Which domain-impersonation tactic involves registering a domain name visually similar to a legitimate domain to deceive users?

Which domain-impersonation tactic involves registering a domain name visually similar to a legitimate domain to deceive users?

• A. Phishing
• B. SMiShing
• C. Pharming
• D. Typosquatting

Answer: (D)

Typosquatting is the tactic that registers a domain name that looks almost the same as a legitimate site to fool users. Attackers pick variations that are easy to miss at a glance—slightly misspelled words, added or swapped characters, hyphens, or different top-level domains, and sometimes visually similar characters (homoglyphs). The goal is that someone typing the brand name or clicking a link might land on the malicious site because the domain appears legitimate enough at first glance. Once there, the user may enter credentials or download malware, thinking they’re on the real site. This is distinct from general phishing, which uses deceptive messages to prompt action; SMiShing, which uses text messages; and pharming, which relies on redirecting traffic via DNS manipulation. Typosquatting specifically targets the domain name’s appearance to impersonate the brand.

Typosquatting is the tactic that registers a domain name that looks almost the same as a legitimate site to fool users. Attackers pick variations that are easy to miss at a glance—slightly misspelled words, added or swapped characters, hyphens, or different top-level domains, and sometimes visually similar characters (homoglyphs). The goal is that someone typing the brand name or clicking a link might land on the malicious site because the domain appears legitimate enough at first glance. Once there, the user may enter credentials or download malware, thinking they’re on the real site.

This is distinct from general phishing, which uses deceptive messages to prompt action; SMiShing, which uses text messages; and pharming, which relies on redirecting traffic via DNS manipulation. Typosquatting specifically targets the domain name’s appearance to impersonate the brand.