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CTEM-DOM-1: Typo-Squatted Domain

To be Completed

Documentation has not been completed. This page is a placeholder for future documentation.

Overview​

Typo-squatted domains are domains that closely resemble legitimate domains but contain slight misspellings or variations. These domains are often created with the intent to deceive users who make typographical errors when entering a URL. Attackers leverage these domains for phishing, malware distribution, or impersonation campaigns.

Characteristics of Typo-Squatted Domains​

  • Slight Misspellings: Subtle changes such as dundermufflin.com instead of dundermifflin.com.
  • Keyboard Proximity Errors: Using letters close to the intended keys on a keyboard (e.g., dundermoflin.com).
  • Extra or Missing Characters: Adding or omitting characters, such as dunderemifflin.com or dndermifflin.com.
  • Different Top-Level Domains (TLDs): Variations like dundermifflin.org or dundermifflin.biz.

Common Methods of Discovery​

  • Domain Monitoring: Tools that track new domain registrations for patterns matching the legitimate domain.
  • Liechtenstein Distance Analysis: Algorithms that measure the similarity between domain names to identify typo-squatting.
  • Threat Intelligence Feeds: Leveraging shared intelligence on suspicious domains flagged by the security community.
  • Passive DNS Monitoring: Observing DNS records for activity associated with typo-squatted domains.

Risk and Impact​

Typo-squatted domains pose the following risks:

  • Phishing Attacks: Users who accidentally visit these domains may be tricked into providing credentials or personal information.
  • Malware Distribution: Attackers may use these domains to distribute malicious software.
  • Brand Reputation Damage: Impersonation can erode trust in the organization’s brand.
  • Revenue Loss: Misleading domains might divert traffic away from legitimate business channels.

Examples​

Using dundermifflin.com as the legitimate domain:

  • Typo-Squatted Domain: dundermufflin.com
  • Keyboard Proximity Error: dundermoflin.com
  • Extra Character: dunderemifflin.com
  • Different TLD: dundermifflin.biz

Key Considerations for Threat Exposure Management​

  • Proactive Monitoring: Implement domain monitoring solutions to detect and address typo-squatted domains quickly.
  • User Education: Train employees and customers to recognize suspicious URLs and verify domain authenticity.
  • Takedown Procedures: Develop a process to work with registrars or legal channels to take down malicious domains.
  • Multi-Layered Security: Employ technologies like DNS filtering to block access to known typo-squatted domains.

By actively identifying and managing typo-squatted domains, organizations can protect their brand, mitigate potential threats, and enhance the trust of their users.