When it comes to online business, it’s hard to distinguish real from fake, and steer clear of the scams amongst the tempting offers. AI-generated text and copied images make it harder than ever to notice red flags on a dangerous website, and one evergreen tactic gives scammers an edge: domain shadowing.
In domain shadowing attacks, the only tell-tale sign hides in a hard-to-spot place: the URL. Business and internet users alike must stay alert for these kinds of attacks, to keep their incomes safe, and avoid surprises from devious cybercriminals. Fortunately, learning about these tactics, and how to tackle them, delivers the best chance for happy, successful ecommerce going forward.
What is domain shadowing?
Cybercriminals initiate domain shadowing by compromising domain owner credentials, often through phishing or dictionary attacks. Once access is gained, they create multiple subdomains under the victim’s root domain. These subdomains are utilized for malicious activities like phishing or malware distribution, operating separately from the victim’s main website. The tactic relies on exploiting the main domain’s reputation to deceive users, making detection challenging. Despite potential server investigations, evidence of malicious subdomains is elusive as they are hosted elsewhere.
A recent example of a domain shadowing attack
Domain shadowing would ideally remain an abstract concern, worth worrying about, but without any real-world implications. However, that’s hardly the case. A recent investigation into domain attacks in the UK found that hackers increasingly imitate leading banks, exploiting financial concerns in the wake of the cost of living crisis. The scam campaigns coordinated networks of deceptive digital assets, including email addresses, social media accounts, emails, and crucially, shadowy subdomains and landing pages. Scammers tricked vulnerable banking clients with scam warnings and detail requests over email, then directed them to lookalike login screens on their domain shadowing servers.
These attacks hit home, extracting thousands from innocent victims, and damaging trust and relationships beyond repair. With similar campaigns also spoofing industry-leading delivery companies, no sector seems safe from domain shadowing’s deception.
The impact on internet users
While domain shadowing might seem like an abstract and technical concept, it creates real-life consequences for innocent internet users like you and me. This insidious practice involves cybercriminals creating malicious subdomains under legitimate websites, leading unsuspecting users into dangerous traps.
One of the most harmful effects of domain shadowing is the theft of money, often from vulnerable users who cannot afford to lose it.
In addition to financial loss, domain shadowing hackers steal private details, such as credit card numbers, banking information, home addresses, and more. Victims suffer the arduous process of changing cards, opening new accounts, and getting new phone numbers to protect themselves from further fraud. Unchecked shadowing attacks lead to inconvenience, along with significant emotional and mental burdens.
Domain shadowing targets often experience fear and anxiety, constantly second-guessing the legitimacy of websites and emails. Scam campaigns erode public trust in well-known brands and legitimate e-commerce sites, leading to a broader climate of distrust. As a result, spoofed businesses suffer severe reputational damage and financial losses, as wary consumers steer clear online.
How domain shadowing affects businesses
Domain shadowing inflicts severe consequences on businesses, dragging reputations through the mud, draining financial resources, and raising legal liabilities. When hackers associate their scams with legitimate brands by impersonating their websites, customers lose trust. Careers suffer as professionals lose track of their growth targets, and hierarchies lose faith in their organization’s security.
In the wake of a phishing attack launched through domain shadowing, businesses often undergo a lengthy infrastructural rebuilding process. Restoring compromised systems and implementing stronger security measures from the ground up can strain financial and human resources. Reactive fixes, implemented after an attack, always cost more than proactive digital risk protection. By contrast, businesses who act early can mitigate threats before they arise.
How to fight back
Domain shadowing poses serious threats across the internet, but when brands face these threats head-on, they find the right solutions to protect their infrastructure and their clients. Ultimately, these solutions resolve around a modern and comprehensive domain strategy. Strategic Corporate Domain Management covers several angels, starting with security, strengthening vital principles like account security and access control.
In such solutions, domain experts implement tactics like passwords with two-factor authentication, DNSSEC, and Organization Authentication Certification. Beyond that, strategic website monitoring and blocking helps you identify threat indicators like malicious subdomains, and stop them from harming unsuspecting visitors in your name. Our Chief Technical Officer provides a comprehensive domain cybersecurity checklist if you’d like some more insights from another expert source.
In conclusion, domain shadowing poses a significant threat to businesses and consumers alike, highlighting the importance of cybersecurity vigilance and proactive risk management strategies in modern digital landscapes. By understanding the workings of domain shadowing and implementing effective security measures, organizations protect themselves and their customers from cyber threats.
