Microsoft Tool Blocks Typo Domains

Microsoft Research has released a new tool as part of its Strider project, which reveals third party domains that are being contacted in the background of a Web site. Called Strider URL Tracer, the Internet Explorer add-on also scans and blocks URLs that try to capitalize on misspellings, known as typo domains.

Many cybersquatters will register these typo domains and fill them with adult advertising or other inappropriate content. In turn, Strider URL Tracer will enable parents to proactively block such domains. The tool -- an extension of Microsoft Research's HoneyMonkey project -- generates a list of potential typos using five methods.