Can Bitdefender identify compromised links stored in Zotero?

mightypog

I have a massive database of files stored in the reference management system Zotero. My research involves material from sketchy fringe political websites, so I have scads of links stored that are questionable. I'm trying to send a copy of my most recent dissertation chapter to my advisor and his email is rejecting for malware, and IT tells me that of the 181 links in the document, all of which go to Zotero, which includes the urls, at least one is compromised. How might I address that?

Thanks!

Flexx

https://community.bitdefender.com/en/discussion/98079/can-bitdefender-identify-compromised-links-stored-in-zotero

This information was found over the internet.

Unfortunately, Bitdefender directly scanning Zotero for compromised links isn't possible. Zotero primarily stores bibliographic data, including URLs, but doesn't analyze the content of those linked websites. Bitdefender would need direct access to the website content to assess its safety, which isn't feasible within Zotero.

However, there are ways to tackle this issue:

1. Identify the culprit link:

• Manually review the 181 links: This is time-consuming, but you can prioritize links from sketchy websites or those you suspect might be flagged. Use a URL checker like VirusTotal or Google Transparency Report to assess their safety.
• Use a link analysis tool: Services like PhishTank or URLVoid can analyze links for malicious patterns and indicators of compromise (IOCs). Most offer free plans with limited scans.

2. Clean up your Zotero library:

• Remove unnecessary links: Do you really need every single link from those fringe websites? Consider keeping only the most relevant and reliable ones.
• Shorten URLs: Bitdefender might flag long, obfuscated URLs as suspicious. Use a URL shortener like Bitly or TinyURL to clean them up.
• Store links safely: Consider using a dedicated link management tool like Linktree or Pocket to store and organize your links with more control over their security and presentation.

3. Communicate with your advisor:

• Explain the situation: Let your advisor know you're actively reviewing the links and taking steps to ensure their safety. This shows proactiveness and transparency.
• Offer alternative access: Can you share the chapter with alternative access methods like Google Drive or Dropbox, where you can control the link sharing permissions?
• Seek technical assistance: If your university has IT support, they might be able to help scan the links or suggest secure file sharing solutions.

Additionally, consider using a Bitdefender extension for your browser. This can scan links you click on before they actually open, potentially catching the culprit before it reaches your advisor's email.

Regards