Typosquatting
The Business of Cybersquatting
Part 2 of 3
Download the Full ArticleForeword
As previously discussed in Part I of this series, Internet users frequently use Direct Navigation, which is the practice of typing keywords appended with an extension such as dot-COM directly into a browser bar or address bar, to locate the Web sites they are trying to visit. The prevalence of this navigation technique enables the widespread success of cybersquatting and more specifically, typosquatting. Typosquatting refers to the practice by which individuals seek to monetize or otherwise benefit from traffic generated by spelling or keystroke mistakes made by Direct Navigators attempting to reach popular branded and other domain names. It is important to point out that typosquatted domains are rarely reached via search engines.
The following paper—Part II of our series of Direct Navigation Perspectives—examines typosquatting in order to offer readers a clearer understanding of its impact on brands, brand owners and Internet users. It was written as a follow-up to our report on the practice of Direct Navigation, a paper that offered a detailed overview of this practice and how it fuels the profitability of cybersquatting. The good news is typosquatting can be easily addressed—at a minimal cost—with a prudent approach to domain names.
Similar to other FairWinds’ work, we analyzed the behaviors of Internet users and infringers in order to detect patterns that will help brand owners sharpen their domain name strategies. This paper focuses on understanding the logic and business behind typosquatting and aims to provide insight into what kinds of typos are the most valuable and, in turn, the most harmful. By better understanding how and why typosquatting happens, and anticipating where it matters most, one can more effectively protect consumers and brands online.
