Let's face it, we've all clicked links that we shouldn't clicked before. But there’s more to understand beyond “don’t click it!” Here are some interesting facts about malicious links that you probably didn’t know, their potential impact on your devices, and additional steps you need to take to keep yourself and your devices safe.
Your Device Could Have Unpatched Zero Days
On their own, most links are relatively safe; however, the risk they pose can vary dramatically based on the device you’re using to click one. Something called 0-days exploit vulnerabilities in your device's software that you may not even be aware of, vulnerabilities that may not yet have been patched. When you click a malicious link, it may try to leverage these weaknesses to take control of your device within seconds.
If you’ve ever jailbroken an old iPhone simply by visiting a website, you know how trivially a link can grant root access. The same principle applies to modern 0-day exploits - one click on a malicious link can give an attacker complete control.
While this sounds alarming, the takeaway is simple: update your devices regularly. Most attacks target known vulnerabilities, so keeping up with software updates can protect you from 99% of these attacks.
The Limitations of Anti-Virus Software
Anti-virus programs are no longer the all-encompassing defense against sophisticated threats, although they still have their place. Attackers have learned to evade detection by creating links that initially point to safe content when scanned by anti-virus software. Then, when a real user clicks, the link switches to malicious content—a technique called dynamic serving.
In other words, anti-virus programs have their limits when attackers put in the effort to bypass them. When combined with other security layers, like browser extensions that scan URLs for malicious behavior in real-time, such as AntiPhish.AI, anti-virus software can be part of a more comprehensive defense.
Password Managers: The Double-Edged Sword
Password managers are great for creating and storing unique passwords for all your accounts, reducing the risk of password reuse. But if your device is compromised, a password manager could also become a single point of failure, putting all your passwords at risk in one go.
The key takeaway is to store your password manager’s master password offline and never in clear text on your devices. Treat the master password like a vault key—memorize it but keep it out of easy reach, perhaps in a notebook or locked drawer. Also, enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA) for your password manager adds an extra layer of protection if your device is compromised.
Why You Shouldn't Use Your Phone Number for 2FA
While two-factor authentication (2FA) is essential, not all types are equally secure. SMS-based 2FA (sending a one-time code to your phone) is convenient but vulnerable to SIM swapping. In a SIM swap, attackers persuade your mobile carrier to transfer your phone number to their SIM card, giving them access to any accounts secured by SMS-based 2FA.
For better security, consider using an authenticator app like Google Authenticator or Authy, which generates time-based codes directly on your device. These apps are generally more secure than SMS since they aren’t tied to your phone number or mobile carrier, making them less susceptible to social engineering attacks or security of your mobile carrier.
Final Thoughts
While vigilance, caution, and awareness of potential threats may seem overwhelming, following these guidelines can protect you from most attacks. Understanding that threats evolve and that traditional tools, like anti-virus software and SMS-based 2FA, have their limitations helps you stay one step ahead of attackers. Keep your software up to date, use authenticator apps for 2FA, and be especially cautious with passwords. Stay safe!