Beware short URLs: AN INTERNET security company is signalling users about a potential phishing threat hidden behind shortened web addresses. Web services like TinyURL, Bit.ly, or is.gd, shorten long, unwieldy web addresses or URLs into bite-sized ones that are easily copied into e-mail messages, instant messages or posted on blogs, for instance. However, phisher criminals have turned this to their use, cloaking their malicious sites with these shortened addresses. The shortened addresses do not show the original site's domain name, which would usually set off red flags to users. Internet security firm Symantec on Thursday also pointed out that spammers were using the shortened addresses in e-mail addresses, thus 'confusing' and slipping past spam filters.
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