An old link can be a problem

Whenever we browse, we find many links to access websites. For example, we can arrive at a page that has links that take us to a specific product, a forum, or a different section. The question is that these links may be broken. Error codes such as 404 may appear and not reach the destination.

This usually occurs when we enter a neglected, usually outdated, website. Since, it typically maintains old links that no longer exist. Basically, it was something that once worked. But nowadays, that website has disappeared or has changed the URL without anyone having modified it.

A Harvard study has shown that there are many links pointing to URLs that are decades old. Many of them no longer exist, but the links are still there. Websites close down, change ownership, change names… Unfortunately, this can be a major security problem.

The problem comes when we enter one of these broken, old links and end up on a page that has nothing to do with it. Think, for example, of a website that leads to another for more information. This second page stopped working years ago. But nowadays, a hacker has bought that domain precisely to take advantage of the links that are placed on many other sites.

But it can also be a problem in terms of losing credibility or even valuable information. For example, an academic website may have a link to an old source, from which it collected information, but that is no longer available. That makes it lose credibility.

How to avoid problems with these links

If we think about security, it is essential to avoid problems when clicking on this type of links and end up in malicious sites. We must always keep our common sense and observe very well where we are entering. You should never log in to an untrusted page, where you cannot check if it is really trustworthy.

To avoid problems, it is also a good idea to have everything updated and to have security programs. On the one hand, you will be able to correct certain vulnerabilities that may appear. On the other hand, these security programs will detect the entry of malware and will help you to eliminate viruses.

But there is also the problem of links becoming unavailable and affecting the credibility of the sources. What could be the solution to this? One of the solutions is Wayback Machine, which is used to see what a web page looked like at a certain point. There we can find old articles, for example. Nevertheless, another option is what Harvard has come up with by creating perma.cc, which allows you to capture permanent versions of websites.

In short, as you can see, old links can be a problem. On the one hand, it can seriously compromise security. But it could also affect the reputation of a site and lose credibility. Bye!

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What data do we expose when surfing the net?

We tend to use the Internet for many things. For example, to read news from our favorite site. So, what data could this site collect? For statistical purposes, the site records certain visitor data. For example, the location to know from where they visit that page. They may also know the type of device we are using. This information is useful to adapt the website to the type of screen you are using. That is, mobile, tablet or computer. In the same vein, they can determine what operating system we are using and even the web browser.

On the other hand, we may also expose personal data. This happens if we register in a forum or website. In fact, we usually write our name, email address and phone number. It can also happen when filling in a form or even when sharing content via social networks. In short, our data is often exposed. Much more than we would believe at first glance. Therefore, we have explained how to improve privacy when surfing the web.

Collects data from users using IPLogger

So, the logical question is: How much information can be collected from a user? We will try to answer that question. With this in mind, we will talk about IPLogger. This is a website that allows you to log all IP addresses that pass through a link. Basically, it logs the IPs of all users who open a link. Moreover, it is a free service that offers several tools.

This service monitors and logs all users entering a URL. Consequently, display all the statistics of the users who have entered. For this purpose, we use a logger linked to an image that will record all the IP addresses of users who load that image or a hit counter.

How to Generate a URL

The first thing we have to do is to generate a shortened URL from your website. In fact, we can put any link that interests us. You just have to paste it in the corresponding box. Next, just click on Shortener.

After accepting the license terms, you will be redirected to a new screen. From there we will see various information. Namely, the generated URL, the address to view statistics, etc. What we are most interested in is IPLogger ID, which allows us to consult the statistics.

This ID is the gateway to many data. Indeed, we will be able to see the IP of the users, how many visits the link has had, etc. In any case, all the information is available to be copied from the same web page. Therefore, you just have to select the one you are most interested in.

Send the link

Well, we have already completed the first step, which is to generate the link. However, we will not achieve anything if we do not make the users enter. Consequently, we have several tools to do it. It is possible to send it through messaging apps, such as WhatsApp or Telegram. We can also use social networks such as Twitter or Facebook.

Keep in mind that we must attract users to this link. For a specific issue, you can send it personally via WhatsApp or other means of communication. On the other hand, if you want to collect countless statistical data, then the ideal is to publish it through social networks. This tool is very advantageous for those responsible for creating advertising campaigns for web pages. Indeed, it allows them to have more control over the users’ location. In addition to who enters and from which device or system they do it. Certainly, there are free SEO tools that serve these purposes. However, it is not too much to have an extra mechanism.

How to view registered data

We are getting to the neuralgic point. Indeed, after the users have entered the link, then it is time to consult the statistics. With this in mind, it is necessary to access the IPLogger website. Once there, just click on Your IPLoggers. Now, in the corresponding box, please enter the ID we copied earlier. Consequently, the dashboard is displayed. Now just click on Logged IP’s. In this way, we will see the IP addresses of users, visits and other data. For example, the date and time a user accessed, the IP address, the operator to which it corresponds, the location, operating system and browser used.

All the information is detailed in the image above. However, we can go further and display the detailed geographical location of the IP address. To do so, just click on the map icon. It will immediately display a map with the country to which the IP address corresponds.

Conclusions

Ultimately, we have seen how to collect information from users who click on a link. In addition, IPLogger accomplishes this task very well. It shows us the IP address, location, browser or operating system. We can even keep statistics on the number of users who have accessed. It is elementary to use. Additionally, it offers functions that go beyond generating a simple link. We can also do the same with an image. From it, we can collect information of interest. If you have a website and want to collect statistical data about the users that visit it, then this tool is for you. Bye!

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