Download.it search icon
Advertisement

Keep yourself safe from internet scams

Keep yourself safe from internet scams

Vote: (20 votes)

Program license: Free

Developer: Web of Trust

Version: (Web of Trust) Internet Explorer 20151220

Works under: Windows

Vote:

Program license

(20 votes)

Free

Developer

Version

Web of Trust

(Web of Trust) Internet Explorer 20151220

Works under:

Windows

Pros

  • Intuitive color-coded trust indicators
  • Community-driven ratings on key website safety aspects
  • Detailed scorecards with user comments
  • Access to 'Whois' data for additional site information

Cons

  • Limited expert analysis on privacy issues

Web of Trust (WOT): A Comprehensive Browser Safety Add-On

Web of Trust, commonly known as WOT, is a browser add-on that provides users with advanced safety features to enhance their web browsing experience. This extension adds a new layer of security by incorporating a color-coded trustworthiness rating next to your browser’s home button, offering you a quick and visual representation of a website's credibility.

User-Centric Security Ratings

The central feature of WOT is the colored ring indicator, which changes based on the collective feedback from the WOT community. The system is designed to assess websites on several key parameters including trustworthiness, vendor reliability, privacy, and child safety. These ratings are collectively aggregated from user scores, which can be conveniently contributed by clicking on the ring and rating a site according to personal experience.

Detailed Safety Reports and Whois Access

In addition to the visual ring indicator, WOT offers a deeper dive into website safety through the "View scorecard for rating details" function. Clicking on this option opens a dedicated web page where users can leave comments about their site interactions and read the opinions of others. These scorecards enhance collective awareness and aid in making informed browsing decisions.

A noteworthy feature in the scorecard is the inclusion of 'Whois' data, providing an abundance of technical and potentially even personal information about the website operators, ranging from front page and server details to the physical address associated with the site. Having access to this kind of Whois information can be invaluable when evaluating the legitimacy and safety of a website.

Limitations in Privacy Knowledge

WOT offers an extensive suite of tools for evaluating website safety, but it does have its limitations, particularly when it comes to privacy assessment. The average user may lack the necessary expertise to fully comprehend and evaluate how sites handle personal data management, such as potential malware or tracking programs embedded for marketing purposes. This sensitive domain of website safety could benefit from expert analysis to ensure accuracy and provide users with a clear understanding of privacy risks.

Comprehensive Site Reputation Discovery

WOT goes beyond the simple colored rating system and provides an informative graphic report on the reputation and reliability of websites. This can include tons of pertinent details, potentially even revealing the physical location behind digital entities. The tool's primary aim is to create a transparent and safe browsing environment, backed by a knowledgeable and active user community.

Conclusion

Web of Trust (WOT) is a potent add-on for enhancing your browser's security posture. It empowers users by providing an intuitive visual system paired with in-depth site safety information. While it excels in creating a community-driven safety net, users should be mindful of its limitations in providing expert analysis on privacy matters.

Pros

  • Intuitive color-coded trust indicators
  • Community-driven ratings on key website safety aspects
  • Detailed scorecards with user comments
  • Access to 'Whois' data for additional site information

Cons

  • Limited expert analysis on privacy issues