At one point or another, everybody has done it

You open a browser and type in the URL of a site you visit frequently.  In doing so, your finger slips and you mistype it.  Sometimes, nothing comes of it except that you get an error message. Knowing that increasing numbers of hackers have gotten into the habit of buying up domains that are slight misspellings of popular, mainstream brands.

Invariably, the hackers will then create a site that looks identical to the real site.  A careless user won't notice the difference.  From there, it's as simple as generating a popup message asking the user to update an app (Flash player or the like) so they can properly view the site's' content, and the user is doomed.

New ways to foil hacking

Fortunately for users, big tech companies are actively looking for ways to curtail hacking activities, and the latest change Google is making to its Chrome browser seeks to address the exact phenomenon described above.

The company has been testing a new redirect feature since version 70 of the browser and it's now ready for prime time.  In the latest build, you can enable it as an "experimental feature" if you want to give it a test drive.

The new feature is self-explanatory.  Chrome has an extensive database of likely typos.  When you make one, a drop-down panel will appear under the URL bar, which is a visual cue that you may be about to visit a site you hadn't intended to.  Getting yourself redirected to the destination you intended from there is as simple as clicking.

Our perspective

Ultimately, this is destined to become a standard feature of Chrome, although there's no set timetable for that.  For now, it's easy to begin experimenting with the feature if you like. Just visit: chrome://flags/#enable-lookalike-url-navigation-suggestions


The author

Thanks for reading this short post. For more tips on thriving with small business technology, check out the other blog posts at DWPia Blogs. I am also available at dwpia on LinkedIn, at dwpia on Facebook, and @dwpia on Twitter.

Cybersecurity Expert, Small Business Technology Consultant, Managed Services Provider, Managed IT Support

Denis S Wilson

I am President and Principal Consultant for DWP Information Architects: specializing in managed IT support for smaller healthcare practices, clinics, insurance companies, and nonprofit companies in Ventura County and San Fernando Valley. And have created cost-effective IT solutions, for over 20 years, specializing in cybersecurity and regulatory compliance.

I am also a published author and speaker, working extensively with organizations that include: the State of California, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Small Business Administration (SBA), SCORE, Women's Business Centers, and Small Business Development Centers. As well as providing small business technology education programs through business and professional associations.

Contact me if you would like me to speak at your meeting.

Meanwhile, check out this report

Executive Report: 10 Hidden IT Risks That Might Threaten Your Business