In the evolving sphere of cybersecurity, intruders are getting smarter not just in the software they use, but even in how they deceive their targets. One of their most common tricks? Hiding malicious URLs in plain sight.
For most companies, especially those under digital transformation with remote workers, being aware of how such threats work is essential. A single wrong click on a well-obfuscated malicious link can open the gateway to ransomware, data hijacking, or complete network takeout.
Let’s take a closer look at how cybercriminals hide malicious links and how your organization can stay one step ahead.
1. Using URL Shorteners to Hide Malicious URLs
Social media, newsletters, and SMS campaigns rely heavily on URL shortening services like bit.ly. But attackers misuse them just as often.
How attackers leverage them
They hide malicious URLs behind false-appearing short links. This is most probably done to get around email filters and trick users into clicking links inadvertently.
A genuine danger for organizations using SMS-based messaging, mass mail campaigns, or customer engagement tools.
2. Converting IP Addresses to Numbers
IP addresses are in many different forms, such as integers. Cybercrooks exploit this to conceal the actual location of an aggressor site.
Example:
http://1234567890 may seem meaningless to most, but when deciphered by a browser, it could lead a user directly to a phishing page or malware server.
The danger?
Most users won’t even suspect that numerical URLs could be malicious and traditional URL scanners will likely overlook them if they are not configured properly.
3. Leverage of the ” @” Symbol to Obscure the True Destination
Cyber attackers often exploit lesser-known URL behaviors to deceive users. One trick involves using the “@” symbol to redirect victims.
How it works:
A URL like http://trustedcompany.com@malicioussite.com will appear to reference a trusted domain, but everything before the “@” is ignored by the browser. You’re being redirected to malicioussite.com.
Why it works:
It plays on user trust—people see familiar names and click without checking the full address.
4. Abuse of Legitimate Email Service Providers (ESPs)
Bad actors are now inserting malicious links in mailshots that go out via legitimate providers such as Mailchimp.
Why it works:
These domains use trusted domains (e.g. mail.yourESP.com) that are whitelisted by default by most spam filters. A perpetrator who sneaks past ESP security filters can leverage that trust to send bulk phishing messages.
For businesses that use bulk mailers, this attack also raises the likelihood of being impersonated.
The Impact for Nigerian Businesses
Whether you’re in fintech, telecoms, public sector, or manufacturing, malicious URLs pose a significant threat to business continuity and customer trust. Nigerian businesses are increasingly targeted as local infrastructure digitizes and reliance on email and cloud tools grows.
A compromised link can lead to:
– Credential theft (e.g., Office 365, banking, ERP access)
– Malware deployment (ransomware, keyloggers, backdoors)
– Reputation damage from spoofed emails or data leaks
– Operational downtime from infected devices or servers
How to Stay Safe: Business Working Tips
1. Hover before you click – Encourage employees to hover over links (especially in emails) and observe where they actually lead.
2. Check suspicious emails even from familiar sources – If an email appears suspicious, verify using another method. Attackers use spoofing of trusted contacts.
3. Prioritize HTTPS, but don’t trust it blindly – HTTPS provides encryption not security. An evil site can possess a valid certificate.
4. Train your teams
Daily cyber awareness training allows employees to identify suspicious URLs and emails.
5. Utilize enterprise-grade URL filtering and threat intelligence -Tools like Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, Cisco Umbrella, or Fortinet’s web filtering can block malicious domains automatically.
6. Keep browsers, plugins, and operating systems up to date -Outdated software increases the vulnerability to link-based attacks.
Final Thoughts
Cybercriminals don’t always break down doors, most times they enter straight in through the front, disguising themselves as a legitimate link. Businesses must actively defend their endpoints, educate their employees, and install intelligent threat detection technology.
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