Typosquatting
Definition:
Typosquatting (or URL hijacking) is a type of cyberattack where attackers create fraudulent websites with URLs that are similar to legitimate sites, relying on typographical errors made by users when typing web addresses.
Use Cases:
- Used by attackers to trick users into visiting malicious websites that closely resemble legitimate ones, often for phishing or malware distribution.
- Employed in brand impersonation attacks where attackers register misspelled domain names to steal credentials or financial information.
Related Terms:
- Phishing
- URL Spoofing
- Credential Theft
- Social Engineering
Questions and Answers:
- How does typo squatting work?
Attackers register domain names that closely resemble legitimate ones, hoping that users will make typos and visit the fraudulent website by mistake. - What are the consequences of typosquatting?
Users may inadvertently visit malicious websites and fall victim to phishing attacks, malware infections, or credential theft. - How can users protect against typosquatting?
Users should carefully check URLs before entering sensitive information, use browser bookmarks for important websites, and rely on anti-phishing tools.