Worried that a website might be infected? You are right to be careful. The safest way to check is to look the site up from the outside, using a reputation and safe-browsing check, rather than opening it and hoping nothing happens.
This guide shows you how to check a site without putting your device at risk, the warning signs that a page is hosting malware, and the simple habits that keep you protected day to day.
Paste an address for a free safety check: encryption, malware and phishing, domain age and more.
The golden rule is simple: do not visit a suspicious site just to see what happens. Malware can try to install itself the moment a page loads, so opening it to investigate is exactly what you want to avoid.
Instead, run the address through our free safety check. It queries Google Safe Browsing, the same database your browser uses, so you get a verdict on malware and phishing without loading the risky page yourself.
A full-page alert such as "this site may harm your computer" or "deceptive site ahead" is a clear signal. Do not click through it.
You click one link and land somewhere completely different, or the page bounces you through several addresses.
Messages telling you to install software, update a player, or run a file before you can continue.
Warnings that your device is infected and you must call a number or download a tool right now to fix it.
This is worth remembering because it cuts through most tricks. A genuine website lets you read, browse and decide. It does not block the page behind a download, insist you install a "codec" or "player" to watch a video, or claim your computer is already infected. If a site pressures you to download or install something before you can do anything else, close the tab. That pressure is the scam, whatever the file is called.
Run the address through our free safety check. It queries Google Safe Browsing, the same list your browser relies on, and tells you whether the site is flagged for malware or phishing. You get the verdict without ever loading the page, which keeps your device out of harm's way.
No. Some malware tries to run as soon as a page loads, so opening a suspicious site to inspect it is the risk you want to avoid. Check it from the outside with a reputation and safe-browsing tool instead, and let your browser warnings guide you.
It means the page has been flagged as hosting or spreading malware. Take it seriously and do not click through. The warning is there to stop the site from loading before it can affect your device.
Usually not. Legitimate sites let you read and browse without forcing an install. Demands to install a player, update software, or run a file before you can continue are a common way malware spreads, so close the tab rather than downloading.
Disconnect from the internet, run a full scan with reputable security software, and change any passwords you entered while on the site. Keep your browser and operating system updated so known weaknesses are closed off.
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