How typosquat detection works
Align this guide with your typosquatting protection positioning-it explains how software turns infinite permutations into a ranked queue.
1. Generate candidates, then filter
Algorithms propose plausible strings: substitutions, insertions, homoglyphs, doubled characters, and TLD swaps. The challenge is volume-most candidates are harmless parking or fan sites. Early filters use blocklists, brand policy, and registration rules before expensive HTTP fetches.
2. Use lifecycle signals
DNS records, nameservers, WHOIS or RDAP age, and MX presence hint at intent. A typo domain with brand‑looking MX that appeared yesterday is higher priority than a five‑year‑old parked page. Tie operational detail to domain monitoring and takedowns.
3. Compare content and customer journeys
Screenshots, HTML structure, forms, and favicons help score similarity to your legitimate login or checkout paths-separate from string distance alone. Phishing teams care about victim journeys; typo squatters may only forward traffic.
4. Tune thresholds to your appetite
Aggressive thresholds create analyst fatigue; conservative thresholds miss early‑stage attacks. Segment thresholds by asset criticality-executive brands versus long‑tail marketing domains.
5. Close with enforcement context
Detection is wasted without queues, owners, and takedown status. Pair scoring with how phishing takedowns work so readers see the full operating model.