Recently, I have read several ActiveRain posts and articles regarding the use of URL shortening services to spread malicious software. Alerts from McAfee and other security companies note the spread of worm viruses like Koobface on social networking.
As an example, it start with a link sent via Twitter to a video. When you click on the link, you are notified that you need to install a missing video plug-in. When you install the plug-in, you are actually installing software that can be used to remotely access your computer for a wide range of improper activities from data theft to spamming others to attacking other computers. To read other examples of this phenomenon, visit CyberCrime & Doing Time written by Gary Warner, a computer forensics expert at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, or July Security Threats Report from Marshal8e6.com.
There are a number of solutions to this problem ranging from the use of anti-virus security programs to using decoder programs to see the full URL or simply not clicking on links from unknown entities. If you want to see the full URL before you click on it, here are a few simple services that translate shortened URLs and provide full length URLs:
The sites are pretty simple. Cut and paste the shortened URL and the sites provide the full URL allowing you to decide whether or not you want to go or visit the site. So, before you click and spend hours fixing the damage to your computer, take a look at the long URL and make a decision whether it is a site that is safe to surf.
Interested in learning how to effectively use technology in real estate sales? Contact Ryan Shaughnessy at PREA Signature Realty at 314-971-4381 or visit the Tech Toolbox at www.PREASignatureRealty.com.
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PREA SIGNATURE REALTY
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Ryan - Thanks for the useful advice. I did not know that there were websites that could preview the short URL in full format.
Marc - It isn't the be all end all for protecting one's computer - but it does help me decide whether or not to click or download.
You knew it was only a matter of time before the bad guys wronged something that was so right. My computer also lets me mouseover any URL and shows me where I would be going. It apparently works on short URLs too as far as I can tell. Basically, though, if I don't know who the link is from, I don't click on it.
Ryan, Thanks for the information. Most of the shortened URLs that I see are on Twitter and since I use Tweetdeck, it will give me the full length URL so that I can decide whether to click on it.
Hi Ryan ~ Thanks for these links - this is great to know. I couldn't deal with my computer on the fritz.
Liz
Russel - It depends on your browser, but you are absolutely right. Roger Johnson posted an article on how he clicked on a link on Twitter and ended up with a virus. This is just a simple tool when you don't know the person who posted the link. I have the same philosophy as you do - don't know the person, don't click on the link.
Gary - As Russel mentioned, there are many other ways to see the full URL. Tweetdeck and most shortening services have an option to see the full URLs. These tools are just basic, easy to use software if your brower doesn't allow you to preview the full URL.
Liz - Roger spent an evening debugging his computer. I don't usually click on unknown shortened URLs. Plus, my browser tells me when I go to a site flagged as bad juju.