Misspelling a web address can lead students far from the site they intended to visit and put them at risk for viruses and security concerns.
Sarah LaChat, coordinator of technology documentation and support services, said companies and individuals might register a misspelled version of a more popular domain name in an attempt to get "accidental hits" or visits to their Web sites. The process is called "typosquatting," she said.
"It would be reasonable to assume companies may want a domain name similar to a popular site," she said. "Misspelled web addresses could potentially bring awareness to their company or organization."
Camille Ede, director of domain services for domain registration service, GoDaddy.com, said catching internet users by mistake can be profitable for "typosquatters."
Certain advertisers pay per "hit," or per the number of internet users who visit the site, she said. Since advertising dollars usually help fund online operations, "hits" are a big deal, she said.
Web sites that cater to college students are frequent targets of this technique, she said.
For example, typing in "faccebook.com" leads users to a lingerie company's Web site, and typing "faceboook.com" leads to a college search site.
LaChat said students who misspell Web addresses were vulnerable to computer viruses and safety concerns.
"You should always assume there are virus and security concerns any time you are conducting Web activity," she said.
The Office of Information Security recommends that students and employees check Web addresses for accuracy before visiting sites, she said.
Ede said GoDaddy.com frowned upon "typosquatting" and encouraged domain owners to register common misspellings and different extensions of their URL to protect their trademark.
"It's always smart to register typos and mistakes," she said. "We also own 'gpdaddy.com' because we know the 'p' is right next to the 'o' on the keyboard."
Ede said she also encouraged domain owners to file arbitration against "typosquatters" under the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers Uniform Domain-Name Dispute Resolution Policy.
The organization will work to stop the "typosquatters" and at about $2,000, the process is cheaper than filing charges in court, she said.
"Usually if you file under the UDRP you have a good chance of winning your case and get back the site traffic that has been taken from you," she said.
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