Can Links Be Dangerous? A Practical Guide to Online Safety

TL;DR

Yes, clicking on links can be dangerous. Malicious links are a primary tool for cybercriminals to deliver malware, execute phishing attacks to steal personal information, and trick you into visiting fraudulent websites. The key to staying safe is learning how to identify suspicious URLs and using tools to verify them before you click.

Understanding the Anatomy of a Web Link

At its core, a hyperlink—or link—is a foundational element of the web. As the U.S. Web Design System states, links are navigational elements that direct visitors to other locations, whether it's another page, a document, or a different website entirely. Understanding their structure is the first step toward identifying potentially unsafe ones. Every link points to a Uniform Resource Locator (URL), which has several key parts.

First is the protocol, such as http:// or https://. The 's' in HTTPS stands for 'secure' and indicates that the data exchanged between your browser and the website is encrypted. Always favor links that use HTTPS. Next is the domain name (e.g., example.com), which identifies the website. This is the most critical part to inspect for legitimacy. Finally, the path (e.g., /products/item1) directs the browser to a specific page on that website.

One of the most important aspects of a safe and usable link is its text. Authoritative sources like Yale University's usability guidelines strongly advise against vague link text like “Click Here” or “Read More.” This is because screen readers often present a list of links out of context, and generic text provides no information about the destination. Descriptive link text, such as “Read our 2025 Cybersecurity Report,” clearly communicates the link's purpose, enhancing both safety and accessibility.

The Core Risk: Can You Get Hacked by Clicking a Link?

The short answer is yes, clicking a link can absolutely expose you to significant security risks. While simply visiting a webpage is less likely to cause a hack on a fully updated browser, malicious links are often the starting point for sophisticated attacks. These links are designed to exploit your trust and trick you into taking an action that compromises your security.

The most common threat is phishing. A phishing link might take you to a counterfeit website—a perfect replica of your bank's login page, for example. When you enter your credentials, you are handing them directly to criminals. Another major risk is malware. Some links initiate a 'drive-by download,' which attempts to install malicious software on your device as soon as the page loads, often without any further action from you. This malware can include spyware that steals your passwords, ransomware that encrypts your files, or adware that floods your device with pop-ups.

Cybercriminals use various tactics to make these malicious links look legitimate. They might use URL shorteners to hide the true destination, or they may use 'typosquatting'—registering domains with common misspellings of popular sites (e.g., 'G00gle.com' instead of 'Google.com'). It's crucial to recognize the common types of link-based threats to protect yourself.

• Phishing Scams: Links leading to fake websites designed to steal login credentials, credit card numbers, and other personal data.
• Malware Distribution: URLs that trigger the download of viruses, spyware, ransomware, or other malicious software.
• Scam Websites: Links to fraudulent online stores or investment schemes that aim to steal your money.
• Botnet Recruitment: Clicking a link could inadvertently enroll your device into a botnet, a network of infected computers used to carry out large-scale attacks.

Your Defense: How to Check if a Link is Safe

Fortunately, you have several methods at your disposal to verify a link's safety before you click. The most accessible method is manual inspection. Before clicking any link, especially one received in an unsolicited email or message, hover your mouse over it. Your browser will display the full destination URL in the bottom corner of the window. This allows you to see the real destination, even if the link text is misleading.

For a more robust check, you can use a dedicated link checker tool. Services like Bitdefender Link Checker and NordVPN's Link Checker are free online tools where you can paste a suspicious URL. They analyze the link against massive databases of known malicious sites and use AI to detect phishing patterns, giving you a clear verdict on its safety. These tools are particularly useful for checking shortened URLs that hide the true destination.

Follow these steps to manually inspect a link for red flags:

1. Hover to Preview: Always hover your cursor over a link to see the actual URL it leads to before clicking. On mobile, you can often do this with a long press.
2. Check for HTTPS: Ensure the URL begins with https://. While not a guarantee of safety, it confirms the connection is encrypted.
3. Scrutinize the Domain: Look carefully at the domain name. Are there spelling errors or unusual characters? Be wary of subdomains that try to mimic legitimate sites (e.g., yourbank.secure-login.com).
4. Be Wary of Urgency: Phishing attempts often create a sense of urgency, with messages like “Your account will be suspended.” Treat such links with extreme caution.
5. Analyze the Context: Did the link come from an unknown sender or appear in an unusual context? If it seems out of place, it probably is.

Best Practices for Trustworthy Links

Creating and identifying trustworthy links is a shared responsibility that enhances safety, usability, and accessibility for everyone. For users, the key is to develop a habit of skepticism and verification. For website owners and content creators, the focus should be on clarity and transparency. The World Wide Web Consortium's (W3C) guidelines emphasize that the purpose of each link should be clear from its text alone. This simple principle is the foundation of a trustworthy web.

Vague text forces users to guess the link's destination, which creates uncertainty and makes it easier for malicious actors to trick them. Clear, descriptive links build user confidence and are essential for accessibility, as they allow screen reader users to navigate efficiently. For example, instead of writing “Click here to download our guide,” a better practice is “Download our guide to link safety [PDF, 12 pages].” This tells the user exactly what the link does and what to expect.

For content creators, ensuring every link is clear and trustworthy is crucial for user experience. Marketers and creators can revolutionize their workflow with tools like BlogSpark, an AI blog post generator that helps craft engaging, SEO-optimized articles, making it easier to implement best practices for link text from the start. By prioritizing clarity, you not only protect your audience but also build a more credible and authoritative online presence.

Here is a quick comparison of bad vs. good link text practices: