Understanding Typo Squatting and How to Protect Your Brand

What is Typo Squatting?

Typo squatting, or URL hijacking, is a type of cybercrime where attackers register domain names that closely resemble legitimate websites, often with minor typos or misspellings. For example, a malicious actor might register a domain like "gogle.com" instead of "google.com." Users who mistype a URL may unknowingly land on these fake sites, which can lead to phishing attacks, malware infections, or stealing of personal information.

How Does Typo Squatting Work?

Cybercriminals exploit common typing errors or common variations of a website’s domain name to deceive users. These domains are often designed to look almost identical to the legitimate sites they mimic. They might host deceptive content, such as fake login pages that steal login credentials or download harmful software.

How to Protect Against Typo Squatting

1. Register Common Variants of Your Domain

One of the best defenses is to register similar domain names, including common misspellings or common typo errors of your brand’s name. This prevents attackers from snatching up those variations.

2. Use HTTPS and SSL Certificates

Cybercriminals are becoming more sophisticated and often secure their websites with HTTPS as well. it is important to prioritize website security with HTTPS to reassure users that your site is legitimate. Keep in mind, it is safer to visit websites by typing the URL directly into the address bar rather than searching for them via search engines, to avoid potentially landing on fraudulent sites.

3. Monitor Domain Names Regularly

Keep an eye on domain registrations that may resemble your own, especially those that could lead to user confusion. Services like domain monitoring tools can alert you if someone registers a domain similar to yours.

4. Implement Web Filters and Browser Warnings

Utilize anti-phishing and anti-malware solutions to prevent you from accessing malicious or typo-squatted websites. This security feature within the browser provides warnings for potentially fraudulent websites. It can be configured through the security settings in all major browsers.

5. Report Suspected Squatting

If you discover a suspicious domain that could be typo squatting on your brand, report it to the registrar or take legal action to have it removed.Registrar could be: GoDaddy, Namecheap, Google Domains etc. You can perform a WHOIS lookup at: https://whois.domaintools.com/ to see where the domain is registered.

Report any suspicious typo squatting email to the following organisations.

1. Google Safe Browsing - https://safebrowsing.google.com/

2. PhishTank - https://www.phishtank.com/

3. Anti-Phishing Working Group -  https://apwg.org/