12 Free Tools Bloggers Can Use to Verify Link Safety

1. VirusTotal

VirusTotal is a free online service that scans URLs using 70+ antivirus scanners and URL/domain blacklisting services. Bloggers can paste a suspicious link and get immediate analysis on malware, phishing, and suspicious behaviors. It’s one of the most trusted tools to assess whether a link is safe before sharing it on your site.

12 Best Strategies:

• Check all outbound links before publishing.
• Analyze shortened URLs (e.g., Bit.ly).
• Use it for email link validation.
• Test links from user-submitted content.
• Scan affiliate links before promotion.
• Automate checks with the VirusTotal API.
• Bookmark the tool for fast access.
• Use browser extension for quick scans.
• Check link behavior across multiple engines.
• Re-scan older posts periodically.
• Report malicious links found.
• Combine results with manual inspection.

Extra Advice:
Integrating VirusTotal into your content workflow builds trust with readers. Automate checks using browser plugins and APIs for real-time efficiency. Cross-verify flagged links manually for high accuracy and keep a record of dangerous domains.

2. Google Safe Browsing

Google Safe Browsing helps detect unsafe websites and links by identifying those involved in malware, phishing, or deceptive practices. Bloggers can enter a URL to see if it’s been flagged by Google. Since it powers Chrome’s security alerts, it’s an essential source for verifying link credibility.

12 Best Strategies:

• Check URLs before embedding them.
• Use Google's API for automated scans.
• Monitor links in older blog posts.
• Scan guest post submissions.
• Integrate with Chrome browser tools.
• Verify competitor backlinks.
• Avoid linking to flagged sites.
• Test sites before recommending them.
• Ensure your own site is clean.
• Cross-reference with antivirus software.
• Educate guest authors on its use.
• Report unsafe links to Google.

Extra Advice:
Regularly checking both your and others' links on Google Safe Browsing can protect your blog’s reputation. It's ideal to scan before linking externally, especially in monetized posts. Use this tool in conjunction with others for a layered security strategy.

3. URLVoid

URLVoid analyzes URLs using multiple blacklist engines and online reputation tools. Bloggers can use it to assess a website's safety, domain trustworthiness, server location, and previous malware history. It’s a great way to dig deeper into a site’s background before linking.

12 Best Strategies:

• Check domain reputation.
• Analyze WHOIS and server info.
• Scan referral traffic sources.
• Test links in comment sections.
• Use it for link partnership vetting.
• Review flagged domains manually.
• Combine results with domain age.
• Track domains for recurring issues.
• Audit old blogroll links.
• Use in backlink audits.
• Research for sponsored post safety.
• Check for recent malware reports.

Extra Advice:
Use URLVoid for in-depth analysis, especially when considering linking to lesser-known or newly created domains. It's a great companion tool for blog audit sessions and affiliate reviews. Cross-check domain history for a more complete picture.

4. Norton Safe Web

Powered by Symantec, Norton Safe Web gives a security rating for websites and shows community reviews. Bloggers can search for any URL to determine its safety score, recent threats, and user feedback. It’s perfect for quick validation with visual alerts.

12 Best Strategies:

• Validate new affiliate program links.
• Use for content partnerships.
• Monitor competitor URL trust.
• Integrate Norton browser extension.
• Encourage readers to use it too.
• Use it before guest posting elsewhere.
• Check websites for SSL certificates.
• Review community feedback.
• Analyze changes in rating over time.
• Scan domains before embedding videos.
• Use on mobile devices.
• Combine with McAfee for double checks.

Extra Advice:
Norton Safe Web is user-friendly and highly visual—ideal for quick checks. It’s especially useful when verifying links on-the-go. Encourage your readers or co-authors to use it when submitting links for your site.

5. PhishTank

PhishTank is a collaborative clearinghouse for data and information about phishing. Bloggers can submit suspicious links and check if a URL is part of a known phishing scheme. It’s a crowdsourced tool maintained by OpenDNS and frequently updated.

12 Best Strategies:

• Check finance-related links.
• Report suspicious forms.
• Validate account login URLs.
• Use for affiliate offer pages.
• Scan user-submitted emails.
• Join community reporting.
• Monitor phishing attempts.
• Search database for popular scams.
• Stay current with phishing trends.
• Use alongside OpenDNS protection.
• Verify giveaway and coupon links.
• Educate your audience using examples.

Extra Advice:

PhishTank adds a layer of human verification to phishing detection. Use it to stay alert about trending scams targeting bloggers or affiliate sites. Actively report fake links to keep the community safe and reinforce your blog’s authority.

6. ScanURL

ScanURL checks if a link is involved in phishing, malware, or spam. It queries multiple sources, including Google Safe Browsing, Web of Trust, and PhishTank. Bloggers can use it for a comprehensive safety analysis with minimal effort.

12 Best Strategies:

• Quickly check comment links.
• Validate advertising partners.
• Inspect outbound tracking links.
• Scan URL redirects.
• Double-check shortened URLs.
• Use daily for guest post reviews.
• Verify links in newsletters.
• Bookmark tool for fast scans.
• Review flagged results carefully.
• Combine with manual testing.
• Avoid linking to red-flagged pages.
• Keep a log of scanned URLs.

