Typosquatting Attacks In Cybersecurity

 

The typosquatting attack first showed up in the mid-to-late 1990s, right after domain name registration opened up for everyone. Attackers spotted an obvious flaw—people mistype URLs all the time. By registering domains that looked almost identical to popular websites (think “amazn.com” instead of “amazon.com”), they started scooping up traffic and personal details from unsuspecting internet users.

But typosquatting has moved far beyond casual mistakes. Today, even developers are at risk. Attackers now target open-source repositories, creating packages that differ by only a single character from trusted libraries. With one quick install, a typo can let a malicious package slip into a project.

In this article, we’ll look at how typosquatting tactics have evolved, the new risks facing development teams, and why tools like Derscanner are essential for defending against these sophisticated threats.

What is Typosquatting?

If you want me to define typosquatting, it’s a cyberattack where attackers create domains or packages with names that closely resemble popular libraries or services. The goal is to exploit small typing errors, such as a missing or swapped letter, hoping developers or users will accidentally access or install the malicious alternative.

Here’s how typosquatting typically plays out.

• Attackers keep an eye on widely used libraries. Let’s say there’s a popular package called database. 
• Attackers then quietly publish their own version with a nearly identical name, like databasse or databas. Here, they count on the chance that a developer will make a small typo during installation or import.
• If a developer accidentally mistypes the name while installing or importing the package, they might unknowingly bring in the attacker’s code.
• The malicious package mimics the original so closely that it appears to work just like the real thing, all while quietly embedding harmful or backdoor code in the background.

Typosquatting in cyber security

Typosquatting isn’t just a nuisance for individual developers. It’s a recognized threat in the broader field of cybersecurity. Attackers use this technique as an entry point for much larger compromises. They would implement supply chain attacks to harm the sensitive infrastructure. 

Security incidents linked to typosquatting have resulted in stolen credentials, unauthorized data access, stolen credit card information, and the spread of malware or ransomware. Because malicious packages often blend in with a legitimate site, detection can be challenging, even for well-resourced security teams. 

In many cases, typosquatting campaigns are automated at scale. Attackers deploy dozens or hundreds of typo-variants across open-source repositories or domain registries. They hope at least a few will be downloaded or visited.

Once inside a company’s systems, these malicious components can serve as launchpads for further attacks or persistent threats. Because of its effectiveness and low barrier to entry, typosquatting remains a favorite tactic among cybercriminals and is regularly flagged in security advisories and threat intelligence reports.

 

Different types of Typosquatting 

We can recognize different types of typosquatting attacks, each targeting different victims for different goals. Here is a typosquatting list that every internet user needs to pay attention to.

 

1. Domain Typosquatting (Classic web phishing attack)

Target: General public, end users

Goal: Trick users into visiting fake sites to steal credentials, distribute malware, or show unwanted ads.

Attackers register web addresses that look nearly identical to legitimate websites. One typo and users land on typosquatting sites built to steal logins or deliver malware. It’s a direct threat to anyone who types quickly or isn’t watching the website address in their web browser.

 

2. Package Typosquatting

Target: Developers, DevOps teams, organizations

Goal: Compromise applications by injecting malicious code via misspelled package names.

A single character mistake when installing a library can open the door for attackers. Malicious packages slip into codebases, often going unnoticed until damage is done. Entire software supply chains are at risk from this silent threat.

 

3. Email Typosquatting (Business Email Compromise)

Target: Companies, executives, employees

Goal: Intercept business communications or impersonate trusted contacts for fraud.

Attackers register lookalike domains with a fake website and send emails that appear legitimate at first glance. One wrong letter can lead to stolen secrets or fraudulent transfers. The cost of a simple typo can be enormous for any business.

 

4. App Typosquatting (Mobile or Desktop Apps)

Target: Consumers, enterprise users

Goal: Deliver fake apps to harvest data or push malicious content.

Imitation apps fill official stores, hoping users download without double-checking the name. These apps can steal data, install malware, or hijack devices, all while pretending to be something familiar. It’s a trap for the unwary in a crowded app marketplace.

 

5. Social Media Typosquatting

Target: Brand followers, individuals

Goal: Scam followers or spread misinformation by mimicking real accounts.

