Typosquatting can capitalize on common misspellings, homoglyphs, subdomain variations, and the manipulation of top-level domains (TLDs).
Misspellings: A prevailing tactic in the typosquatting arsenal involves cunningly registering domain names that are common misspellings of legitimate websites. Cyberattackers bank on users' inevitable slip-ups while typing URLs to create a scenario where a single keystroke lands unsuspecting users on a malicious site instead of the intended destination. The deceptive similarity between the fraudulent and authentic domains can be uncanny, increasing the likelihood of users falling into the trap unknowingly.
Homoglyphs: Attackers exploit the visual resemblance between certain characters to create seemingly genuine yet fraudulent domain names. By deftly substituting characters ("0" for "o" or "1" for "l," for example), they mislead users, who usually overlook these minute distinctions, inadvertently granting these malicious domains unwarranted access.
Subdomain variations: Cybercriminals employ a more sophisticated ruse through subdomain variations, a technique that preys on users' familiarity with the structure of web addresses. By adding or omitting subdomains, they craft URLs that appear to belong to reputable entities but lead to rogue destinations.
TLD manipulation: The very essence of a website's identity lies in its TLD. Cyberattackers exploit this essence by slightly altering the TLD. For example, by shifting from ".com" to ".co," they can draw users into a malicious realm while they believe they're traversing a legitimate digital pathway. It's an illusion cast by altering just a few characters, leading users to divulge sensitive information unwittingly.