Nowadays, there are a lot of scams, phishing, and various malicious ways to get users to visit a site or click on a link. Fortunately, users can use tools to check a link before visiting the site. NordVPN recently launched a free Link Checker so that users can check if a link or site is safe to visit. More details from the news release below.
The newest NordVPN product is free to use and available on all browsers and devices
NordVPN, a prominent cybersecurity company, introduces a new tool as part of the NordLabs platform. Link Checker is a manual URL-checking tool that allows users to assess a website’s safety by scanning for various types of malware. It provides notifications about potential fake websites or those containing phishing scams before users visit them.
Vykintas Maknickas, head of product strategy at NordVPN”
“Malicious websites are becoming harder to spot with the naked eye. Well-known typography tricks, such as replacing ‘Amazon’ with ‘Arnason’ in a URL, which have worked for well-known domains, have now been upgraded to suspicious elements hidden under a URL shortener, often making phishing websites look legit. Link Checker is a response to the growing scale and intricacy of phishing attempts online,”.
Exiting a malicious web page without clicking any links may offer some protection for your device and sensitive data. However, clicking on a malicious URL can expose your device to a drive-by download attack in certain situations, leading to malware or botnets that may encrypt or steal personal data.
How NordVPN Link Checker works
Link Checker is designed as a daily tool to assist users in avoiding unwanted situations. It scans the domains of desired websites and cross-references them with a list of known sites containing scams or malware.
Link Checker uses NordVPN’s machine learning model to gather data about malicious websites. This proprietary model is designed to detect zero-day phishing patterns within websites. Additionally, it leverages Nord’s Intelligence Database to identify fake websites aiming to deceive users with phishing scams.
Vykintas Maknickas added:
“Among the biggest advantages of the Link Checker is its two-fold nature. Combining proprietary machine learning techniques with the Nord Security Intelligence Database, Link Checker offers one of the most inclusive data sources to detect harmful URLs. In fact, Link Checker incorporates information on 95% of the most popular domains mimicked by cybercriminals, who often use phony variations to disguise online scams or malware,”.
Link Checker is a free tool for both businesses and individuals. It doesn’t necessitate creating a special account or enrolling in a subscription. You can access Link Checker on all browsers and devices here.
Link Checker is NordLabs’ second experimental product, part of a platform dedicated to exploring emerging technologies and crafting tools and services for the security and privacy of internet users. NordLabs provides exclusive access to innovative projects developed by NordVPN’s team of developers. In September, NordVPN introduced its initial experimental project, Sonar, an AI-enabled browser extension designed to assist internet users in identifying phishing emails and safeguarding against cybercrime.
About NordVPN
NordVPN, a widely used VPN service, ensures enhanced online privacy for millions of users globally. With double VPN encryption and Onion Over VPN, it prioritizes user security and guarantees zero tracking. Notably, it features Threat Protection to block malicious websites, malware, trackers, and ads during downloads. NordVPN, known for its user-friendly interface, competitive pricing, and a vast network of over 5,000 servers across 60 countries, stands as a leading choice for secure internet access. More details can be found at NordVPN’s site here.
