Safe Internet Browsing

Your browser is one of the most targeted applications on your device. Safe browsing habits protect you from malware and credential theft.

Anatomy of a URL

Before clicking any link, understand what you are looking at:

⚠ Warning

The only part of a URL that tells you who owns the site is the domain, the part immediately before the first /. Anything before the domain (subdomains) is controlled by the domain owner. So microsoft.com.evil.net is owned by evil.net, not Microsoft. login.microsoft.com is owned by Microsoft.

Lookalike Domain Examples

Legitimate	Fake Lookalike	Trick Used
microsoft.com	micros0ft.com	Zero instead of ‘o’
paypal.com	paypa1.com	Number 1 instead of ‘l’
westpac.com.au	westpac.com.au.login.xyz	Real domain as subdomain
ato.gov.au	ato-gov.au.refund.net	Hyphens + fake TLD
commbank.com.au	comrnbank.com.au	‘rn’ looks like ‘m’

Recognising Dangerous File Types

Not all downloads are safe. Be cautious with:

.exe, .msi, .bat, .cmd, .ps1: executable files that run code
.doc, .docm, .xls, .xlsm: Office files with macros (leave macros off unless you trust the source)
.zip, .7z, .rar: compressed archives that may contain any of the above
.iso: disk image files that can auto-mount and run

⛔ Important

If your browser or a pop-up warns that a file “may harm your computer” believe it. Never override a security warning to download a file you were not expecting. Legitimate software publishers do not need you to bypass your browser’s safety checks.

Drive-By Downloads

Some websites install malware when you visit them, with no clicks required. This is called a drive-by download, and it exploits vulnerabilities in:

Your browser itself
Browser plugins (Flash, Java, PDF viewers)
The operating system

Protection: Keep your browser and all plugins updated. Avoid sites flagged by your browser’s safe-browsing warnings.

Safe Browsing Habits

✓ Key Point

The STOP-THINK-VERIFY habit:

– STOP before clicking any unexpected link or download prompt

– THINK: is this what I expected? Does the URL look right?

– VERIFY: if unsure, type the address into the bar yourself

That three-second pause catches most browser-based infections.

At Work: Acceptable Use

Your organisation’s Acceptable Use Policy defines what browsing is permitted on work devices and networks. Common restrictions include:

No downloading personal software
No visiting gambling, adult, or peer-to-peer file sharing sites
Caution with social media during work hours
No accessing work systems from public kiosks

Mobile Techs IT Consulting

Is one bad click all it takes?

A single lookalike domain or drive-by download can turn a normal work day into a very expensive one. Mobile Techs IT Service helps Gold Coast businesses make browsing safe by default: DNS and web filtering that blocks malicious sites before they load, managed browser and plugin updates, endpoint protection that catches drive-by downloads, and acceptable-use policies your staff will follow. Home users welcome too, on-site or remote, anywhere in Australia.

Make one bad click survivable Talk to us first

Call 1300 644 588 · office@mobiletechs.com.au
More on our managed IT services and remote security audit.