Cyber Crime
Don’t Get Phished: Check Websites Before You Click with Get Safe Online India
ScamAdviser and The420.in launch Get Safe Online India, a platform helping consumers check website legitimacy and stay safe from online scams and phishing attempts.
NEW DELHI: Consumers in India now have a new resource to help them stay safe from online phishing and scams. ScamAdviser, a company specializing in online trust solutions, has partnered with The420.in to launch the Indian chapter of Get Safe Online (https://www. getsafeonline.in/home).
The digital landscape has seen a dramatic increase in online scams and phishing attempts over the past few years. Cybercriminals are employing more sophisticated techniques to deceive unsuspecting users, making it imperative for consumers to stay vigilant. The collaboration between ScamAdviser and The420.in addresses this critical need by providing a robust platform to help users discern between legitimate and fraudulent websites.
“Online phishing and scams have become a major concern for consumers around the world, and India is no exception. We are excited to launch Get Safe Online in India to provide consumers with the tools and information they need to protect themselves,” said a spokesperson for ScamAdviser.
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How Get Safe Online Works
Get Safe Online allows consumers to check the legitimacy of any website by entering the URL into the website’s search bar. The website then uses ScamAdviser’s Trust Score algorithm, which analyzes over 40 data sources, to assess the website’s risk. These data sources include factors such as the website’s IP address, the availability of contact information, the age of the domain name, and ratings on consumer review websites.
“Our Trust Score is a powerful tool that helps consumers make informed decisions about the websites they visit,” said the spokesperson. “However, it is important to remember that no system is perfect. We always recommend that consumers do their own research in addition to using Get Safe Online.”
How Get Safe Online Works: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Visit the Get Safe Online India Website
Go to the Get Safe Online India website. This is the starting point where you can access the tools and resources provided by the initiative to check the legitimacy of websites.
Step 2: Enter the Website URL
Locate the search bar on the homepage. Enter the URL of the website you wish to check. This can be any website you are unsure about or want to verify before making a transaction or sharing personal information.
Step 3: Initiate the Scan
Click on the “Check” button next to the search bar. This will initiate the scanning process, where Get Safe Online will analyze the website using the ScamAdviser Trust Score algorithm.
Step 4: Analysis of Data Sources
The ScamAdviser Trust Score algorithm kicks into action, analyzing more than 40 data sources. These include:
IP Address Analysis: Examines the IP address of the web server to identify its location and any known malicious activity associated with it.
Contact Information Verification: Checks if the website provides clear and accessible contact details.
URL Age Check: Determines the age of the URL; older URLs are generally more trustworthy compared to newly created ones, which are often used for scams.
Review Site Ratings: Aggregates user reviews and ratings from various platforms to assess the website’s reputation.
Other Data Points: Includes various other factors like the website’s SSL certification, the presence of malware, and any history of phishing attempts.
Step 5: Generate the Trust Score
Based on the analysis, the algorithm generates a ScamAdviser Trust Score for the website. This score reflects the overall trustworthiness of the site, taking into account all the data points reviewed.
Step 6: Review the Results
Once the analysis is complete, you will see the results displayed on the screen. The trust score will be accompanied by a detailed report outlining the findings from each data source. This report will help you understand why a website has received its particular score.
Step 7: Interpret the Trust Score
High Trust Score: Indicates that the website is likely safe and legitimate.
Moderate Trust Score: Suggests caution; there might be some minor concerns, so further investigation is recommended.
Low Trust Score: Warns that the website is potentially unsafe, and you should avoid interacting with it or sharing personal information.
Step 8: Conduct Personal Checks
While the trust score provides a comprehensive overview, it’s essential to conduct your own checks as well. Look for red flags like poorly written content, missing contact information, and suspicious URLs. Cross-reference the website with other trusted sources or reviews.
Step 9: Stay Informed
Stay updated with the latest tips and advice on online safety from Get Safe Online India. The platform regularly publishes articles and resources to help you stay informed about new threats and best practices for online security.
Step 10: Report Suspicious Websites
If you encounter a suspicious website that hasn’t been flagged by Get Safe Online India, consider reporting it. This helps improve the database and assists other users in staying safe online.
By following these steps, you can effectively use Get Safe Online India to protect yourself from online scams and phishing attempts. Remember, vigilance and informed decision-making are your best defenses in the digital world.