Shortened links replace long URLs with shorter versions that redirect to the original URL. They became popular with platforms like Twitter and are widely used in marketing and social media campaigns.
How Cybercriminals Exploit Them
Shortened links can hide malicious URLs, making them appear safe. Cybercriminals may use trusted domains, like LinkedIn’s “slinks,” to bypass security filters and trick users into entering credentials on fake pages.
Tips to Stay Safe:
- Avoid clicking unexpected links.
- Recognize common shorteners like Bitly and TinyURL.
- Use link expanders to reveal full URLs and check for red flags before clicking.