SecureTwitter protects tweeters from malicious URLs

Twitter users clicking on shortened URLs embedded in tweets risk unwittingly downloading malware.

However, new free-to-downloand software from security specialist Finjan scans shortened URLs before they are clicked and warns users if the target site is malicious.

The SecureTwitter plug-in comes as part of Finjan’s existing SecureBrowsing suite, which provides security protection on search engines, social media sites, and web email, including Google, Twitter, Bebo, digg, Slashdot, MySpace, Blogger, MSN, Gmail, and Yahoo! Search.

The plug-in is compatible with Firefox and Internet Explorer web browsers.

“SecureTwitter is effective, simple to use and based upon proven effective technology,” said Yuval Ben-Itzhak, Finjan CTO.

Geek.com blogger Matthew Humphries believes the plug is an essential tool for social media users.

“If you regularly follow short URLs then I urge you to secure yourself against malicious ones by using a URL checking service like SecureTwitter,” Humphries said.

Story link: SecureTwitter protects tweeters from malicious URLs