TinyURL and Internet Security

In the previous post we have seen uses of URL shortening service.

http://techqe.blogspot.com/2009/09/how-tinyurl-works.html

So what is the RISK !!

lets take an situation:

If you recieve an email from someone (forum, newsletters, company) telling you to click on link,if the site appears to be Chinese or Russian site you would'nt click on it write (bingo). And obvious if you have good Anti-virus installed, it will detect the links and warn you .

But, if email links point to TinyURL you are in no position to know the identity of the site, maybe it is hacked site or hacker's. And it is not possible for Anti-virus package to detect it.

Tinyurl isn't the only redirection service. Here is a list of sum od them's

• tinyurl.com
• bit.ly
• budurl.com
• eweri.com
• hex.io
• idek.net
• is.gd
• poprl.com
• snipr.com
• twurl.nl
• ub0.cc

This phenomenon has resulted in many URL shortening services.

Here's what I do or You should :

• Use a good anti-virus that scans web pages also.
• Be cautious of shortened URLs
• Use good web browser (Check the browsers hack list)
• And. Services provied by TinyURL like Preview feature