Online Buyers Beware: Typosquatters Want Your Information

  • Dec 14, 2011

Holiday shoppers are flocking online to get the latest deals and beat the in-store crowds. Unfortunately, the bad guys have set up shop to infect your computer and steal your personal information if you accidentally mistype the website name.

That's the warning from content security leader Websense, after its security researchers recently found more than 2,000 typosquatted online domains set up to ensnare the unaware. These domains mimic the legitimate addresses of big retailers like Wal-Mart, Apple, and Best Buy with URLs like WallMatt (dot) com, Appple (dot) com and Bestbuyh (dot) com.

Record online sales have already been reported since "Cyber Monday," and online shopping continues to be brisk. So beware of the clever crooks: you may get to a page that looks just like your favorite retailer, but the site may then lead you to a phishing or other potentially harmful site that injects malware or infects your system with spyware. Some sites are convincing enough to lead people to enter their credit card information.

Many of the illicit sites also take advantage of top level domains by having the brand names spelled correctly, but incorrectly lead to ".org" or ".net" domains that the criminals own. These websites are often used in fake emails and phishing sites that try to lure a consumer to claim online vouchers or coupons for retailers. The user is then asked to select another offer shown in a pop-up window. These pop-ups often host fake competitions offering high-value, desirable prizes like the latest iPhone. Users completing online forms inadvertently provide cybercriminals access to their personal information, leading to identity theft, phishing scams and malware.

Featured

  • The Evolution of IP Camera Intelligence

    As the 30th anniversary of the IP camera approaches in 2026, it is worth reflecting on how far we have come. The first network camera, launched in 1996, delivered one frame every 17 seconds—not impressive by today’s standards, but groundbreaking at the time. It did something that no analog system could: transmit video over a standard IP network. Read Now

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.

  • 4K Video Decoder

    3xLOGIC’s VH-DECODER-4K is perfect for use in organizations of all sizes in diverse vertical sectors such as retail, leisure and hospitality, education and commercial premises.

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.