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Website Checker: How to Check if a Website is Safe and Legitimate

 

In the digital age, most of our lives revolve around the internet. We shop bank, socialize, learn, work, and play online. With so much of our data and activities taking place on the web, it's crucial to be able to identify safe, legitimate websites we can trust.

This article will explore the importance of vetting websites and provide tips on how to check if a website is safe to use.

 

Why Website Safety Matters

With over 1.7 billion websites in existence today, not everyone has good intentions. Malicious sites aim to distribute malware, steal personal and financial information, or scam users.

Visiting an unsafe website can result in identity theft, data breaches, malware infections, financial fraud, and other cybercrimes. Thankfully, there are ways to [check if a website is safe](domain authority checker) before using it.

 

How to Check Website Safety

Here are some tips on how to verify site security and legitimacy:

Lookup the Website Reputation

One easy way to check a website's reputation is to search for reviews online. Look for mentions of the site on reputable consumer advocacy sites like Trustpilot, forums like Reddit, and the Better Business Bureau.

See what other users' experiences have been and watch for any red flags like numerous complaints.

Analyze the URL

Take a close look at the website URL for signals on whether a site is legitimate and secure:

• SSL certificate - Safe sites should use HTTPS URLs which indicate SSL encryption is active. The padlock icon is another indicator.
• Domain history - Older domains that have been registered for longer are typically more reputable. Check the WHOIS domain history.
• Typos - Scam sites often use slight typos of well-known brands. Look for misspellings.
• Country domain - The domain extension provides the country of origin, like .gov or .ca for government sites.

Review the Website Content

The content, design, and functionality of a website can provide clues on its legitimacy:

• Professional design - High-quality design often signals a legitimate organization. Watch for broken images or videos, and unprofessional layouts.
• Contact information - Reputable businesses display a physical address, phone number, and contact email.
• Working features - Forms, shopping carts, and search bars should work properly on real sites.
• Grammatical errors - Poor writing with spelling and grammar mistakes can be a red flag.
• Privacy policy - Real websites include terms of use, privacy, and return policies.
• Awards and certifications - Legitimate sites highlight security certifications like SSL, BBB logo, Trust Seals, etc.

Check the Domain Authority

A site's [domain authority](domain authority checker) indicates its reputation and trustworthiness. Scores range from 1-100. High authority domains (>50) tend to be more credible and established.

Use a Website Safety Checker Tool

Specialized tools can automate website vetting to save time:

• Norton Safe Web - Scans sites in real-time and shows safety ratings.
• Google Safe Browsing - Checks for malware, phishing, and other threats.
• Sucuri SiteCheck - Free website malware scanner.
• McAfee SiteAdvisor - Provides website safety ratings.
• Is Legit - Bulk search to instantly check domain reputation.

 

Is This Website Safe? Use Common Sense

Even with the most sophisticated tools, there’s no substitute for critical thinking. Watch for telltale signs of shady websites:

• Asks for excessive personal information
• Payment is required upfront before receiving goods/services
• Makes claims that sound too good to be true
• Uses high-pressure sales tactics

When in doubt, don't provide any sensitive data and avoid using the site. Remember: if it seems sketchy, it probably is!

 

Safe Web Browsing Best Practices

Practicing smart web habits is key to avoiding risky sites:

• Use secure passwords - Unique, complex passwords prevent account compromise from exposing your data.
• Beware of phishing - Don't click suspicious links in emails, texts, or ads. Verify the source first.
• Keep software updated - Regular system and browser updates minimize security vulnerabilities.
• Use a VPN - VPNs encrypt traffic and hide your IP address for anonymous browsing.
• Enable firewall - Firewalls filter incoming and outgoing traffic as an added layer of protection.
• Clear cookies/cache - Regularly deleting cookies and cache reduces tracking and malware risks.
• Monitor accounts - Watch for unauthorized activity and transactions that could indicate identity theft.
• Use an ad blocker - Blocking ads reduces malicious links, and phishing attempts and improves performance.

 

Is Your Website Safe for Visitors?

If you run a website and want to reassure visitors, get security certifications like Norton or TRUSTe seals. Perform frequent malware scans and fix any issues immediately. Monitor traffic for suspicious patterns suggesting attacks.

Stay up to date on software patches and CMS platforms. Implementing robust security protects your site's reputation and keeps users safe.

 

FAQs

Q1: What are some indicators an unknown website isn't safe?

A: Red flags include a lack of HTTPS, typos in the URL, grammar/spelling errors, missing privacy policies, broken images, pop-ups, excessive ads and forms asking for sensitive personal or financial information upfront.

Q2: What's the easiest way to check if a website is legitimate?

A: Looking up the website's reputation on trusted review sites like Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau can quickly reveal potential scams. For businesses, confirmed contact details are a sign of legitimacy.

Q3: Can I just rely on my antivirus software?

A: Antivirus isn't enough since it only protects against known threats. Proactively vetting site safety using reputation checks, tools and common sense browsing habits is important for full protection.

Q4: What should I do if I suspect a website I used was unsafe?

A: If you share any sensitive information or download anything from a suspicious site, start by changing all passwords. Run antivirus scans to check for infections. Monitor financial accounts closely for fraudulent activity.

Q5: How can I check website safety on my mobile?

A: Mobile browser extensions like Norton Mobile Security can scan sites quickly. Stick to the official apps from trusted brands rather than third-party sites to reduce risk. Beware of phishing attempts from texts and emails.

Q6: What makes a website high-risk?

A: High-risk indicators include no HTTPS, newly registered domains, spelling errors, threatening language demanding immediate action, requests for sensitive info immediately, no verifiable contact details, and negative online reviews detailing scams.

Q7: How can I report an unsafe website?

A: Notify the web host to request unsafe sites be taken down. Report malicious sites to Google Safe Browsing and your local consumer protection agency. Add your own review detailing concerns to warn others.

 

Conclusion

Navigating the vast internet safely requires being able to identify secure, legitimate websites. Watch for red flags in URLs, content, and domain authority. Use online reputation checks and scanner tools for quick risk assessment.

But even the best analysis tools are no replacement for critical thinking before providing sensitive information or downloading anything. Following secure browsing habits will help you avoid the majority of shady, dangerous websites.

With vigilance and common sense, most users can navigate the web while minimizing their exposure to cyber threats.