Typo-Squatting - In the Spotlight

A dangerous cyber practice known as Typo-Squatting is in spotlight again. Attackers or Typo-squatters register domains using common misspellings of popular brands, products, and people in order to redirect consumers to alternative websites.

Should a user accidentally enter an incorrect website address, they may be led to an alternative website owned by a cybersquatter. If the intended website is "example.com"

• A common misspelling, or foreign language spelling, of the intended site: exemple.com
• A misspelling based on typing errors: xample.com or exxample.com
• A differently phrased domain name: examples.com
  
• A different top-level domain: example.org

Once in the typo-squatter's site, the user may be tricked into thinking that they are in fact in the real site; through the use of copied or similar logos, website layouts or content.