Typos can get you hacked in latest cybersecurity threat

Even a simple and common error like mistyping a domain name can lead to cybersecurity attacks, the latest in the ongoing barrage of malware. Known as URL hijacking or “typosquatting,” this social engineering technique is built upon the knowledge that it’s easy to hit the incorrect key and end up visiting the wrong website.

With very little effort, a hacker can copy images, fonts, and text to construct a malware website that looks like PayPal, Google Wallet, Microsoft Visual Studio, MetaMask, and other popular websites. These fake websites are also used in phishing campaigns of all sorts since the similarity of the domain name is useful for a whole variety of confidence stings.

URL hijacking and phishing campaigns aren’t new, but there has been a recent increase in them. Bleeping Computer, with a little help from the security firm Cyble, discovered over 200 domains that impersonated popular websites for Android and Windows apps, cryptocurrency and stock trading, as well as subscription services apps.

The goal of fake websites for apps would be stealing credentials and infecting your computer or phone with viruses. Any website that involves subscriptions or payments would have the more direct approach of taking your money or cryptocurrency.

A common technique with URL hijacking is to add or change one letter. Bleeping Computer gave an example of a trustworthy website for the popular Windows text editor, notepad-plus-plus.org. A malware website exists that simply adds the letter S to the end of “notepad” to create the deceptive domain name.

Major browsers include a degree of protection, identifying some fake websites while missing others. To protect yourself, have a close look at the domain name shown in the website address box or do an internet search for the website, app, or service you want to visit. You can’t trust that you’re at an authentic website based on appearance alone.

Related posts

Latest posts

Garmin Forerunner 970’s running tolerance tool is too useful to be a ‘premium’ feature

Garmin gave the Forerunner 970 running tolerance to make it appealing to serious runners, but casual runners need this feature

This Android app can make your virtual life a little bit easier, if you have patience

Motorola's Smart Connect app is available on Quest 3 VR headsets, and it's a pretty cool way to use your

Best of AWE 2025: The most promising XR gadgets from Niantic, Sony, Android XR, and more

This XR event proved that VR headsets and smart glasses are about to improve by leaps and bounds over the

AirPods Pro 2 Available for Lowest Price of the Year So Far at $169, Plus AirPods 4 at $99

Amazon has the AirPods Pro 2 for $169.00 this weekend, down from $249.00. Free delivery options provide an estimated delivery

iPhone 17 Pro Launching in Three Months With These 12 New Features

The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are three months away, and there are plenty of rumors about

These affordable earbuds offer easy customization that makes them sing

Bass-heavy beginnings but a simple tweak liberates the Soundcore Liberty 5, giving you sweet, nuanced sound

News Weekly: Android 16 finally arrives, Samsung teases its Galaxy Z Fold 7, Galaxy Watch 8 leaks keep coming, and more.

This week, Android 16's stable version finally lands on Pixel devices, Samsung drops another tease for its "Ultra" Galaxy Z

America’s rural broadband landscape will never be good enough

Rural broadband is still slow, unreliable, and monopolized in many places. There's no real way to fix it.

Top Stories: WWDC 2025 Recap With iOS 26, macOS Tahoe, and More

Apple's annual developer conference has come to a close for 2025, and WWDC was packed with announcements right from the

Leaked Galaxy Z Fold 7 promo image makes it look much thinner than before

Users on Reddit posted photos and renderings of new Galaxy Z Fold 7 leaks, regarding its thinness and camera island.