What is typo squatting?

Typosquatting is a cyberattack where a criminal creates a website with a domain name similar to a legitimate website, with small changes like common misspellings or different top-level domains.

Typosquatting, also known as URL hijacking, is a type of cyberattack in which a cybercriminal registers a domain name that is similar to a legitimate website in order to trick users into visiting the fake website. The fake website typically looks identical to the real website, but the domain name is slightly different, often with a common misspelling or a different top-level domain (e.g., .com instead of .org).

The goal of typosquatting is to steal sensitive information from unsuspecting users, such as login credentials, financial information, or personal data. When users enter their information into the fake website, it is sent directly to the cybercriminal, who can use it for malicious purposes such as identity theft or financial fraud.

To protect against typosquatting, you can suggest employees:

1. Use a reputable search engine or bookmark your favorite websites to avoid mistyping the URL.
2. Check the domain name carefully to ensure that it is spelled correctly and that it is the correct domain for the website you intend to visit.
3. Enable anti-phishing and anti-malware software on your computer to detect and prevent malicious websites.
4. Use two-factor authentication whenever possible to add an extra layer of security to your login process.
5. If you suspect that you have been a victim of typosquatting, contact the website owner and your financial institution immediately.