Introduction
Due to OddBytes' strict malware policies, the Redirect Check Tool is available to help support advertisers proactively check for antivirus (AV) flags. By using the tool, flagged URL(s) can be easily identified so that the appropriate actions can be taken.
One use case for the tool is to pre-scan a URL for AV flags before submitting a Creative for review. If a flag is found, it can be addressed prior to compliance review and rejection, which also helps to protect the account's reputation.
Please Note: The tool only scans the following AV companies: VirusTotal, Norton, and McAfee - this list does not cover ALL AV companies which are compliance team uses, but does cover most. Because of this, it is possible that your Creative(s) may be rejected by an AV company which is not included within the tool. If your Creative has been rejected by any other AV company, please troubleshoot manually on its respective website.
How To Install
Install the Chrome extension here: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/redirect-check-tool/cfhmokppdlcdemfiifbkfceiplbnlafo
Suggestion: Pin to your taskbar for easy access. This will make it much easier to find the extension for quicker use.
How To Scan a URL:
Once installed, click on the extension badge in the toolbar (if pinned).
Copy/Paste the URL to be checked into the input field. Enter the URL exactly as it will be used within the Creative UL and served in a live environment, as that is what will be scanned during compliance review.
Please ensure both versions, with and without 'https://www.', are free of flags.
Optional: Clicking the box for ‘Show clean URLs?’ will show ALL URLs (tracking, redirects, and final landing page) that the tool checked, whether or not flags are present.
Click ‘Scan’.
A new browser window will open to begin the scan of the URL, including the starting domain and redirects.
Do not interact with or close the window until the scan is complete. You can move away from this window; the tool will continue to scan.
When the process is finished, the results can be accessed in two places:
Extension Field, accessible by clicking on the pinned extension badge.
Push Notification
Close the browser window where the scan took place.
If a flag has been detected, follow the below instructions.
How to View Scan Results
From Pinned Badge
Click on the pinned badge.
The 'Scan detections' list will show the AV flags.
Click on a detection to open a new browser window to view additional details.
From Push Notification
The count for 'URLs scanned' is the number of links that were checked within a URL path (tracking link, redirects, landing page). 'Detections' are the AV flags.
Click on 'View detection'.
A new browser window will open to view additional details.
To clear the detection(s) listed within the tool, click the ‘trash’ icon.
Please Note: If Norton cannot check the URL (i.e. if the URL is entered incorrectly or there are issues with encoded values), it automatically forwards to a blank detection page. The tool will still show a "detection" to be safe, however it may not be a "true" detection - you should double check it by clicking into the listed detection; this will open a new window and you can see if the URL is actually flagged.
For information about our Malware Flag policies and next steps for removing an AV flag with the vendor(s), please click here.
If you encounter any bugs with this tool, please report them to your Account Manager, Sales Representative, or [email protected].