Always follow your organisation's official security guidelines when reporting suspicious emails.
What are short URLs?
Short URLs (such as bit.ly, goo.gl, or Tiny URL) are often used to shorten and simplify long URL addresses. They can be used in marketing, tracking of clicks, and sharing better looking URL addresses.
Many marketers, event organisers and small organisations use short URLs in their communication. They can, however, be used for malicious purposes.
Example of a short URL (bit.ly):
Why are short URLs bad?
It's better to be cautious of all short URL links before clicking them.
Short URLs can be used by phishing or spam campaigns to hide the true address of the link. This can be dangerous, as the user is not aware of the real URL address, and may be taken to a suspicious site.
How do I preview a short URL?
Some short URLs providers allow you to preview where the URL would take you. Please read the bit.ly guide for previewing URL links.
Please note that the bit.ly preview method does not apply to all short URLs - If you suspect a URL is malicious, do not click on it.
Always follow your organisation's official security guidelines when reporting suspicious emails.
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