How secure is Linktree?
April 26, 2023
How secure is Linktree?
If you're an active social media user, chances are you've come across Linktree. Bloggers and influencers have been able to leverage this tool which allows you to create a landing page with clickable links to all your social media profiles and websites. It's a great way to keep your online presence organized and easily accessible. But is it really secure?
Recently, reserachers at Avanan discovered that Linktree can be used to distribute phishing links. Cybercriminals have been exploiting Linktree's redirection feature to trick users into clicking on malicious links. When a user clicks on a Linktree link, they are redirected to a phishing website that looks identical to a legitimate website. The user is then prompted to enter their login credentials, which are then stolen by the attacker.
So, how secure Linktree really is?
Linktree has implemented several security measures to protect their users from cyber threats. For example, they use SSL encryption to secure data in transit and have a strict privacy policy in place. They also monitor their platform for suspicious activity and take action against any malicious links that are reported.
However, as with any online platform, there is always a risk of cyber attacks. Cyber criminals are constantly finding new ways to exploit vulnerabilities and trick users. It's important to be aware of the risks and take necessary precautions to protect yourself. In case of Linktree, hackers are creating free accounts and using them to send users to credential harvesting pages.
Here are some tips to stay safe while using Linktree:
- Always check the sender address before clicking on a Linktree link: Hackers may use a fake email address that looks like it's from a legitimate source to trick you into clicking on a Linktree link. Be sure to check the sender address before clicking on any links to ensure that it's a trusted source. If you are on desktop, hover your mouse over the link to get a preview of where the link leads to.
- Stop and think before clicking on any link delivered via Linktree: Always think twice before clicking on any link delivered through Linktree, especially if it's not typical for that sender to use such a service. If you receive a link via Linktree that you weren't expecting, confirm with the sender before clicking on it.
- Double-check the URL when logging into a page: Be wary of phishing attempts that direct you to a fake login page that looks like the real one. Before entering your credentials, double-check the URL to make sure it's a legitimate site like Linktree. If the URL looks suspicious, don't enter your credentials.
- Focus on Security Awareness Training for your employees: The link might look legitimate but it's incumbent upon users to do some digging. This circles back to the importance of introducing Security Awareness Training for your organization. You're only as strong as your organization's weakest link. Train your employees to be proactive
In conclusion, while Linktree has implemented several security measures to protect their users, it's important to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect yourself from cyber threats.