I n t e r n e t   S a f e t y   1 0 1

The Internet is a handy tool for finding fascinating and useful things, but how do we identify the unsafe or malicious items mixed in with the harmless and beneficial ones? It can be difficult to tell genuine links apart from imposters, especially in the case of the shortened ("tiny") URLs. Here are our top tips for avoiding links that might be imitating a genuine website:

• Hover over links – this might be obvious to some, but it can’t be overstated: before clicking any link, hover over it and look for the URL it’s linked to in the bottom lefthand corner. Mobile users can tap and hold to open a list of options, with the URL address at the top.
• For shortened URLs, it’s safest to use a URL checker like unshorten.it or urlxray.com to view the full link before deciding whether you want to visit that address.
• If a page asks you to log in, be wary. Double-check that the URL hasn’t changed from the one that you navigated to (look out for extra periods or unexpected domains like .org on a streaming site’s login page address). If you’re asked to log in after logging in once, navigate away from that page, as it is most likely a scam.

So you found yourself a real gem: the coveted recording of that one unreleased song from your favourite band? A digital version of this semester's statistics textbook? Way to go! Before you go ahead and download it, let's talk about a few tips to keep you from accidentally downloading a virus alongside or instead of the file you thought you were downloading:

• Is this a new download source for you? Check a website that rates the safety of various databases, archives, and torrent sites. We suggest trustpilot.com and sitechecker.pro. Doing this won’t guarantee a safe download, but it’s a good precaution.
• Pay attention to file extension types – this is the easiest way to sort files that aren’t what they were advertised to be. If the letters at the end of the file name don’t match what you were expecting (e.g., a .DOCX or .RTF for a text document), reconsider opening that file. Be especially careful with files that execute a program (e.g., anything that ends in .EXE).
• Scan your files! Most anti-virus software provides the option to scan a file either before or after download. Just be sure to keep from accidentally opening the file before it’s scanned and declared clean of viruses or malware.

We've all made a friend online, joined an online community to talk about common interests, commented on a funny video, or asked for more detailed instructions on a tutorial page. Interacting with other Internet users is what makes online experiences fun and rewarding!

However, not everyone you meet online will be looking to make friends or help you out. There's a high chance of encountering good people, but scammers, predators, and trolls also seek potential victims in online spaces. Here are some tips for having a better online experience by minimising interactions with people that are may be dangerous (or merely annoying):

• Regardless of the context, do not provide personal information. Less obvious things like the name of your old school might seem harmless but can provide additional location information that might not occur to you at first.
• “Don’t feed the troll.” This Internet adage should be remembered when someone online is posting inflammatory messages, spreading misinformation, or taking something you’ve said out of context to get a reaction from you. Cut off these bad faith encounters for your peace of mind and leave the “trolls” unsatisfied with their attempt to provoke you.
• Learn to identify dogwhistles. All ideologies have symbols associated with them, and members of hate groups will use these symbols on their pages or in their communication. Spotting these can help you to avoid interactions with these people.
• Use your tools! Interactions on the Internet, particularly on social media sites, are almost completely under your control. You can block messages or whole accounts, filter hashtags for topics you don’t wish to hear about, and you should report inappropriate content that is sent to you.