The danger of suspicious links: How to protect your data and device

Clicking on suspicious links can lead to serious consequences: from leaking personal data to infecting your device with malware. Experts from the Digital Expertise Center of Roskachestvo spoke to Gazeta.Ru about the main risks and shared recommendations on how to stay safe online.

Main Threats of Suspicious Links

1. Phishing: Theft of Personal Data
   Links from SMS, messengers, or emails often lead to fake websites that look almost identical to official banking, shopping, or service pages. On such sites, fraudsters request:

• Logins and passwords to accounts
• Bank card details
• Passport information

The stolen data can be used for:

• Stealing money from bank accounts
• Hacking into online accounts
• Blackmail or other illegal activities

2. Malware
   Clicking on a suspicious link can trigger the automatic download of files—documents, archives, or programs. These may contain Trojan viruses that:

• Block the device’s functionality
• Encrypt data and demand ransom
• Give attackers remote access to the device

3. Dangerous Applications
   Links may suggest downloading apps from third-party sources outside of official stores like Google Play or the App Store. Such apps often contain malware that:

• Gains access to the camera, microphone, contacts, and location
• Turns the smartphone into a spying tool
• Steals sensitive information, such as passwords and messages

How to Protect Yourself: Roskachestvo’s Recommendations

• Be cautious with link sources: Avoid clicking on links from SMS, messengers, or emails if the sender seems suspicious. Even friends’ messages may be compromised if their account was hacked.
• Verify websites: Before entering personal data, make sure the site uses a secure connection (address starts with https://) and that the domain matches the company’s official resource.
• Cross-check promotions with official sources: Scammers often lure victims with “too good to be true” offers. Always verify promotions on official websites or apps.
• Avoid downloading files from untrusted sources: Do not open or download documents, archives, or programs from unknown links.
• Install apps only from official stores: Google Play, App Store, and other certified platforms check apps for malicious code.
• Use antivirus software: Install reliable antivirus apps on smartphones and computers to protect against viruses and spyware.
• Keep devices updated: Regularly update operating systems and applications to patch vulnerabilities that hackers may exploit.

Why This Matters

According to Roskachestvo, phishing remains one of the most common cyber threats in 2025. Scammers continue to improve their techniques, creating increasingly convincing fake websites and messages. Malware infections can result not only in data loss but also financial damage and personal information leaks. In the worst cases, infected devices become part of botnets used for attacks on other systems.

In Short…

Clicking on suspicious links can lead to data theft, malware infection, or spyware installation. Phishing, malicious files, and unauthorized apps pose serious threats to users. To stay safe, experts recommend checking link sources, avoiding data entry on shady sites, downloading apps only from official stores, and using antivirus protection. Awareness and caution are the keys to safe internet use in 2025.