Phishing websites and malicious link detection guide

Phishing websites and malicious link detection guide

1. What is a phishing website (Phishing Websites)

Phishing websites are usually disguised as real websites such as banks, e-commerce or social platforms, and commit fraud by inducing users to enter sensitive information such as account numbers, passwords, credit card numbers, etc. Common methods include:

• URL forgery: Take advantage of domain spelling differences (e.g. vs ), making users mistakenly think it is a real website.
• HTTPS "Fake Security": Attackers can apply for free SSL/TLS certificates, although the website address ishttps://Start, but the content may still be dangerous.
• Social Engineering: Send messages with malicious links through phishing emails, SMS or social media private messages to lure users to click.

2. Risk of malicious links

1. Account password leaked: Once the login credentials are entered, the attacker can take full control of your account.
2. Malware infection: After clicking on the link, you may download *s, ransomware, etc., which directly threatens the security of the device.
3. Privacy data breach: After personal information, address book and other information are stolen, it may be resold or used for larger-scale attacks.

3. How to judge suspicious links?

• Check domain names and subdomains: Pay attention to the spelling and hierarchy of the domain name, for exampleandTotally different.
• View SSL certificate details: Click the browser address bar lock icon to view the certificate authority. Formal financial or e-commerce platforms use paid certificates more often.
• Expand the short link first:for、For short links, you can first use the "Short Link Expand" service to view the real address.
• Pay attention to page details: Copy pages often have obvious typos, irregular typesetting, or low-resolution LOGOs.

4. Working principle of malicious link detector

1. Threat intelligence database comparison: Cross-comparison with multiple security databases such as Google Safe Browsing, PhishTank, Spamhaus, etc.
2. Sandbox dynamic analysis: Open the link in an isolated environment to monitor for suspicious redirects or malicious program downloads.
3. URL Reputation Assessment: According to comprehensive scoring of domain name historical reports, IP geographical location, SSL certificate information, etc., security risk warnings are given.

5. Free link detector recommendation

1. VirusTotal

   • Features: Integrates 70+ antivirus engines and malicious URL blacklists to scan both URLs and files.
   • website:/

2. Google Safe Browsing Transparency Report

   • Features: View Google Safe Browsing's monitoring data for malicious websites and supports batch detection API.
   • website:/safe-browsing/overview

3. ScyScan

   • Function: Combining two engines VirusTotal and Google Safe Browsing for detection, there are other website security checking tools in addition.
   • website:/link-checker/

4. PhishTank

   • Function: Community-driven phishing URL database, where users can submit and query suspicious links.
   • website:/

6. Best Practice Suggestions

1. Deploy DNS filtering
   • Use Cisco Umbrella, Cloudflare Gateway and other services at the enterprise or home network level to block known malicious domain names.
2. Turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA)
   • Even if the password is leaked, it will be difficult for an attacker to bypass the second verification path.
3. Regular safety training
   • Popularize fishing identification methods to employees or families and practice the response process regularly.
4. Real-time monitoring and alarm
   • Configure the SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) system to promptly detect suspicious traffic and behavior.

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By combining technical means and personnel training, the above-mentioned free link detectors are regularly used, and DNS filtering and multi-factor authentication can greatly reduce security threats caused by phishing websites and malicious links. Hope this guide will help you access the Internet safer!