Although the benefit of URL shortening is obvious, there is also a security risk associated with it, in that
the shortened URL really does not tell you the true destination of the link. You only find out once you get
there, which may be too late if that site happens to contain drive-by malware or content which should not
be viewed by “sensitive” eyes. Therefore, make certain that you click on shortened URLs only if you trust the
sender. Never click on them if they are contained in spam messages or on sites that you have any reason to
consider suspicious.