Online Buyers Beware: Typosquatters Want Your Information

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

  • Until We Meet Again

    A short three years ago we were all pondering whether to attend any tradeshows all thanks to COVID-19. Sorry to bring that nightmare up again, but it seems that little pandemic is in the rear-view mirror, and it’s time to meet again. Read Now

    • ISC West
  • Cyber Hygiene: What it Looks Like for IoT Devices

    Cyber Hygiene: What it Looks Like for IoT Devices

    For our second pillar about the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) Pillars of Security, we are going to discuss what cyber hygiene looks like for IoT devices. Read Now

  • ISC West Announces 2023 Keynote Series Speaker Lineup

    The International Security Conference (ISC), in collaboration with premier sponsor Security Industry Association (SIA), announced five of this year’s ISC West Keynote Series speakers. ISC West will kick off its annual conference on March 28 (SIA Education@ISC: March 28-30 | Exhibit Hall: March 29-31) at the Venetian Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada. Read Now

    • ISC West
  • Accelerating Security Modernization

    In recent years, the term “digital transformation” has been one of the most frequently used buzzwords across industries. On its most basic level, it refers to the reimagining of how an organization leverages its technology systems to improve business processes. Read Now

Featured Cybersecurity

New Products

  • Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

    Connect ONE®

    Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation. 3

  • XS4 Original+

    XS4 Original+

    The SALTO XS4 Original+ design is based on the same proven housing and mechanical mechanisms of the XS4 Original. The XS4 Original+, however, is embedded with SALTO’s BLUEnet real-time functionality and SVN-Flex capability that enables SALTO stand-alone smart XS4 Original+ locks to update user credentials directly at the door. Compatible with the array of SALTO platform solutions including SALTO Space data-on-card, SALTO KS Keys as a Service cloud-based access solution, and SALTO’s JustIn Mobile technology for digital keys. The XS4 Original+ also includes RFID Mifare DESFire, Bluetooth LE and NFC technology functionality. 3

  • Dahua 2-Wire IP Video Intercom System

    Dahua 2-Wire IP Video Intercom System

    Dahua Technology is introducing a new line of expandable 2-wire IP video intercom solutions for the North America market. The New 2-wire IP video intercom is more advanced, cost effective, and designed to help businesses increase their security. 3