Table of Contents
- Is Your Link Safe? 7 Effective Free Tools to Quickly Protect Yourself from Dangerous URLs
- VirusTotal Link Checker
- NordVPN Link Checker
- Bitdefender Link Checker
- IPVanish Link Checker
- F-Secure Link Checker
- EasyDMARC Link Checker
- Bitly Link Checker
- Useful Habits for Safer Internet
- Quick Steps Before Clicking a Link
Is Your Link Safe? 7 Effective Free Tools to Quickly Protect Yourself from Dangerous URLs
Every link is a door. Some doors open safely; others lead to trouble. Before clicking, take a breath and ask: is this link safe? Here’s a simple guide to seven free tools that help you steer clear of bad links. Use these to keep your accounts and personal info secure—no tech jargon, just easy steps for safety.
VirusTotal Link Checker
Checks: URLs, files (up to 650MB), domains, IPs, and file hashes.
What it does: Scans with over 70 antivirus engines. Gives a safety score from many experts.
Bonus: Shares findings with the security community, so you help others by scanning.
How to use:
- Go to VirusTotal.
- Paste a link, or upload a file, or type an IP/domain.
- Click search or upload.
- Read the color-coded safety results.
Why it matters: Get many trusted opinions in one simple click.
NordVPN Link Checker
Checks: URLs, files (up to 50MB), with no sign-up needed.
What it does: Scans with up-to-date databases and its own smart model.
How to use:
- Go to NordVPN Link Checker.
- Paste the link, click analyze.
- Read if it’s safe or risky.
Bonus: Free with no limits, simple results, and works in any browser.
Bitdefender Link Checker
Checks: URLs, with fast results.
What it does: Uses AI and security databases from top experts.
How to use:
- Visit Bitdefender Link Checker.
- Enter the link, click check.
- See safety verdict—safe or warning.
Tip: For added features, try their free trial of pro tools.
Positive touch: Bitdefender shares constant updates for real-time safety.
IPVanish Link Checker
Checks: URLs via web or app (iOS, Android, Mac, Windows).
What it does: Opens links in a safe, cloud-hosted place so viruses can’t hurt you.
How to use:
- Go to IPVanish Link Checker or use the app.
- Paste the link.
- Read the deep analysis and screenshot.
Note: Doesn’t check files, but gives detailed reports on web pages.
F-Secure Link Checker
Checks: URLs in texts, chats, emails.
What it does: Flags scams, banking and retail threats, and uses color codes.
How to use:
- Go to F-Secure Link Checker.
- Paste the link.
- Confirm you’re not a robot, click check.
- See if it’s safe, unsafe, suspicious, or unsure.
Extra: Their paid plan gives always-on protection.
EasyDMARC Link Checker
Checks: Multiple URLs at once, perfect for busy users.
What it does: Detects phishing, scams, and keeps a list of recent checks.
How to use:
- Visit EasyDMARC Phishing Link Checker.
- Paste one or more links (full path needed).
- Complete the robot check, click check.
- View results for each link.
Business tip: Request their API for bulk checking and added company protection.
Bitly Link Checker
Checks: Shortened bit.ly links by showing their real destination.
What it does: Shows you the real URL hiding behind the short link.
How to use:
- Paste the bit.ly link into Bitly Link Checker.
- Click check; see and copy the destination URL (do not click it).
- Use a trusted URL checker to scan the revealed full link.
Hint: Stops you from stumbling into scams hidden by short links.
Useful Habits for Safer Internet
- Run links through two or more checkers. If more than one says “unsafe,” it’s serious.
- If you get a weird link from a friend, call them directly to ask if it’s really from them.
- Never click a link you don’t trust—go slow, stay curious.
Quick Steps Before Clicking a Link
- Hover over it: See where it leads before you click.
- Check for odd words or strange spelling.
- When in doubt, use a checker!
Let safety be your daily habit. With these tools, you take charge of your digital world.