Is this a Safe Website? 5 Easy Tips to Spot a Dangerous Website

Is this a safe website?

Online scams, viruses, phishing, and all other sorts of Malware have become an all too common nuisance for online users. How can anyone be safe when dangerous websites are popping up constantly? The answer is simple, increase security and change your browsing habits. The process is not as complex as it seems. You can be on your way to expertly spot an unsafe website or a safe website in a flash. The steps below help you tell whether a website is safe or not.

1. Use a Website Adviser

There are a few highly trusted and respected website advisers that will provide you with data you can use to determine if it's a safe website is or dangerous website. One such site is McAfee Site Advisor or Web of Trust. These online resources test websites for online security threats. It's database will inform you if it's a website has a record of pop-ups, trojans, malicious applications and other Malware. Anti-virus programs, may also provide you with a tool bar that allows safety rating to be viewed before loading the site.

2. Use Web Browser Safety Add-Ons

Before you know if a website is dangerous, you can block the site from loading potentially harmful applications into your browser. These applications usually use a JavaScript based technology. This technology allows executable content to run via your browser. Free script blocking software such NoScript can be added to FireFox. Internet Explorer 7 Pro upgrade has its version of script blocking. Both allow you choose which websites can install these executable programs. For example a banking website should be allowed. Script blocking will prevent cross-site scripting attacks (XSS) that can hijack your broswer information and identity theft.

3. Check the Website's Information

A website has a list of information that establishes if it's legitimate or if it's not a safe website. Simply the domain name itself provides you with vital information. For example.edu, .org, .gov are considerably more trustworthy because there restrictions that prevent anyone from obtaining them. Also you can check to see if the website is affiliated with a trusted company or offers SSL Security for your purchasing. Using sites like whois.com provide a wealth of information. You can get everything from the site owner's email to the age of the website. The location in which the website is hosted is also important. Certain countries have less restrictions that can make it easier for scammers to set up.

4. Email first, then buy.

One of the quickest ways to test a sites legitimacy is to contact the customer service and ask for information regarding your potential purchase. Make sure that you have an open line of communication to customer service. There are countless people who have purchased products only to find out they've been scammed. Contact customer service ask them as many questions as you like. A safe website usually has a legitimate customer service team willing to help you. Ask for information regarding the security when purchasing and package tracking if your buying.

5.Google it!

Doing a search to find information on the sites customer complaints is a good way to establish if it's a safe websites. If it's not a safe website, you are bound to read horror stories about it from those who have been scammed and ripped-off. This can be the tipping point to find out if it's a safe website or not.

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