What types of files are considered dangerous?
Executable files (.exe, .bat, .cmd, .com, .scr), script files (.js, .vbs, .ps1, .wsf), installer packages (.msi, .dmg), and archive files with nested executables are commonly used to distribute malware. However, even safe file types can be dangerous if they come from untrusted sources.
Can a safe-looking URL still be malicious?
Yes. Sophisticated attackers can compromise legitimate websites or use URL shorteners to hide malicious destinations. This tool detects common patterns, but no automated checker can catch every threat. Always verify the source and use additional security measures.
What should I do if a link is flagged as high risk?
Do not click the link. If you received it unexpectedly, consider it a potential phishing attempt. Report it to your IT department if it's work-related, or mark it as spam/phishing in your email client. Use our Phishing Message Triage tool for further analysis.
How is this different from the Phishing Link Analyzer?
The Phishing Link Analyzer focuses specifically on phishing indicators in URLs. This Link & File Safety Checker provides broader analysis including file type risk assessment, more comprehensive URL checks, industry-standard safety ratings, and actionable fix recommendations for detected issues.