Opening spam links can be dangerous and lead to malicious software being installed on your device without your consent. Spam emails often contain links to phishing sites or sites hosting malware. If you click on these links, your device and personal information could be at risk. However, with some basic precautions, you can avoid the worst consequences of accidentally opening spam.
What is spam?
Spam refers to unsolicited bulk messages sent online for commercial purposes. Most spam is sent via email, but spam links can also appear:
- In text messages
- On social media
- In pop-up ads and banners
- On shady websites
Spammers make money by getting users to click on links to products, services, phishing sites, or sites loaded with ads. Much of this is illegal, deceptive, and malicious.
What are the risks of clicking spam links?
Here are some of the potential risks of clicking on links in spam messages:
Malware infection
Malware refers to malicious software like viruses, spyware, and ransomware. Opening spam links could trigger downloads of malware to infect your device. Once installed, malware can:
- Steal your personal data and login credentials
- Take control of your computer
- Monitor all your online activity
- Encrypt your files until you pay a ransom (ransomware)
Phishing attacks
Phishing is when scammers create fake login pages to steal usernames and passwords. Spam links may direct to convincing phishing sites for banks, webmail, social media, and other services. If you enter your details, criminals can hijack your accounts.
Unsafe websites
Some spam links lead to unsafe websites riddled with malware downloads. Visiting these sites can trigger malware infections, with or without any action on your part.
Unexpected charges
Spam links may take you to pages with hidden monthly subscriptions. Entering your payment details could enroll you in expensive unwanted services.
Inappropriate/offensive content
Spam links may direct to adult content, illegal products/services, or otherwise offensive material you do not wish to view.
What happens if you click a spam link?
Here is what could happen if you click on a link in a spam message:
1. Malware infection
One click can set off a malware download leading to the issues described above. This may happen silently without your knowledge.
2. Redirection to unsafe site
The link redirects you from the original spam email to the shady target website. This site may contain more malware.
3. Phishing page opens
If it’s a phishing link, clicking may open a fake login page to capture your credentials. The page is designed to look like the real site.
4. Unwanted subscription
For some spam links, clicking starts a monthly subscription you are automatically billed for. You may need to cancel your credit card to stop recurring charges.
5. Tab crashes
Highly malicious links can crash your browser tab or freeze your device. You may need to force quit your browser.
6. Offensive content loads
Spam links may open adult content or other material you do not wish to view.
How to avoid problems from spam links
Here are some tips to avoid issues from clicking spam links:
Use strong spam filters
Enable spam filters offered by your email provider and social media platforms. This stops many malicious messages from reaching your inbox.
Don’t open messages from strangers
Be suspicious of any unexpected emails and messages. Do not open messages from unknown senders.
Check the email address
Scrutinize the sender’s email address. Spam often comes from unusual addresses.
Inspect link URLs
Hover over any links to preview the URL. Fake URLs are often used in phishing scams.
Use antivirus software
Antivirus software can detect and block many malicious links and downloads. Keep your antivirus updated.
Don’t enable links or attachments
Do not click ‘Enable’ if your email provider warns a link is potentially unsafe. Avoid opening any attachments.
Use a sandbox
Open suspicious links in a secure sandbox environment to isolate any risky activity from your system.
Check the context
Only open links where the context is clear. Discard any links in messages with strange wording.
Preview suspicious links
Copy and paste suspicious URLs into tools like VirusTotal to scan them for threats.
Browse safely
Always exercise caution browsing online. Avoid unfamiliar sites offering too-good-to-be-true deals.
What to do if you clicked a malicious link
If you suspect a link compromised your device or accounts, take these steps immediately:
Run antivirus scans
Run full system scans using updated antivirus software to detect and remove any malware.
Change passwords
Reset passwords for any accounts potentially compromised by phishing. Start with critical accounts like banking and email. Enable two-factor authentication where possible.
Watch for suspicious activity
Review account statements and credit reports for signs of misuse of your information over the next few months. Report any unauthorized transactions promptly.
Disconnect from networks
Temporarily disconnect the affected device from other networks so that malware cannot spread.
Contact service providers
If you entered sensitive information like financial details, call institutions promptly to protect your assets.
Wipe your device
For serious infections, you may need to wipe your device and reinstall the operating system from scratch. Backup important data first.
Report phishing scams
Report phishing links to email providers, social networks, hosting providers, registrars, and anti-phishing initiatives to aid takedown efforts.
