A link via WhatsApp, a quick download and… It’s time to clean viruses from our Android mobile. The links we receive are from scams that have been on the rise recently on WhatsApp, APK files that can infect our device.

When it comes to downloadable applications, I prefer this website that analyzes them. However, when we get links to a supposed package or an irresistible offer that we should get, nothing can be better than that. Check the URL to make sure it is safe.

URLCheck prevents you from opening the browser prematurely

While browsing F-Droid, an excellent repository of Open Source applications, we came across an application that acts like this: barrier between users and connectionsIts name is URLCheck, it weighs only a few megabytes but it fulfills a function that can be perfectly integrated into Android.

It is very important to analyze the links that enter our phone, whether they come from messaging applications, social networks or simply a link we find on the internet. Why is this so important? Danger lurks behind them and can come in the following forms: viruses or scamsIt damages our sensitive information.

What can we do to fix this? I choose to ask the sender, considering that it may be a good link as well as being tempting. Even so, there are cases where it is infected and the link is automatically distributed. infection chain produces unpredictable consequences.

This is where URLCheck comes into play: It is located in the middle of the application and our browser from which we received the link (we will open with this). Therefore, when our finger opens one of these links, we will see its simple and minimalist interface. Now, the possibilities of this free app are many:

• lets you know homeowner from the URL, i.e. What is the website it is hosted on?. It’s a great tip to know if this link from the Post Office or Administration is correct.
• In this situation shortened linkURLCheck will provide us with the real one. Shortening links is useful, but it is also used by malicious users to camouflage the danger.
• Connection history: Do you open it many times during the day? In a simple log you can see all the people you consulted.
• Convert to HTTPS: The difference between HTTP and HTTPS is that the latter is slightly more reliable. With a simple touch we will use the secure protocol and make the connection a little more private.

As if that were not enough, the app adapts to the theme we have activated on our Android mobile, whether dark or light, although in order for it to adapt correctly, the company needs to grant some permissions. permissions We just established it.

And it’s not pushy: we’ll jump into our browser with a button, so Not intrusive It does not slow down the normal usage flow. Just in case, their module includes some functions that automate link cleaning. Because yes, it can also eliminate certain followers and referral links.

We almost forgot. One of them Modules, has now become indispensable and checks links to VirusTotal. To do this, we need to get an API key from the service and integrate it into the application. From now on, our Android mobile phone will be more protected and will also act as a barrier against viruses, as well as revealing fraudulent links that we should not fall for.

Of course, using URLCheck does not mean getting rid of antivirus. On the contrary, all together perfect synergy. And no less important: never lose our skeptical attitude when faced with the things we buy on our mobile phone, we must continue to check what we download and the websites we access. This is the best weapon to prevent possible problems.

To be able to be discharge You can get this application from Google Play Store or F-Droid if you wish. No ads or payments in-app: It is 100% free and safe. It is actually Open Source, so you can see the source code with the necessary information.

Cover image | Microsoft Designer with editing

Xataka on Android | I’m obsessed with security and this app can’t be missing on my Android device