What to Do if you Clicked on a Malicious Link (2023)

FAQs

What happens if you accidentally click a malicious link? ›

Your Network and Contacts May Be Exploited

Breaches to your entire network can happen if you click on a phishing link when hackers start sending the people on your contact list further phishing emails, or worse, gain remote access to your computer.

Even just the action of clicking to close out the pop-up ads (also known as adware) or a pop-up phishing scam, can initiate the download of malware.

If you clicked on a phishing link that took you to a spoofed page and did not enter any personal information or credentials, then you should be fine. However, one danger is that scammers usually know whether or not you clicked on the link. So, they may determine you're a good target to continue pursuing.

Android devices are more prone to viruses and malware in general, so opening a phishing link on these phones puts you more at risk. If you do click on a phishing URL, delete any suspicious files, change all passwords (just in case) and run a malware scan using a trusted antivirus Android software.

Just like on your computer, your iPhone can be hacked by clicking on a suspicious website or link. If a website looks or feels "off" check the logos, the spelling, or the URL.

Clear your iPhone's browsing history and data

Open Settings and select Safari. Tap Clear History and Website Data. Then tap Clear History and Data. Clearing your iPhone's browsing history should get rid of any iPhone malware that you may have picked up by clicking on a malicious link or visiting an infected website.

These dangerous sites typically resemble legitimate websites, and your computer can be attacked by simply visiting a malicious website. You may be prompted to download software that your computer appears to need. A hazardous installation can compromise your machine, and your sensitive information as well.

The question “can you get hacked by visiting a website” seems to be floating around the internet a lot. The short answer to it is “yes”, in principle you can. As is often the case, however, the short answer only tells part of the story. The whole story helps to shed a lot more light on internet security.

Due to security restrictions on iOS, it is not possible for any app to scan the system or other apps for malware. Apps are not allowed those kinds of permissions, and for that reason, antivirus software on iOS is not possible.

Clicking through a malicious link embedded in a phishing email can have severe consequences including data theft, account compromise and financial loss. One wrong click can also result in serious reputation damage and significant downtime - or even permanent closure - for businesses.

How do I scan my phone for viruses? ›

Scan for Viruses

Go with a trusted name in the security space, such as Bitdefender, Kaspersky, Norton, and McAfee all of which have their own Android antivirus apps. We recommend investing in one, scanning for viruses, and allowing the program to identify and remove any malware it finds.

Once you've realized that you clicked on a phishing link, the first thing you should do is disconnect from the internet. This prevents other devices on your network from getting infected. At the same time, it reduces the risk that sensitive information can be sent out from your device.

A phishing website looks similar to the original one as cybercriminals copy the theme, information, graphics, and other intricate details. It may link some of the pages (like contact us or careers) to those of the original website. It often uses the name of the original website.

Most links take you to a (usually fake) page that will ask for certain credentials. As long as you closed the page after you clicked the link you're probably fine, but it's still a good idea to change your password for whatever service the phishing link was trying to access (such as amazon).

Since an iPhone cannot have a true virus there is no way to scan for one. If your iOS version is up-to-date (currently iOS 15.5) and you have not jailbroken your iPhone or side loaded apps you have no risk of malware either.

Answer: Resetting the phone or clearing all the data will most probably remove any spyware, malware, or virus available on your device. But it should be the last option. First, try deleting unwanted apps and the apps that ask for access to your personal information, then try restoring your device to a previous backup.

iPhones can get hacked from websites, which is why it's best to use antivirus software to scan for malicious sites.

Does a factory reset remove spyware? Restoring your iPhone to its factory settings will wipe it completely clean, removing spyware and other malware in the process.

What should I do if I enter a sketchy website? ›

First, try shutting it down the usual way by clicking the Shutdown option on the Start menu. If you can't get the computer to shut down that way, you can force it to shut down by pressing and holding the PC's Power button. 2 – Turn the computer back on and allow it to boot back up into Windows.

Telltale signs of a malicious website

For example: The website automatically asks you to run software or download a file when you're not expecting to do so. The website tells you that your device is infected with malware or that your browser extensions or software are out-of-date.

Hackers illegally access devices or websites to steal peoples' personal information, which they use to commit the crimes like theft. Many people shop, bank, and pay bills online. People also store financial information, like credit card or bank account numbers, on their devices.

The most common way for a smartphone to get a virus is by downloading a third-party app. However, this isn't the only way. You can also get them by downloading Office documents, PDFs, by opening infected links in emails, or by visiting a malicious website. Both Android and Apple products can get viruses.

Fortunately for Apple fans, iPhone viruses are extremely rare, but not unheard of. While generally secure, one of the ways iPhones may become vulnerable to viruses is when they are 'jailbroken'.

What Happens If You Click on a Phishing Link? Clicking on a phishing link or opening an attachment in one of these messages may install malware, like viruses, spyware or ransomware, on your device. This is all done behind the scenes, so it is undetectable to the average user.

Not from Safari itself, but it's possible to get your iPhone infected via Safari. Just as any other browser, Safari can be a getaway for malicious programs and viruses. This is why it's important to avoid clicking on links and ads on the websites you don't trust, and generally avoid suspicious-looking websites.

Malicious URL is a link created with the purpose of promoting scams, attacks, and frauds. By clicking on an infected URL, you can download ransomware, virus, trojan, or any other type of malware that will compromise your machine or even your network, in the case of a company.

The most common way for a smartphone to get a virus is by downloading a third-party app. However, this isn't the only way. You can also get them by downloading Office documents, PDFs, by opening infected links in emails, or by visiting a malicious website. Both Android and Apple products can get viruses.

How can I check if a link is safe? ›

Use a website safety checker

To find out if a link is safe, just copy/paste the URL into the search box and hit Enter. Google Safe Browsing's URL checker will test the link and report back on the site's legitimacy and reputation in just seconds. It's that easy to use Google's URL scanner.

Your browser takes that URL, breaks out the name of the web site, and then uses the Domain Name System (DNS) to get an Internet Protocol (IP) address for the site. Your browser then opens a Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) connection to the web site over IP.