Phishing attempts are growing in sophistication and becoming more challenging to recognize, but certain indicators can still help you identify them before they cause harm. Learn about these important cues that experts in cybersecurity rely on to spot phishing URLs:
1. Verify Suspicious Web Addresses
Phishing web addresses are frequently lengthy, perplexing, or contain random characters. Hackers employ these tactics to hide the true destination of the link and deceive users.
Start by meticulously examining the web address. Always verify that it commences with “HTTPS,” as the presence of “s” implies a secure connection secured by an SSL certificate.
Nevertheless, note that SSL certificates by themselves may not always provide sufficient protection. Cybercriminals have increasingly exploited legitimate-seeming HTTPS URLs to spread harmful content.
Therefore, be cautious of links that appear overly intricate or appear as a jumble of characters.
Tools such as ANY.RUN’s Safebrowsing offer users the ability to test suspicious links in a secure, isolated environment without the need to manually scrutinize each character in a URL.
Illustration:
In a recent incident, Google’s URL redirection was utilized multiple times to disguise the true phishing link and complicate efforts to trace the actual destination of the URL.
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| Complex URL with redirections |
In this instance, post the initial “Google” in the URL, 2 subsequent occurrences of “Google” indicate an attempt at redirection and misuse of the platform.
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| Examining a suspicious link using ANY.RUN’s Safebrowsing feature |
Evaluate numerous suspicious URLs with ANY.RUN’s Safebrowsing tool.
2. Observe Redirect Routes Closely
As demonstrated in the previously mentioned example, redirection is a major strategy employed by malicious actors. Alongside considering the intricacy of the URL, determine the final destination of the link.
This technique elongates the delivery chain and bewilders users, making it challenging to identify malicious intentions.
Another common scenario is when attackers send an email claiming a file must be downloaded. Instead of attaching the file or providing a direct link, they share a URL that navigates through multiple re… “>
During this Secure browsing session, you’ll observe how the page header and icon appear unusual for an authentic Microsoft Office sign-in page.
Ordinarily, you would expect to see the Microsoft icon and a relevant, clear page header. Nevertheless, in this instance, the header comprises of random characters and the Microsoft icon is either corrupted or absent. This is a substantial warning sign and probably signifies a phishing endeavor.
4. Be cautious of Misused CAPTCHA and Cloudflare verifications
A prevalent strategy used in phishing URLs is the exploitation of CAPTCHA mechanisms, especially the “I’m not a robot” authentication.
While CAPTCHAs are designed to authenticate human users and safeguard against bots, malevolent actors may manipulate them by incorporating unnecessary, repetitive CAPTCHA challenges on deceitful sites.
A similar technique entails the misapplication of platforms like Cloudflare, where attackers might utilize Cloudflare’s security verifications to hinder users and conceal the phishing endeavor.
Illustration:
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| Detection of Cloudflare verification abuse in the Safebrowsing session on ANY.RUN |
During this examination session, attackers exploit Cloudflare verification as a deceptive layer in their phishing plot to add authenticity and obscure their malicious motive.
5. Validate Microsoft Domains Before Inputting Passwords
Scammers frequently construct websites that mimic reliable services like Microsoft to deceive users into divulging their credentials.
While Microsoft typically solicits passwords on a few official domains, it’s advisable to exercise caution.
These are some of the genuine Microsoft domains where password solicitation may arise:
Remember that your institution might also demand authentication through its authorized domain. Hence, it’s wise to cross-verify the hyperlink prior to sharing the credentials.
Utilize ANY.RUN’s Secure browsing functionality to verify the credibility of the site before inputting any sensitive data. Ensure to safeguard yourself by double-checking the domain.
6. Examine Links with Recognizable User Interface Components
You can also identify phishing URLs by closely inspecting the user interface components of software. Bear in mind that software user interface elements on a browser page containing a password input form serve as a significant alert.
Attackers frequently endeavor to garner users’ trust by imitating familiar software interfaces, such as those from Adobe or Microsoft, and embedding password input forms within them.
This strategy makes potential victims feel at ease and weakens their defenses, leading them towards the phishing trap. Always scrutinize URLs with such elements before entering sensitive data.
Illustration:
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| Imitation of Adobe PDF Viewer’s interface elements |
During this Secure browsing session, attackers simulated Adobe PDF Viewer, integrating its password input form.
Explore Dubious Links in ANY.RUN’s Secure Virtual Browser
Phishing URLs can pose severe risks to organizations, often leading to the compromise of sensitive data like login credentials and financial details via a single click.
ANY.RUN’s Secure browsing provides a safe, isolated virtual browser where you can securely assess these dubious links in real-time without jeopardizing your system.
Safely explore questionable websites, monitor network activity, identify malicious behaviors, and collect Indicators of Compromise (IOCs) for further examination.
For a more thorough analysis of suspicious links or files, ANY.RUN’s sandbox delivers advanced capabilities for threat detection.
Commence using ANY.RUN today for free and enjoy limitless Secure browsing or in-depth analysis sessions!
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