicious software, the harmful content is confined to Browserling’s virtual environment and never reaches your computer.
No personal data exposed
Since you are not using your own browser or device to access the links, your personal data and IP address remain protected from potential phishing sites.
disposable session
Once a session with Browserling is complete, the virtual machine is destroyed, ensuring that any potential threats, cookies, and tracking scripts from that session are eliminated.
ease of use
Simply visit the Browserling website, enter the suspicious link, and safely browse its content. Or load your browser with one click via the Quick Browsing URL (browserling.com/browse).
Additional tips for online safety
Tools like Browserling provide a secure way to inspect links, but it’s important to combine these tools with good online habits.
- Use antivirus software: Always install up-to-date antivirus software on your device.
- Enable two-factor authentication: For accounts that support two-factor authentication, enabling two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security.
- educate yourself: Get the latest information on common online scams and phishing techniques.
- Check HTTPS: Make sure your website uses HTTPS, especially if you enter personal or payment information.
conclusion
There are countless potential threats on the Internet. Recognizing suspicious links and using tools like Browserling can help you navigate the web safely. Also, be sure to combine browsing with smart online habits to ensure maximum online security.
Browse safely!
