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Is topuniversities.com a Scam? Security Check Results - QS Quacquarelli Symonds Ltd

topuniversities.com Security Report Summary

topuniversities.com received a security score of 11 out of 100 in Guard's comprehensive security analysis, classified as "Potentially Unsafe". This report covers QS Quacquarelli Symonds Ltd's website security posture. QS Quacquarelli Symonds Ltd operates in the Education industry in United Kingdom.

TopUniversities.com is a leading global platform operated by QS Quacquarelli Symonds Ltd, providing authoritative university rankings, study abroad guidance, scholarships, and career advice to students worldwide. The website is professionally designed, mobile-optimized, and rich in relevant content targeting prospective students seeking higher education opportunities globally. The technical infrastructure leverages Drupal 10 CMS and integrates advanced analytics and marketing tools such as Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Hotjar, and HubSpot, indicating a mature digital presence. Security posture is strong with HTTPS enforcement, modern security headers, and no visible vulnerabilities, though the absence of a public security policy or incident response page is noted. Privacy compliance is well addressed with clear privacy and cookie policies and consent mechanisms. The lack of WHOIS data reduces transparency but is common for commercial entities protecting registrant privacy. Overall, the website presents a trustworthy, professional, and comprehensive resource for its audience.

The security scan identified 7 findings across security headers, SSL/TLS, DNS health, email security, GDPR compliance, and NIS2 compliance analysis modules.

Technologies detected: Drupal 10, Google Tag Manager, Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Hotjar, AbTasty, jQuery, Bootstrap 4, Semantic UI, Owl Carousel.

About this security scan

Guard performs automated security assessments of websites by analyzing SSL/TLS certificates, HTTP security headers, DNS configuration, email authentication protocols (SPF, DKIM, DMARC), GDPR compliance indicators, NIS2 directive compliance, network exposure, and AI-powered business intelligence. Each report provides domain-specific findings, risk scores, and actionable recommendations.

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Is topuniversities.com Safe? Security Analysis for QS Quacquarelli Symonds Ltd

https://topuniversities.com

Check if topuniversities.com is a scam or legitimate. Free security scan and reviews.

EducationUnited Kingdomlarge
Drupal 10Google Tag ManagerGoogle AnalyticsMixpanelHotjar+5 more
Analyzed 10/20/2025Completed 2:33:34 PM5mo ago
11
Security Score
CRITICAL RISK

Below Education avg (55)

10,000+

Domains scanned

500+

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Domaintopuniversities.com
Access tierFull report or marketing add-on

Digital reports are delivered immediately after payment. By continuing you acknowledge the withdrawal waiver described in our Returns & Refunds policy.

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Secure payments processed via EveryPay. Prices in EUR; Incl. 21% VAT.

SEQ SIA

Lastadijas 12 k-3, Riga, Latvia, LV-1050

Reg. No. 40203410806 • VAT LV40203410806

Support: guard@offseq.com+371 2256 5353

AI Summary

TopUniversities.com is a leading global platform operated by QS Quacquarelli Symonds Ltd, providing authoritative university rankings, study abroad guidance, scholarships, and career advice to students worldwide. The website is professionally designed, mobile-optimized, and rich in relevant content targeting prospective students seeking higher education opportunities globally. The technical infrastructure leverages Drupal 10 CMS and integrates advanced analytics and marketing tools such as Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Hotjar, and HubSpot, indicating a mature digital presence. Security posture is strong with HTTPS enforcement, modern security headers, and no visible vulnerabilities, though the absence of a public security policy or incident response page is noted. Privacy compliance is well addressed with clear privacy and cookie policies and consent mechanisms. The lack of WHOIS data reduces transparency but is common for commercial entities protecting registrant privacy. Overall, the website presents a trustworthy, professional, and comprehensive resource for its audience.

Detected Technologies

Drupal 10Google Tag ManagerGoogle AnalyticsMixpanelHotjarAbTastyjQueryBootstrap 4Semantic UIOwl Carousel
Continuous monitoring

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Guard tracks your live infrastructure daily: certificate expiry, DNS & mail authentication drift, uptime changes, subdomain inventory, and unexpected tracker or content shifts. A full timeline captures every diff so you can prove remediation and spot regressions instantly.

Security drift alerts

Risk score drops, new high-severity issues, and header hardening gaps

Compliance watch

GDPR / NIS2 posture changes with governance evidence snapshots

Infrastructure surface

Unexpected open services, SSL expiry, DNS & email authentication changes

Content & tracker intelligence

Marketing tech shifts, analytics drift, and AI recommendation updates

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Security Headers

1 finding

0/100

GDPR Compliance

1 finding

0/100

NIS2 Compliance

1 finding

0/100

Email Security

1 finding

0/100

Security scan incomplete. 7 out of 9 security checks failed to complete. The website may be inaccessible or protected by security measures. Please retry the scan or verify the website is accessible.

🧠AI Business Intelligence

Technology stack, business insights, and market analysis powered by AI.

Business Intelligence

Market & Strategic Analysis

The platform holds a strong market position as a premier source for university rankings and education guidance, leveraging the QS brand established since 1990. Its business model centers on providing valuable content and tools to students, generating leads for universities and educational services, and hosting events. The target audience includes international students and education professionals. The company benefits from partnerships and a robust marketing ecosystem. The website's extensive use of tracking and analytics supports data-driven marketing and user engagement strategies. No direct contact emails or phone numbers are publicly listed, suggesting lead capture via forms. The platform's consistent branding and high content quality reinforce its credibility and competitive advantage.

