Online Privacy
Safe browsing
Reading a web address before you trust the page.
4 min readBeginnerPrivacy
What You Need to Know
The domain immediately before the first single slash is the real site. Everything else in a long address is decoration and can be faked freely.
Why It Matters
Look-alike domains are the backbone of phishing. Reading addresses correctly prevents most credential theft.
Warning Signs checklist
- Extra words or hyphens added to a familiar brand name
- Unusual domain endings on a well-known company
- Certificate or connection warnings
- Download prompts you did not initiate
How to Protect Yourself steps
- 1Read the domain before entering credentials
- 2Bookmark the sites you log into most
- 3Never dismiss certificate warnings on financial sites
- 4Keep browser safe-browsing protection enabled
Quick Checklist
- Read the domain before entering credentials
- Bookmark the sites you log into most
- Never dismiss certificate warnings on financial sites
- Keep browser safe-browsing protection enabled
Helpful Resources
- The Curiosity EditLong-form essays on cyber, AI, and everyday technology.
- Career GalaxyDiscover the careers built around this exact problem.
- Government resourcesOfficial reporting and recovery links, being verified before we publish them.
- Trusted nonprofitsCommunity partners offering free education and support, list in progress.
Follow the Rabbit Hole