Attackers create profiles that are nearly indistinguishable from genuine brands or people. A subtle typo tricks users into following or trusting imposters. The result: reputational damage, scams, and widespread confusion.

 

Real-world Typosquatting examples

Let’s look at some real-world examples of typosquatting.

1. Fake “facebok.com” malicious Sites

Attackers have registered domains like “facebok.com” to mimic Facebook and trick ordinary users into entering their credentials. This is a classic typosquatting example. These sites often look almost identical to the real one and are used for phishing.

 

2. NPM Typosquatting Campaign (2017)

In 2017, a security researcher discovered over 40 malicious packages on npm with names similar to popular libraries. These included packages like “crossenv” (a typo of “cross-env”). When installed, the malicious packages attempted to steal environment variables, potentially exposing sensitive credentials.

 

3. Python Package Index (PyPI) Typosquatting (2018)

Attackers uploaded malicious Python libraries to PyPI with names resembling trusted packages. Typosquatting Python incidents like this can occur easily. Developers who mistype the package name could unknowingly install malware. One of these packages attempted to steal SSH and GPG keys from infected systems.

 

4. RubyGems Typosquatting (2020)

A 2020 campaign targeted Ruby developers by uploading gems with names almost identical to legitimate libraries. These malicious gems included code to steal cryptocurrency wallet keys and credentials.

 

How do legal frameworks handle typosquatting?

Legal frameworks for domain names, such as the Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (UDRP) by ICANN, have been effective in helping trademark owners combat traditional typosquatting and URL hijacking.

However, when it comes to software libraries, things get murky. There’s no clear legal roadmap for typosquatting in code, especially for developers using packages on npm, PyPI, or other repositories. 

Typosquatting cyber security cases rarely see help from existing laws. Most legal protections still focus on trademark holders, not the development teams hit by these attacks.

In practice, the best move is quick action. Report the bad package to the repository and hope for a takedown. Lawsuits are rare, often slow, and the odds are slim when attackers hide behind borders or fake credentials.

So what’s left? Smart teams take typosquatting cybersecurity into their own hands. They double-check dependencies, run audits, and keep every developer up to speed on the latest threats. In a space where legal options lag behind, vigilance is what keeps software safe.

How to prevent Typosquatting or perform a Typosquatting check

1. Dependency Audits

Dependency audits have become a baseline for typosquatting detection. Automated tools catch outdated or suspicious packages that may otherwise slip by. When audits happen regularly, teams notice unusual changes faster and can respond before damage occurs.

 

2. Package Name Verification

A package name that looks right at a glance can hide a serious risk. Developers need to slow down and examine each dependency before installing it. This extra step often prevents costly mistakes that come from a single letter out of place.

 

3. Use Trusted Sources

Relying on official repositories reduces exposure to malicious code. Teams that standardize their sources limit the chance of an attacker slipping through the cracks. When everyone pulls from the same, trusted places, it’s easier to track what enters the codebase.

 

4. Automated Security Tools

Security tools like npm audit and PyPI’s built-in checks flag suspicious dependencies before they reach production. Including these scans in the pipeline provides ongoing oversight without slowing down development. Companies that take advantage of these tools rarely get blindsided by typosquatting attacks.

 

5. Dependency Pinning

Pinning dependencies to specific versions creates stability in a project. This approach blocks unexpected updates that might introduce a rogue library. Development teams gain peace of mind when every build uses the same, trusted components.

 

6. Package Allowlist

Some organizations go further by maintaining an allowlist of pre-approved packages. Only dependencies that pass review make it onto this list. This policy closes the door on random and potentially harmful additions.

 

7. Developer Training

Security training does more than check a box. It helps developers recognize real threats like cyber typosquatting and understand why vigilance matters. Teams that stay sharp are much less likely to fall for subtle tricks.

 

8. Monitoring and Alerts

Keeping an eye on newly published packages pays off. Alerts about suspicious lookalike names give security teams a critical early warning, especially when those names use variants with top level domains. Fast action can prevent a minor typo from turning into a major breach.

