Hover Over a Link or Button to Reveal the URL Destination

Avoid clicking on sketchy links by revealing the URL destination

In today's TechTip, we want to help you protect yourself from the risks associated with clicking on suspicious links. Cybercriminals often use deceptive tactics to trick you into clicking on links that lead to dangerous websites, malware downloads, or phishing scams. One way to avoid these risks is to take a closer look at the links you encounter on the web, especially when you're not sure whether they're trustworthy.

To do this, you can use a simple technique called "hovering." When you hover over a link or button on a website, you can see the web address (URL) where that link will take you if you click on it. Here's how to reveal the link's destination:

1. Move your mouse cursor over the link or button that you want to investigate.
2. Without clicking, pause and hold your cursor over the link or button for a few seconds.
3. Look at the bottom left corner of your browser window, or at the tooltip that appears near the link or button.
4. The URL of the link's destination should be displayed, either as a preview or in the tooltip text.
5. Take a close look at the URL and see if it looks legitimate and matches the website you're visiting. If you're not sure, you can try searching for the website or page separately or consult with your IT support team.
   
   

By using the hovering technique, you can quickly and easily check the destination of links and avoid falling victim to scams, phishing attacks, or other online threats. Stay vigilant and stay safe!