You may have your anti-virus and malware removal tools programs installed, but they will not prevent you from clicking any of those potentially-harmful-but-so-interestingly-looking Twitter, Facebook or email links. Even if you have security toolbars and add-ons installed, the following ideas may help you find out if a website really is safe.
Instructions
Step 1
Check if you are on a secure web session. A legitimate website asking for secretive information will use "https" as opposed to "http" before the domain name. The "s" stands for secure.
Step 2
Review the URL carefully. Web thieves can replicate the content, look and feel of a website but a fake website cannot use a legitimate website's domain name. For example, if you know your bank to be "Chase.com" do not trust any other website that looks like the Chase website but has another URL (chase-security.com, chase-rewards.com, etc.).
Step 3
Open a new web browser window and manually type in the URL of the website in question and then compare the layout of the page and the URL.
Step 4
Stop and consider the details of the website and what it is asking you to do. Is it asking for redundant information. For example, does it appear to be a banking site asking for your address? This is nonsensical because your bank already has these details.
Tips and Warnings
- Don't enter sensitive information to a suspicious website.
- If you are doubtful, call the company in question directly.
Resources
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