Phishing Explained: How to Check a Domain for Threats

You get an email from your bank asking you to reset your password. You click the link, and the website looks exactly like your bank's login page. But wait—is it real?

This is a classic example of phishing. Phishing attacks are designed to trick you into giving up sensitive information like passwords and credit card numbers. One of the best ways to protect yourself is to learn how to check domains for threats.

What is Phishing?

Phishing is a type of cyber attack where attackers pretend to be a trustworthy entity (like a bank, a company, or a friend) to deceive victims. They often use fake websites hosted on malicious domains.

How to Spot a Phishing Domain

Attackers use clever tricks to make their fake domains look real. Here’s what to look for:

1. Misspellings (Typosquatting)

Attackers often register domains that look very similar to popular ones.

• Real: example.com
• Fake: examp1e.com or examplle.com

Always check the spelling in the address bar carefully.

2. Strange Extensions

While legitimate sites often use .com, .org, or .net, phishing sites might use cheaper or less common extensions like .xyz, .top, or .club. While not all sites with these extensions are bad, they warrant extra caution.

3. The "Lock" Icon Isn't Enough

In the past, a green lock icon meant a site was safe. Today, anyone can get a free SSL certificate. A lock icon means your connection is encrypted, but it does not mean the site itself is legitimate. A phishing site can have a lock icon too!

How to Check a Domain for Threats

If you're suspicious of a link, don't click it. Instead, copy the link and check the domain using a reputation tool.

Domain reputation tools analyze a domain's history, age, and associations with known threats.

• Check Domain Age: Phishing domains are often brand new. If a "bank" website was registered yesterday, it's almost certainly a scam.
• Scan for Malware: Security scanners can tell you if a domain is known to host malware or phishing pages.

Stay Safe Online

Phishing is a serious threat, but with a keen eye and the right tools, you can spot the fakes. Always double-check domains before entering your personal information.

Suspicious link? Check it instantly with our Domain Reputation Checker.