Extra Advice:
ScanURL’s multi-source reporting offers a reliable snapshot of link safety. It’s best for bloggers who handle multiple external contributors or dynamic content. Combine its use with browser plugins for smoother workflows.

7. Sucuri SiteCheck

Sucuri SiteCheck scans for malware, blacklisting, spam, and security issues. Although intended for checking your own site, it also works on third-party URLs. It offers deep scans, security headers analysis, and helpful recommendations.

12 Best Strategies:

• Validate external blog recommendations.
• Monitor guest contributor websites.
• Audit partner domains.
• Use when embedding external forms.
• Schedule periodic link scans.
• Test affiliate tool dashboards.
• Monitor malware trends.
• Watch for spam link injections.
• Share with guest authors.
• Combine with manual code review.
• Review blacklist results.
• Track uptime/security status.

Extra Advice:
Sucuri is perfect for a thorough inspection of both your blog and external links. It adds advanced insight beyond standard tools. Use it to assess blogs you collaborate with or promote heavily.

8. Web of Trust (WOT)

Web of Trust is a reputation-based tool that rates websites based on user feedback and security data. Bloggers can use the browser plugin or website to check if a URL is trustworthy based on privacy, security, and user experience.

12 Best Strategies:

• Install WOT browser extension.
• Scan all external links.
• Use for vetting new ad networks.
• Let users vote on link safety.
• Check reader-suggested links.
• Audit old blog posts.
• Review low-trust scores carefully.
• Consider community reviews.
• Avoid sites with poor trust levels.
• Embed ratings in your content.
• Use for email outreach link checks.
• Report unsafe links actively.

Extra Advice:
WOT builds trust-based insights from the crowd. Combine it with technical tools for a balanced safety check. The browser plugin allows for seamless, proactive use while writing or researching blog posts.

9. BrightCloud Threat Intelligence

BrightCloud provides threat intelligence on URLs, domains, and IPs. It offers insights into malware, phishing risks, and bot activity. Bloggers benefit from its enterprise-grade data to avoid linking to potentially dangerous sources.

12 Best Strategies:

• Analyze domains behind shortened links.
• Monitor new link patterns.
• Use for enterprise blog projects.
• Review domain categories.
• Scan suspicious ad networks.
• Detect potentially dangerous IPs.
• Integrate with firewalls.
• Use with browser developer tools.
• Run periodic full link audits.
• Combine with domain trust data.
• Avoid content from flagged domains.
• Pair with antivirus software.

Extra Advice:
BrightCloud is more technical but offers high-quality intelligence. Use it when you're unsure about high-risk or enterprise-level URLs. Ideal for bloggers operating at scale or managing multiple authors.

10. Kaspersky Threat Intelligence Portal

Kaspersky's free Threat Intelligence Portal allows bloggers to assess URLs for malware, phishing, and other cyber threats. It offers detailed technical breakdowns and links to related security advisories, making it ideal for cautious content creators.

12 Best Strategies:

• Use for technical site inspection.
• Check for obfuscated URLs.
• Audit sponsored content links.
• Scan email marketing links.
• Inspect iframe sources.
• Review known bad signatures.
• Use with WordPress plugin checks.
• Combine with antivirus data.
• Avoid sites with high risk levels.
• Export data for future analysis.
• Use for plugin/theme link checks.
• Test new monetization platforms.

Extra Advice:
Kaspersky gives high-grade data, excellent for deep-link audits. Great for tech-savvy bloggers or developers managing content and security simultaneously. Use this tool before embedding widgets or third-party scripts.

11. Bitdefender TrafficLight

Bitdefender’s TrafficLight is a browser extension that blocks unsafe websites and highlights malicious links in search results or pages. It works in real-time, providing link safety information without slowing down browsing.

12 Best Strategies:

• Install on primary browser.
• Check links in search results.
• Use while browsing affiliate offers.
• Detect hidden redirects.
• Validate newsletter URLs.
• Use when reading competitors' blogs.
• Monitor flagged websites.
• Enable alerts for threat detection.
• Check image-hosted links.
• Use across all team devices.
• Report suspicious results.
• Block dangerous content automatically.

Extra Advice:
Bitdefender TrafficLight is a set-it-and-forget-it tool. Once installed, it adds constant, automatic link protection during browsing and blogging. Use it across your content team for consistent safety standards.

12. Dr.Web Link Checker

Dr.Web Link Checker is a browser plugin and web service that scans URLs for viruses, malware, and phishing attempts. Bloggers can right-click any link to check it instantly. It supports Chrome, Firefox, and Opera.

12 Best Strategies:

• Scan embedded video links.
• Use for anonymous user comments.
• Check before republishing content.
• Right-click scan on unknown links.
• Test social media links.
• Analyze plugin download pages.
• Check forum links before referencing.
• Use it with guest author pages.
• Detect trojan-infected links.
• Protect while researching.
• Scan encrypted HTTPS links.
• Use with other browser scanners.

Extra Advice:
Dr.Web is fast and reliable for spot-checking. Ideal for bloggers who frequently use forums, directories, or accept external content. Pair it with other plugins to create a robust link safety net.