Typosquatting
TypoSquatting represents websites which rely on users' mistakes, such as typographical errors, for its site traffic. Thus, typosquatiing is the purchase of misspelled versions of popular domain names with the main objective of attracting visitor traffic.[1]
Overview
The practice of typosquatting is also known as "URL hijacking" and it is considered as form of cybersquatting. Typosquatting is based on the mistakes made by Internet users. Whenever a user accidentally enters the wrong website address in the web browser, an alternative website is being provided - this is where typosquatting is involved.
The websites with wrong typographical errors are owned by cybersquatters, this is why typosquatting is considered as a form of cybersquatting.
Forms of typosquatting
Typosquatting can also be defined as the intentional registration of misspellings of popular website addresses. A study from March 2010 conducted by Bruce Scheiner conclude that at least 938 000 typosquatting domain names target the top 3 26.com websites. [2] In the same way, there are also cases when large name servers host typosquatting domain names to four times larger as compared to off-typo domains.
In the case of typosquatting, four most usual reasons for typographical errors are listed below:
- Common misspelling such as in the case of a different language;
- Wrong phrase for the domain name;
- Wrong top-level domain name such as wrong extension;
- Common misspelling due to typing errors.
Typosquatting versus cybersquatting
Typosquatters rely on the mistakes users make when entering names into the address bars of their browser. Once led to the website of a typosquatter, the Internet user may be tricked into thinking that they have reached the right website due to the similarities in design, logos, website layouts or even content. [3]
As compared to typosquatting, the practice of cybersquatting involves the purchase of domain names with the purpose earning money based on the popularity and fame of a specific trademark or company. There are also cases when such websites enjoy a purchase proposal from the parent company itself. [4].
How to prevent typosquatting
As a successful business and website, in order to ensure protection against typosquatting the best available solution involves identifying the most usual typographical errors of that specific domain names and their related highest value. After identifying these domain names, it is recommended to purchase them. This is a great way to keep typosquatters away from the business and maximize the outcomes. [5]
If someone accidentally makes a typographical error and is being linked to a typosquatted website, one can send a cease letter. In addition, there are also plenty of lawsuits related to cybersquatting and typosquatting. [6]Thus, the practice of typosquatting involves an increased degree of risks and it is better to minimize these risks as best as possible.