Trust Signals
How CheckLink turns link and website details into practical risk context.
Current signals
URL normalization
Input is normalized so domains and URLs can be checked consistently.
HTTPS
CheckLink looks at whether the final destination uses HTTPS, while explaining that HTTPS alone does not prove safety.
Redirect chain
The scanner follows a limited redirect chain to reveal where a link actually points.
Final domain mismatch
A different final domain can be a useful caution signal.
Raw IP host
Raw IP addresses are flagged because they can appear in phishing and temporary infrastructure.
Punycode / unusual encoding
Punycode can hide lookalike characters in domains.
Brand/lookalike patterns
Basic lookalike and typo patterns are checked for common brands.
Deep subdomains
Very deep subdomain structures can be used to confuse readers.
Suspicious URL structure
Long, encoded, or unusual URL structure can add caution when combined with other signals.
Email/domain patterns
Email-style inputs are checked for domain and disposable-pattern context where relevant.
Manual review for listings
Launch Board listings are reviewed before publication.
Manual signals
Badge visibility
Manual signal used for listings, reports, or business trust requests when context matters.
Website consistency
Manual signal used for listings, reports, or business trust requests when context matters.
Submitted details
Manual signal used for listings, reports, or business trust requests when context matters.
Category fit
Manual signal used for listings, reports, or business trust requests when context matters.
Owner claim/update requests
Manual signal used for listings, reports, or business trust requests when context matters.
Reported suspicious links
Manual signal used for listings, reports, or business trust requests when context matters.
External link review
Manual signal used for listings, reports, or business trust requests when context matters.
Launch Board trust labels
These labels describe review and placement context. They do not certify that a website is risk-free.
Planned signals
Reputation feeds
Planned signal for future versions. It is not part of the current automatic verdict unless shown elsewhere.
Domain age
Planned signal for future versions. It is not part of the current automatic verdict unless shown elsewhere.
WHOIS/RDAP context
Planned signal for future versions. It is not part of the current automatic verdict unless shown elsewhere.
User report history
Planned signal for future versions. It is not part of the current automatic verdict unless shown elsewhere.
Screenshot/content review
Planned signal for future versions. It is not part of the current automatic verdict unless shown elsewhere.
API scoring
Planned signal for future versions. It is not part of the current automatic verdict unless shown elsewhere.
Brand monitoring
Planned signal for future versions. It is not part of the current automatic verdict unless shown elsewhere.
ML-assisted review
Planned signal for future versions. It is not part of the current automatic verdict unless shown elsewhere.
What signals are not
Need more than a quick verdict?
Use the scanner for fast risk signals, or request a deeper report when the link affects work, customers, payments, or account access.