Malware Link Checker is a free, online tool that checks links for safety. It compares URLs to a list of websites known to contain scams and malware. Users simply copy and paste a suspect URL into the website, and the program automatically scans it. This is a convenient way for individuals to test the safety of links before clicking on them, especially when they receive them from a friend or acquaintance. Some programs also offer a feature to expand shortened links, and others include an entire database of known bad sites.

Cybercriminals often use malicious URLs to trick people into clicking them, leading to phishing attacks and other security issues. These links can steal sensitive information, such as login details or credit card data, and infect devices with malware or botnets.

Protecting Against Malware: Malware Link Checker

In many cases, you can tell that a link is dangerous by hovering the mouse cursor over it without clicking. In most browsers, this displays the URL that the link leads to in a status bar or tooltip. In addition, several free, online tools can check files and URLs for malware and blacklists. The best known among these is VirusTotal, which analyzes URLs and hashes against more than 70 malware analysis engines and domain blacklists.

Another option is to use a dedicated software tool, such as NordVPN’s free Link Checker, which combines huge third-party databases and NordVPN’s own machine learning model to sift through public datasets and detect harmful links. This allows it to assess the risk level of a given URL with one of the highest precision levels available. It can even scan downloaded files for malware, and block websites with viruses or other components that may infiltrate your device.