Be Interviewed on DomainSherpa
« Back to Domain Name Dictionary | Definition of Typo Squatting
Typosquatting, also called URL hijacking, is a form of cybersquatting which relies on mistakes such as typographical errors made by Internet users when inputting a website address into a web browser. Should a user accidentally enter an incorrect website address, they may be led to an alternative website owned by a cybersquatter.
A famous example of Typosquatting is Goggle.com, an extremely dangerous website which infects the user with spyware. Another similar thing is yuube.com, which is similar to goggle.com except it targets Youtube users. Similarly, www.airfrance.com has been typosquatted by www.arifrance.com, diverting users to a website peddling discount travel.
In the United States, the 1999 Anticybersquatting Consumer Protection Act (ACPA) contains a clause (Section 3(a), amending 15 USC 1117 to include sub-section (d)(2)(B)(ii)) aimed at combatting typosquatting.
If you enjoyed this article, subscribe for updates (it's free)
