Safer Internet: Browsing: Go to the Correct Site

Quotes | Summary | Navigating | Malicious | Fraudulent Warnings |
URL status | Shortened URLs | Web Archives |
References: General | Dark Patterns | Fake, Hoax |
Shortening Services | Web Archives


Quotes

Summary

  • Use browser bookmarks/favorites or a password manager to navigate, rather than type or click on links
  • Use browser's built-in Search box, or combo Address field, rather than typing "google.com"
  • In search results, look for "Official Site" or at actual URL to determine if expected destination
  • Some search engines hide addresses in favor of more human readable names.
  • Avoid fake/conspiracy news sites (and this includes a lot of social media)
    -- besides disinformation and wasting your time, they can be an avenue for malware.
  • Avoid DNS problems -- see section: Connection : Wi-Fi (Router)

[1] Avoid Insecure, Impostor and Malicious Sites

  • Typos & look-alike characters in site addresses (URLs) could lead you
    to malicious, impostor sites -- or insecure versions (HTTP: vs. HTTPS:)
  • Think twice before clicking on links in an email
  • Think twice before clicking on links in popups, or unknown links in web pages,
    esp. ads which might redirect you to look-alike sites
  • Quiz: Can you identify a phishing web site login?

[1] Enable Fraudulent Site Warnings

  • macOS: Safari > Preferences > Security > Fraudulent sites [screenshot]
  • macOS: Firefox > Preferences > Security >
    Block reported attack sites / web forgeries / add-ons
  • macOS: Chrome > Settings (advanced) > Privacy >
    Protect you and your device from dangerous sites
  • iOS: Settings > Safari > Privacy & Security > Fraudulent Website Warning [screenshot]
  • Enable phishing/malware/plugin warning: -- see section: Connection : Malware

[1] Learn to Examine and Recognize URLs

  • Show links in status bar; inspect before you click
  • macOS: Safari > View > Show Status Bar
  • Display full address (URL) in address/location bar
  • macOS: Safari > Preferences > Advanced > Show Full Website Address
  • iOS: Safari > (tap in address bar)
  • For secure sites, check HTTPS: and verify status (lock icon or certificate) -- see next section: Use HTTPS:

[2] Access Shortened URLs Cautiously

  • Due to shortening or normal redirects, you may not be seeing the 'real', final URL,
    e.g., https://communicrossings.com/olli
  • https://bit.ly/20ICWYg, https://tinyurl.com/hg8776o
  • There are several sites that follow any redirects and display the final destination
  • e.g., CheckShortURL, Unshorten
  • If the URL was generated by:
  • Bitly: add a plus sign ('+') to the URL and Bitly will display a preview
  • TinyURL: place 'preview' in front of the shortened URL
  • Instead of this manual process, you could install a browser extension that displays final URL
    via popup, status area (if overlap, hide regular status bar), or in-line (in page itself)
  • Safari: Ultimate Status Bar
  • Firefox: No Redirect, Long URL Please Mod
  • Chrome: LongURL

[3] Find Old Versions of Pages or Sites via Web Archives

References

Dark Patterns

Fake News, Hoaxes

Shortening Services

Web Archives