Clean up your URLs, remove tracking parameters, follow redirects, and get beautiful previews with security warnings. Great for sharing or online safety!
General Online Safety (For Everyone)
Protecting Yourself on the Internet
Though keeping yourself safe online has always been the case, it has become more and more essential over these recent years. This comprehensive guide covers everything from VPNs and secure browsing to protecting your personal information. Learn how Clean My Link helps protect you from malicious URLs and discover some of the tools you need to browse securely.
How Clean My Link Keeps You Safe
Clean My Link can be your first line of defense against malicious URLs. Before you click any link, we:
- • Remove tracking parameters that spy on your browsing.
- • Check for redirects and reveal the final destination.
- • Analyze URLs for suspicious patterns and known threats.
- • Provide safety warnings before you visit potentially dangerous sites.
- • Clean and beautify links for safer and better looking sharing.
1. VPN Protection
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts your internet connection and hides your real IP address, protecting your privacy and data.
Why You Need a VPN:
- • Encrypt your data on public Wi-Fi networks.
- • Hide your browsing activity from ISPs and advertisers.
- • Access geo-restricted content safely (pretend you're in a different country).
- • Protect against man-in-the-middle attacks.
- • Prevent bandwidth throttling.
🔥 Recommended VPN Services
The following are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you.
NordVPN - An amazing VPN service with an amazing deal attached - Military-grade encryption, 5,500+ servers worldwide, budget-friendly, the best of all worlds.
- With NordVPN, using this link can get you 74% off your plan for 2 years + 3 extra months at no extra cost + a 30-day money back guarantee! I use it, and it's genuinely a great service, this deal is one of the best you'll ever see out there!
NordPass - A secure password manager with a strong free tier - Military-grade encryption, organize your passwords, and sync them across all your devices, extremely budget-friendly.
- With NordPass, using this link can get you 53% off your plan for 27 months (that's only $1.22/month, USD) + 3 extra months at no extra cost + a 30-day money back guarantee! I use it, and it's genuinely a great service, this deal is one of the best you'll ever see out there!
Surfshark - A budget-friendly VPN service that works - Unlimited devices, budget-friendly.
- This is a great option for those with multiple devices, this link will get you plans from just $2.01/month + 3 extra months at no extra cost!
2. Safe Browsing Practices
Simple habits that dramatically improve your online security and protect you from common threats.
Essential Browsing Tips:
- • Always check URLs before clicking - use Clean My Link to verify any suspicious links.
- • Look for HTTPS (the lock icon next to the URL) when entering personal information.
- • Never download software from unknown sources.
- • Be cautious of pop-ups claiming your computer is infected.
- • Use reputable browsers with updated security features.
- • Enable two-factor authentication on all important accounts.
Red Flags to Watch For:
- • Urgent messages claiming your account will be closed.
- • Requests for passwords or personal info via email.
- • Links with suspicious domains or misspellings.
- • "Free" offers that require credit card information.
- • Downloads from email attachments or pop-ups.
🛡️ Recommended Browser Extensions
Clean My Link is not afiliated with any of the following extensions.
uBlock Origin - Free ad and tracker blocker
Privacy Badger - EFF's tracker protection tool
HTTPS Everywhere - Force secure connections
3. Password & Account Security
Strong, unique passwords are your first defense against account breaches and identity theft.
Password Best Practices:
- • Use a unique password for every account (keep track of them using pen and paper, or a secure and verified password manager).
- • Make passwords at least 12 characters long.
- • Include uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols.
- • Never use personal information in passwords.
- • Use a password manager to generate and store passwords.
- • Enable two-factor authentication wherever possible.
🔐 Recommended Password Managers
Clean My Link is not afiliated with any of the following password managers (except NordPass).
NordPass - A secure password manager with a strong free tier - Military-grade encryption, organize your passwords, and sync them across all your devices, extremely budget-friendly.
- With NordPass, using this link can get you 53% off your plan for 27 months (that's only $1.22/month, USD) + 3 extra months at no extra cost + a 30-day money back guarantee! I use it, and it's genuinely a great service, this deal is one of the best you'll ever see out there!
Bitwarden - Free and open-source option, but more setup and technical knowledge required
1Password - A good option with premium features and family sharing
LastPass - Pretty popular with a good free tier
4. Antivirus & Security Software
Protect your devices from malware, viruses, and other malicious software with reliable security solutions.
What Good Antivirus Software Does:
- • Real-time protection against malware and viruses.
- • Web protection to block malicious websites.
- • Email scanning for dangerous attachments.
- • Firewall protection against network threats.
- • Regular security updates and threat detection.
🛡️ Recommended Security Software
Clean My Link is not afiliated with any of the following (except Surfshark Antivirus).
Surfshark Antivirus - One of the best budget-friendly, top-level antivirus solutions out there!
Bitdefender - Top-rated protection with minimal system impact
Norton 360 - Comprehensive security suite with VPN included
Malwarebytes - Excellent anti-malware scanning
Windows Defender - Built into Windows - Free and effective basic protection (it's gotten much better over the years)
5. Public Wi-Fi Safety
Public Wi-Fi networks are convenient but often unsecured, making your data vulnerable to hackers.
Public Wi-Fi Risks:
- • Unencrypted networks allow others to see your traffic.
- • Man-in-the-middle attacks can steal passwords.
- • Fake hotspots designed to steal your information.
- • Malware distribution through compromised networks.
How to Stay Safe:
- • Always use a VPN when connecting to public Wi-Fi (look at #1: VPN Protection for recommendations).
- • Verify the network name with staff before connecting.
- • Avoid accessing sensitive accounts (banking, email).
- • Turn off automatic Wi-Fi connections.
- • Opt to use your phone's hotspot instead of public Wi-Fi when possible.
- • Keep your device's security software updated.
⚠️ Never Do This on Public Wi-Fi
- • Access online banking or financial accounts
- • Enter credit card information for purchases
- • Log into work email or sensitive business accounts
- • Download software or updates
- • Access unencrypted websites (no HTTPS or no lock icon next to the URL)
6. Privacy Tools & Settings
How to take control of your privacy online with the right tools and privacy settings.
Essential Privacy Actions:
- • Review and adjust social media privacy settings.
- • Opt out of data broker sites that sell your information.
- • Use privacy-focused search engines like DuckDuckGo.
- • Regularly clear your browser cookies and cache.
- • Use encrypted messaging apps for sensitive conversations.
- • Enable privacy settings on your devices and apps.
🔒 Privacy-Focused Tools
Clean My Link is not afiliated with any of the following privacy-focused tools (except Shurfshark Incogni).
Shurfshark Incogni - Remove your data off the net
DuckDuckGo - Private search engine
Signal - Encrypted messaging app
Tor Browser - Anonymous web browsing
ProtonMail - Encrypted email service
Affiliate Disclosure
Ironically, you could take any of these affiliate links and run them through Clean My Link to see if they're safe and to clean them, but then you wouldn't get the discounts, so make sure to actually use the links provided here if you want those!
Some links on this page are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you purchase products through these links, at no additional cost to you. This helps support the development and maintenance of Clean My Link. We only recommend products and services we genuinely believe will help protect your online safety and privacy, or products we use ourselves. Our recommendations are based on research, user reviews, our own experience, and our wish to help keep everyone safe online.
Clean & Beautify
Instantly remove clutter and make your links share-ready.
Privacy Protection
Strips away trackers so you stay private when sharing.
Redirect Safely
Expands shortened URLs and checks for risky redirects.