How gmail views a mail on clicking the link

When you click on a link in a Gmail email, Gmail performs several checks to ensure the link is safe and secure. Here's a step-by-step breakdown of how Gmail views a mail on clicking the link:

  1. Link scanning: Gmail's link scanner, called "Link Scanner", is triggered when you hover over or click on a link in an email. This scanner checks the link against a database of known malicious URLs and domains.
  2. URL analysis: The link scanner analyzes the URL to identify any potential threats, such as:
    • Malware or phishing sites
    • Suspicious domains or subdomains
    • URLs with unusual characters or syntax
  3. Domain reputation: Gmail checks the reputation of the domain associated with the link. This includes:
    • Checking if the domain is known to be malicious or has a poor reputation
    • Verifying if the domain is registered and has a valid SSL certificate
  4. IP address analysis: Gmail checks the IP address associated with the link to ensure it's not a known malicious IP address.
  5. Content analysis: Gmail analyzes the content of the email, including the subject line, body, and any attachments, to identify potential phishing or spam attempts.
  6. User feedback: If you've previously marked similar emails as spam or reported them as phishing attempts, Gmail takes that feedback into account when evaluating the link.
  7. Link rewriting: If the link is deemed safe, Gmail rewrites the URL to include additional security measures, such as:
    • Adding a query parameter to track the link's origin
    • Using a secure protocol (HTTPS) if the original link is HTTP
  8. Redirect analysis: If the link redirects to another URL, Gmail checks the new URL against its database of known malicious URLs and domains.
  9. Final evaluation: Gmail evaluates the link based on the results of the above checks. If the link is deemed safe, you'll be able to click on it and access the intended website.

If the link is deemed suspicious or malicious, Gmail may:

By performing these checks, Gmail helps protect users from malicious links and phishing attempts, making it a safer and more secure email experience.