Security Posture Analysis

Comprehensive Security Assessment

The website demonstrates a high security maturity level with enforced HTTPS, comprehensive security headers, and no exposed sensitive information. Use of modern analytics and marketing tools is balanced with privacy compliance measures including cookie consent. However, the absence of a public security policy, incident response plan, or vulnerability disclosure mechanism limits transparency. No known vulnerabilities or malware indicators were detected. The site would benefit from publishing a security.txt file and incident response information to enhance trust and readiness. Overall, the security posture is strong but could improve in transparency and formal documentation.

Strategic Recommendations

Priority Actions for Security Improvement

1

Publish a dedicated security policy and incident response page to improve transparency.

Observations

AI-powered comprehensive website and business analysis.

AI-Enhanced Website Analysis

Business Insights

Company:

QS Quacquarelli Symonds Ltd

Description:

TopUniversities.com provides global university rankings, study abroad guides, scholarships, events, and career advice to help students find their ideal university and program.

Key Services:
University rankingsCourse matching toolsScholarships informationEvents and webinarsCareer advice
Content Quality:

excellent

Branding:

consistent

Technical Stack

Technologies:
Drupal 10Google Tag ManagerGoogle AnalyticsMixpanelHotjarAbTastyjQueryBootstrap 4Semantic UIOwl Carousel
Frameworks:
Drupal
Performance:

moderate

Mobile:

excellent

Accessibility:

good

SEO:

good

Security Assessment

Security Score:
90/100
Best Practices:
  • HTTPS enforced
  • Use of CSP
  • Cookie consent banner
  • No exposed sensitive data in HTML

Analytics & Tracking

Services:
Google AnalyticsMixpanelHotjar
Tracking Level:extensive
Privacy Compliance:good

Advertising & Marketing

Ad Networks:
Google DoubleClickAdmedo
Tracking Pixels:
MixpanelHotjarHubSpot
Marketing Tools:
HubSpotAbTastyMixpanelHotjar
Transparency Level:good

Website Quality Assessment

Design Quality:excellent
User Experience:excellent
Content Relevance:excellent
Navigation Clarity:excellent
Professionalism:excellent
Trustworthiness:high

Key Observations

1

Website is fully accessible with no blocking or WAF challenges.

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🛡️Security Headers

HTTP security headers analysis and recommendations.

Security Headers

HTTP security headers analysis

0/100
Score
Analysis failed - content could not be retrieved

👤GDPR Compliance

Privacy and data protection assessment under GDPR regulations.

GDPR Compliance

Privacy and data protection assessment

0/100
Score
Analysis failed - content could not be retrieved

🛡️NIS2 Compliance

Network & Information Security Directive compliance assessment.

NIS2 Compliance

Network & Information Security Directive

0/100
Score
Analysis failed - content could not be retrieved

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📧Email Security

SPF, DKIM, and DMARC validation and email security assessment.

Email Security

SPF, DKIM, and DMARC validation

0/100
Score
Analysis failed - content could not be retrieved
SPF
Sender Policy Framework
DKIM
DomainKeys Identified Mail
DMARC
Domain-based Message Authentication
MX Records
Mail Exchange Records
BIMI
Brand Indicators
MTA-STS
Mail Transfer Agent Security
TLS-RPT
TLS Reporting
DNSSEC
DNS Security

🏆SSL/TLS Security

Certificate validity and encryption analysis.

SSL/TLS Security

Certificate validity and encryption analysis

0/100
Score
Analysis failed - content could not be retrieved

📊DNS Health

DNS configuration and security assessment.

DNS Health

DNS configuration and security assessment

0/100
Score
Analysis failed - content could not be retrieved

Network Security

Port scanning and network exposure analysis.

Network Security

Port scanning and network exposure analysis

0/100
Score
Analysis failed - content could not be retrieved

How does topuniversities.com compare?

topuniversities.com scores below average. Browse similar domains to see how competitors handle security.

🔧Technical Analysis

Detailed technical findings and analysis from AI assessment.

Technical Analysis

Comprehensive security assessment findings

Additional Findings

The website is built on Drupal 10 CMS, utilizing a modern tech stack including Bootstrap 4, Semantic UI, Owl Carousel, and jQuery. It integrates multiple analytics and marketing tools such as Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Hotjar, and HubSpot, enabling extensive user behavior tracking and engagement analysis. The site is mobile-optimized with responsive design and accessibility features. Performance is moderate, with some reliance on external CDNs and third-party scripts which may impact load times. The technical implementation is robust and modern, supporting a high-quality user experience and effective marketing operations. Opportunities exist to optimize performance further and enhance security transparency.
Professional PDF & Marketing Data

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PDF Report & Export

PDF download, email delivery, unlock code

39.90 €one-time • Incl. 21% VAT

Marketing Intelligence

Contact emails, phone numbers & warm leads

49.90 €one-time • Incl. 21% VAT

Plan Comparison

FeaturePDF ReportMarketing+
Full security analysis
Professional PDF export
Email delivery
Lifetime access + unlock code
Contact emails & phones
Marketing outreach data

Already purchased?

Order summary

Domaintopuniversities.com
Access tierFull report or marketing add-on

Digital reports are delivered immediately after payment. By continuing you acknowledge the withdrawal waiver described in our Returns & Refunds policy.

VisaMastercardApple PayGoogle Pay

Secure payments processed via EveryPay. Prices in EUR; Incl. 21% VAT.

SEQ SIA

Lastadijas 12 k-3, Riga, Latvia, LV-1050

Reg. No. 40203410806 • VAT LV40203410806

Support: guard@offseq.com+371 2256 5353

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