Internet Security can Sacrifice with Typo squatting

It a common thing that people make mistakes while typing an internet address on their web browser. This can happen even with the good typists that they miss or type the wrong character. Most of us would just correct their mistake immediately without realizing that the mistake made any difference. However, very few of us are aware that even such a small mistake can cause harm to our internet security. It usually happens when you mistype the name of a popular website because cyber criminals and hackers are looking for new opportunities to make easy money.

You will realize your typing mistake when a malicious website will open in your browser instead of the website you want. Once you have landed on a malicious website, it will trick you to download malicious software. You may also get trapped to share your personal or financial information. Thus, it helps cyber criminals to take advantage of your typing mistake by setting up fake websites.

Definition of Typo squatting

Typo squatting is the fraudulent web practice of the cyber criminals and hackers. This web practice is illegal and is also known as URL squatting or domain. Many countries including the US have a law against this form of cyber squatting. Basically, cyber squatting is to use or register the name of an existing website and take profit from the trademark belonging to someone else.

The third parties behind this form of fraudulent web practice are typically known as cyber squatters. They register versions with wrong spellings of a popular web address that coincide with the common typing mistakes made by the internet users. Therefore, if you make a typing mistake similar to any of those versions, then your browser will direct you to the malicious site. It may compromise your internet security. It has happened with popular web addresses with the misspelled words including Wikipedia as wikapedia, Twitter as twtter, Google as goole, Craiglist as craigilist, Apple as pple and more.

Aim of Typo squatters

The main aim of typo squatters is to compete for web traffic with the popular websites and earn easy money through their advertisements. The targeted companies become the real victims without your internet security at risk. They may trick you into downloading some type of malware or spyware or get hold of your personal information in return for fake appealing deals. Even with no intention of visiting unethical sites, they can direct you to dating or adult sites.  

Avoid Risks of Typo squatting

Primarily, you should be careful when typing a web address in your web browser. Every person in your family should know this because an infected computer can compromise the internet security of the whole family. If you are not sure of the correct spelling of a website, then use a trusted search engine, such as Google or Yahoo, instead of directly typing in your browser. Protect your computer and system from viruses, phishing attempts, malware and spyware by getting a comprehensive suite for internet security.

Article is written by Gloria and she recommends internent security 2013 test for your laptop and computers.

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