World Class IT Support & Service
Real People. Right Now.
About Locknet® IT Services
From the first hello, the Locknet® team is dedicated to serving you and your needs.
Cyber threats are becoming more sophisticated, and typosquatting is just one of the many tactics bad actors use to exploit brands and customers alike. Also known as “URL hijacking,” typosquatting involves registering domain names that are similar to well-known brands but contain slight typographical errors. These fake domains then deceive users, steal sensitive information, or distribute malicious content.
This blog will further explore what typosquatting is, provide examples of how it works, and discuss proactive steps companies can take to protect their online presence and their customers from falling victim to this growing threat.
The Typosquatting definition is a form of cyber deception where attackers register domain names that closely mimic legitimate ones. The variations may involve:
The goal is to trick users into believing they are interacting with the official website of a trusted brand. Once users arrive at these malicious sites, they may be exposed to phishing schemes, malware downloads, or fraudulent activities.
Under the Anticybersquatting Consumer Protection Act (ACPA), typosquatting is illegal when a site on a domain exists for fraudulent or misleading purposes. That means that if someone buys a domain and creates a lookalike website to sell a product, they can be prosecuted or sued.
Let’s take a closer look at some typosquatting examples and how they work.
Typosquatted domains are often used to host fake login pages that resemble the real ones. For instance, a user trying to access their bank’s website might mistakenly type “www.bankofamerca.com” instead of “www.bankofamerica.com.” The fraudulent site may prompt the user to enter their credentials, which are then harvested by cybercriminals.
Some typosquatted domains are filled with ads and rely on high traffic volumes to generate ad revenue. These sites may not be outright malicious but still harm the user experience and tarnish a brand’s reputation.
Cybercriminals use typosquatted domains to distribute malware. For example, a user downloading software from a fake domain like “adobe-updates.com” might unknowingly install a virus instead of legitimate software.
In some cases, typosquatters register domains to impersonate brands during major campaigns or events. For instance, a domain like “blackfriday-dealz.com” might imitate a retailer’s official sale site, stealing customer data or scamming buyers with fake offers.
Several factors contribute to the increasing prevalence of typosquatting:
Proactively register common misspellings, alternative extensions, and similar-looking domain names to prevent cybercriminals from exploiting them.
Use domain monitoring tools to track registrations and detect typosquatted domains that mimic your brand. Domain monitoring services can provide alerts when suspicious domains are registered.
DNS filtering can block access to known malicious domains within your organization. This helps protect employees and customers who might accidentally visit a typosquatted site.
Raise awareness about typosquatting by encouraging customers to bookmark official URLs and verify links before clicking. Be sure to also train employees to identify phishing attempts and report suspicious domain activity.
Ensure your official domains use HTTPS with SSL certificates. This not only enhances security but also helps users identify legitimate sites, as typosquatted domains often lack SSL encryption.
Work with legal teams to pursue takedown actions against typosquatted domains. Reporting these domains to hosting providers or registrars can result in their removal.
Keep an eye on website traffic figures. If it suddenly dips, it might be an indicator that some of your traffic is being siphoned off to a typosquatting site.
If your brand becomes a victim of typosquatting, acting quickly is paramount:
In an era where trust is paramount, protecting your brand from typosquatting isn’t just about cybersecurity - it’s about maintaining the confidence of your customers and ensuring the integrity of your online presence. Take the necessary steps today to safeguard your digital assets and stay one step ahead of cybercriminals.
As a managed security service provider, our cybersecurity experts stay abreast of the latest threats and trends. Contact us today for more information.
