Training Large Language Models for Advanced Typosquatting Detection

Since the early days of the commercial internet, typosquatting has exploited the simplest of human errors, mistyping a URL, to serve as a potent tool for cybercriminals. Initially observed as an opportunistic tactic, typosquatting involves registering domain names that closely match that of reputable brands, thereby redirecting users to counterfeit websites. This has evolved into a sophisticated form of cyberattack used to conduct phishing schemes, distribute malware, and harvest sensitive data. Now with billions of domain names and TLDs in circulation, the scale and impact of typosquatting have grown exponentially. This poses significant risks to individuals, businesses, and national cybersecurity infrastructure. This whitepaper explores how emerging large language model (LLM) techniques can enhance the detection of typosquatting attempts, ultimately fortifying defenses against one of the internet's most enduring cyber threats. Cybercriminals employ various domain squatting techniques to deceive users and bypass traditional security measures. These methods include but not limited to: Character Substitution: These attacks swap similar looking characters like replacing "o" with "0" in go0gle[.]com to trick users into believing they are visiting the legitimate site. Omission or Addition: This method involves removing or adding a character, creating domains such as gogle[.]com