5 Things You Should Do if You Accidentally Click on a Suspicious Link
Cyberattacks are commonly executed using phishing, clickbait, and other suspicious links. These links often have poorly constructed URLs and urgent requests for your personal information.
Ideally, you should scrutinize all links before you click them, but life happens. Sometimes, you’re simply distracted or not paying enough attention.
Clicking a suspicious link isn’t the end, though. You may be able to remedy the situation. Here are five things you should do if you accidentally click a suspicious link.
1. Close the Page and Browser Window
While you should stay calm after realizing you’ve just clicked a suspicious link, you shouldn’t be passive.
Immediately close all your web pages and browser windows. This helps sever all possible connections with the potentially harmful website or link. It also prevents further interactions and access to your information.
2. Disconnect Your Device From the Internet
After closing your page and browser window, the next step is disconnecting from the internet. Unplug your Wi-Fi and network cable immediately. You can also put your device in airplane mode for added safety.
When you disconnect your device from the internet, you create an additional wall preventing communication between your device and the suspicious source.
3. Change Necessary Passwords
Once you’re back online, changing your password is essential to avoid potential risks if you click on a link that leads you to log into a suspicious website. You might not need to change your password if you don’t input your credentials. However, if you do, you must change your password.
Moreover, cyberattackers can use your details to access your other personal accounts, especially if you habitually reuse a password for different accounts—which you shouldn’t do!
Reset your passwords and login information for the affected account and any other account with the same credentials. Choose a complex and unique password for all your accounts:make sure your passwords are truly secure.
you could alsoenable two-factor authenticationwhenever possible to add an extra layer of safety.
4. Run a Virus Scan
Running a virus scan is another crucial step that helps safeguard your personal information and account from unauthorized access. High-quality antivirus and anti-malware software programs help detect and eliminate potential viruses or malware installed on your device from clicking suspicious links.
You should also update your antivirus or anti-malware program to maximize its effectiveness.
5. Report the Attack
Reporting an attack is essential for safety and helps authorities track and apprehend cyberattackers, preventing future threats.
it’s possible to contact your local enforcement agency or your country’s cybercrime information center to make an official statement. You can also report the suspicious link to the service provider or website you found it on.
Protect Your Online Privacy
Anyone can accidentally click on a suspicious link. However, staying calm and taking immediate action is vital to protect your online security and prevent unauthorized access to your accounts.
Disconnecting your internet, changing your password, and scanning for viruses are steps to minimize possible risks while safeguarding your device and personal information.
Before clicking any suspicious link, use one of these link checkers to check that it doesn’t lead to malware or other security threats.
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