Certain URLs and files may pose a threat to our online security. As a consequence, for many individuals who browse online, the issue of whether to click a link or not arises practically daily. For instance, many individuals are unsure whether or not to open an email attachment out of concern that it may contain harmful data. Of course, browsers are meant to be capable of preventing malicious data from infecting our computers through an inbuilt system that allows them to verify the reputation of websites and files, but this system is not always trustworthy. Manually checking URLs and files for risk may be a preferred option, as it adds additional levels of protection beyond those provided automatically.
The following are the top five internet tools for scanning URLs and files for malware:
VirusTotal
Using the VirusTotal website is one of the most effective methods to determine a website’s security and reputation. VirusTotal performs an analysis of the file or website in question. Although the findings from VirusTotal may be difficult to understand, the site is still one of the finest available since it receives thousands of entries daily and can rapidly identify problematic files and URLs.
Google Safe Browsing
Each day, Google receives massive amounts of internet traffic. Google Safe Browsing is capable of examining and comparing the web addresses and links that access and are placed on it.
Web of Trust (WoT)
WoT may be accessed through a browser plug-in or a website. WoT checks the safety of links and files using crowdsourced data submitted by members. Although WoT has less data throughput and may miss certain potentially dangerous websites, a good feature of WoT is that it is based on member input and allows for both positive and negative evaluations.
McAfee WebAdvisor
Because McAfee WebAdvisor is one of the biggest reputation services on the internet, it encounters a significant number of questionable and hazardous websites and files. McAfee WebAdvisor, on the other hand, needs a plug-in, which not everyone will want to use, even if it is free.
Comodo Web Inspector
Comodo is a somewhat different kind of service that evaluates the reputation of websites and files. Comodo Web Inspector was created to enable website owners to conduct malware scans on their domains. Comodo Web Inspector performs in-depth analysis of checks and flags for potentially hazardous connections, scripts, and phishing reports.