Danger Stranger, Shorten links are dangerous like Bit.ly.

Established mini-link providers like Bitly have forms for reporting abuse of the functionality. Many shortening sites, including Bitly and TinyURL, also have helpful preview functions that reveal the redirected destination. Most people are unaware of how dangerous these links can be.

URL shortening services like Bitly and TinyURL provide a convenient way to share long and complex URLs in a more manageable format. However, when receiving shortened URLs, especially from unknown or untrusted sources, there are potential dangers and considerations:

1. Hidden Destination: Shortened URLs hide the actual destination, making it challenging to determine the legitimacy or safety of the link. Malicious actors can use this to disguise phishing websites or malware downloads.
2. Phishing and Scams: Shortened URLs are commonly used in phishing attacks. Cybercriminals may create convincing messages with shortened links that lead to fake login pages, malware sites, or other fraudulent content.
3. Malware Distribution: Shortened URLs can be used to distribute malware. Clicking on a malicious link may lead to the download of malware or the execution of malicious scripts on your device.
4. Privacy Concerns: URL shortening services often track click data for analytics purposes. While legitimate services aim to protect user privacy, the potential for tracking exists, and this may be a concern for some users.
5. Service Reliability: If the URL shortening service experiences technical issues, the links may become inaccessible. This could lead to inconvenience or disruption, especially if the links are time-sensitive or critical.

To mitigate these risks, here are some best practices:

• Verify the Source: Only click on shortened URLs from trusted sources. Be cautious when receiving links from unknown or unexpected senders, especially in emails or messages.
• Use URL Expander Tools: Some online tools or browser extensions allow you to preview or expand shortened URLs to reveal the original link before clicking.
• Check for HTTPS: If the shortened URL leads to a website, ensure that the website is secured with HTTPS. This provides a basic level of assurance regarding the website’s security.
• Avoid Downloading Unknown Files: If a shortened URL leads to a file download, be cautious, especially if you weren’t expecting to download a file. Avoid downloading executable files from untrusted sources.
• Report Suspicious Links: If you receive a suspicious or phishing link, report it to the URL shortening service if they provide an abuse reporting mechanism.

While URL shortening services offer convenience, it’s essential to balance this with a cautious approach, especially when dealing with links from unfamiliar or untrusted sources.