Can you get hacked just by visiting a website?
Visiting a malicious website can sometimes directly infect your device with malware, even without clicking anything. Here’s how it happens:
Drive-by downloads
Harmful sites may exploit browser vulnerabilities to automatically download malware onto your system as soon as you load the page.
Malvertising
Even legitimate sites may display malicious ads that attack your browser. Malware can infect your device simply by viewing a compromised ad.
Malicious scripts
The website may reference malicious scripts hosted elsewhere that are programmed to infect visitors. These are triggered simply by visiting the site.
However, modern browsers have improved security protections against “zero-click” attacks like these. The chances of infection are quite low when browsing reputable websites. Stick to well-known sites and keep your browser and plugins updated to stay safe. Use ad blockers and script blockers as well.
How to identify and avoid phishing links
Here are some tips for spotting and avoiding phishing links:
Scrutinize the sender’s email address
Phishing emails often come from slightly misspelled or fraudulent addresses impersonating a legitimate company.
Check for poor spelling and grammar
Phishing emails and messages often contain typos, grammatical errors, and other writing mistakes since scammers are not native speakers.
Inspect the URL closely
Hover over any links to preview the URL. Phishing sites rely on lookalike URLs.
Verify the link destination
Copy and paste the URL into browsers like Chrome to see if it leads where expected. Unexpected destinations indicate phishing.
Look for missing HTTPS
Legitimate login pages always use HTTPS. HTTP links are a red flag.
Watch for website errors
Phishing sites often display certificate warnings or 404 errors.
Avoid links promising prizes
If a message claims you won a contest you never entered, it’s almost certainly a scam.
Check for threats online
Search online to see if the link has been reported as a phishing scam on forums.
Verify email urgency
Phishers create false urgency via threats of account suspension or deadlines. Disregard these.
Don’t trust personalization
Scammers leverage stolen personal details for familiarity. Don’t be reassured by use of your name.
Protecting yourself from malicious links
Here are some best practices for avoiding problems from malicious links:
Enable two-factor authentication
Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to accounts so phishing your password isn’t enough for entry.
Check sender addresses
Carefully inspect the email address, username, and display name of all senders before opening links.
Watch out for lookalike domains
Scammers register domains that replace or miss letters from popular website addresses.
Review URLs closely
Hover over links to preview their actual URLs. Never visit unfamiliar URLs without verifying first.
Limit personal information sharing
Provide as little of your personal data online as possible to limit exposure to targeted phishing that appears familiar and legitimate.
Secure accounts with strong passwords
Use complex, unique passwords for every account to reduce the odds of phishers guessing credentials.
Keep software updated
Regularly update your device’s operating system, apps, and browsers for the latest security fixes.
Use secure connections
Only visit sites using HTTPS connections to encrypt traffic. HTTP has no encryption.
Avoid links in unsolicited messages
Opening links from strangers is extremely risky. If you don’t know the sender, don’t click.
What to do after opening a malicious link
If you have opened a link that may be malicious, take these steps right away:
Scan devices with antivirus software
Run full system scans with updated antivirus software to detect and remove any malware.
Reset online account passwords
Change passwords for any accounts that may have been compromised. Enable two-factor authentication where possible.
Contact banks and credit bureaus
Notify financial institutions of potential fraud. Place fraud alerts and freeze credit reports to protect assets.
Monitor account activity closely
Watch for unauthorized transactions and activity in online accounts. Report any signs of misuse promptly.
Disconnect from other devices/networks
Isolate compromised devices by disconnecting them from your home network and other devices until fully disinfected.
Avoid sensitive activities for a few days
Refrain from online shopping, banking, or accessing sensitive accounts for a few days in case malware is lurking.
Consider wiping your device
For serious infections, the only fix may be backing up data and performing a factory reset to wipe the device.
Report phishing/spam
Report phishing emails and sites to providers like Google, Norton, and the FTC to aid takedown efforts.
Conclusion
Accidentally clicking spam links can expose you to phishing, malware, unwanted content and subscriptions, or other threats. However, with proper precautions the risks can be minimized. Enable spam filters, inspect links before opening, use updated antivirus software, and exercise caution when browsing. If a link appears suspicious, report it to the relevant platforms and institutions. Avoid opening links in unsolicited messages. If you clicked a questionable link, run scans, reset account passwords, monitor your accounts, and contact companies as needed. With proper online hygiene, you can avoid most attacks from malicious links in spam.