 

Tools for Typosquatting protection in code

Spotting typosquatting in a modern codebase isn’t about luck. It’s about using the right tools. No team can track every risky package or hidden dependency by hand. The tools below are purpose-built for developers who want to stay ahead of supply chain threats and cut through the noise fast.

 

DerScanner – Integrates static and software composition analysis to identify typosquatted packages and supply chain threats across multiple languages.

 

Snyk – Scans project dependencies in real time for vulnerabilities and potential typosquatting attacks in major package ecosystems.

 

Sonatype OSS Index – Monitors open-source components for suspicious or malicious packages and delivers automated security intelligence.

 

GitHub Dependabot – Alerts developers to insecure or potentially typosquatted dependencies through automated pull requests and advisories.

 

npm Audit – Examines JavaScript and Node.js projects for vulnerabilities, including those introduced by typosquatted modules.

 

PyPI Safety – This typosquatting checker checks Python dependencies for known vulnerabilities and flags suspicious package names.

 

OWASP Dependency-Check – Analyzes dependencies for security risks and unusual naming patterns in Java, .NET, and JavaScript projects.

 

Using a typosquatting finder like the one above, you can detect typosquatting cases and receive a typosquatting alert if a risky match is found.

How to Prevent Typosquatting with DerScanner

Typosquatting is a growing threat in software supply chains, but DerScanner is designed to address this risk from every angle. It’s an application security testing platform that integrates multiple security testing methodologies like SAST, DAST, and Software Composition Analysis.

Its SCA doesn’t just scan surface details, it digs into open-source packages, analyzing metadata like repository links and author credentials. If something doesn’t match or a package fails key security checks, DerScanner flags it, giving your team a chance to stop threats before they reach production.

Detecting Risks in the Dependency Tree

Indirect dependencies are a hidden danger in modern development. You might trust the library you add, but one typo several layers deep can introduce malicious code. 

DerScanner tackles this head-on by scanning the entire dependency tree, even the parts most teams overlook. It picks up on subtle signs, such as package names that closely imitate trusted libraries or strange code behaviors. 

The platform sends immediate alerts so developers can review suspicious components before anything is released. Integration with your CI/CD pipeline means these checks run automatically, catching problems early in the development process.

Identifying Vulnerabilities and Preventing Attacks

Attackers rely on weak spots in software to slip in typosquatted resources. DerScanner uses CWE mapping and a built-in CWE Scanner to spot these vulnerabilities, whether it’s an unsafe domain in a third-party resource or a missing SSL check. It catches tactics like open redirects and unusual access to sensitive information. 

When DerScanner finds something out of place, like an unexpected attempt to access API keys or database credentials, it raises the alarm. These early warnings can prevent data theft and stop attacks before they escalate.

Static and Dynamic Analysis for Complete Protection

Both static and dynamic analysis are key to DerScanner’s approach. SAST examines your source code and configuration files for risky packages or misspelled domains, blocking threats at the source and improving code quality. 

DAST goes further by watching the app as it runs, looking for connections to unfamiliar domains and attempting to exfiltrate user data. 

DerScanner also supports SAST for Scala and Delphi Code Security, which demonstrates its specialization in handling diverse codebases. All these suggest that DerScanner is a complete application security testing solution that gives your team a practical, reliable way to protect your software from typosquatting at every stage.

FAQ

1. What is spoofing in cyber security?

Spoofing is when an attacker disguises themselves as a trusted source to deceive users, often by faking emails, websites, or network addresses.

 

2. What is online squatting?

Online squatting refers to registering internet domains, usernames, or social media handles that mimic popular brands or individuals, usually for profit or to mislead.

 

3. Is typosquatting a type of phishing?

Yes, typosquatting can be used for phishing. Attackers create lookalike domains to trick users into entering credentials or personal information.

 

4. What is the difference between brand impersonation and typosquatting?

Brand impersonation involves copying a company’s identity, like logos or messaging, to trick users. Typosquatting specifically targets misspelled domain or package names to catch people who mistype.

 

5. What is the difference between cybersquatting and typosquatting?

Cybersquatting and typosquatting are both tactics where someone registers domains they don’t own. Cybersquatting uses exact brand names, while typosquatting uses slight misspellings to trick users.