Check for Suspicious Messages

Messages containing links are a common attack vector.

A screenshot of an online translation service, showing a message in Arabic and a translation into English. The translation says 'Turkey asks the Egyptian opposition channels to stop criticizing Egypt, and Cairo comments on the move...'

Links could be sent from any instant messaging apps or SMS. There are a few kinds of malicious links:

Link target	Attacker goal	Sophistication	Mitigation
Phishing website, such as a webpage that looks like Google's login page	Trick user into entering personal data or passwords	Low	Check webpage domain names and SSL certificates
App download	Convince user to download and install the app	Low	Don't install apps outside of app stores
Webpage containing web exploits, such as XSS (Cross Site Scripting)	Steal online session cookies, or operate the currently open session	Medium	Don't click on links sent by unknown people
Webpage containing a browser exploit	Exploit browser or app vulnerability	High	Don't click on links sent by unknown people

Saving messages

1. Copy the entire message including the link to clipboard

2. Alternatively, save a screenshot containing the full text

3. If you can, archive the link using the Wayback Machine

Checking links

Simply Google search the link, or paste the link to sites like VirusTotal.