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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