Imagine an employee receiving an email from your server vendor with a link to a document. They click it, assuming it’s safe, only to find it leads to a fake site designed to steal sensitive company information.
What happens now? Is your entire business data compromised?
This is the essence of URL phishing.
Cybercriminals manipulate website URLs to trick businesses into revealing valuable data. The Internet offers immense convenience for business operations. But it also exposes your company to hidden risks. Phishing attacks are among the most prominent threats that can jeopardize your security. According to GreatHorn, 57% of organizations experience phishing attacks daily or weekly, and nearly 1.2% of all emails sent are malicious. [1]
What is URL Phishing?
URL phishing is a deceptive technique used by cybercriminals to trick users into visiting fraudulent websites. Such websites might look legitimate but are designed to steal personal information. A URL phishing attack disguises a web address to mimic a trusted site—like a bank, a company’s intranet, or a government agency.
The goal? Trick users into clicking, believing it’s safe, and then stealing sensitive data like passwords or credit card details.
Unlike traditional phishing attacks that use emails or text messages, URL phishing focuses on manipulating web addresses. These URLs look convincing, tricking victims into feeling safe.
How does URL Phishing work?
URL phishing attacks are carried out by using deceptive web addresses that seem legitimate at first glance. Cybercriminals often employ various techniques to mask or modify URLs to make them look trustworthy.
Here’s how a typical URL phishing attack might unfold:
- The attacker creates a fake website: A phishing website is set up to look identical to a real one, such as a bank or social media platform.
- Crafting the URL: The attacker then generates a URL that closely resembles the legitimate site’s web address but with subtle differences. This might include:
- Changing a letter or two (e.g., “gogle.com” instead of “google.com”).
- Using a different top-level domain (e.g., “google.co” instead of “google.com”).
- Adding extra characters or symbols to make the URL appear genuine.
- Sending the link: The attacker sends this fake URL via email, SMS, or even through social media. The victim clicks the link, thinking it’s a legitimate website.
- Harvesting information: Once the victim enters their personal details, the attacker collects the information for malicious purposes, such as identity theft or financial fraud.
As you can see, URL phishing is a highly effective way for cybercriminals to exploit your trust and steal sensitive data.
Types of URL Phishing
Cybercriminals use various methods to manipulate URLs, making it harder for users to spot the fraud. Here are the most common types of URL phishing:
1. Masked links
This is perhaps the most common and straightforward form of URL phishing. In masked link phishing, the attacker creates a hyperlink that seems to lead to a legitimate website. However, when clicked, the URL directs the user to a malicious site. The trick here is that the visible text of the link looks trustworthy, but the actual URL in the background is deceptive.
For example:
- Displayed Link: “Click here to reset your password.”
- Actual Link: “http://evilwebsite.com/fake-login”
2. Open Redirect
Open redirect phishing involves using a legitimate website’s URL to redirect users to a fraudulent site. An attacker might exploit a well-known site like Google, Facebook, or PayPal to create a link that first appears to lead to the trusted domain but then quickly redirects the victim to a malicious site.
For instance, the link might look like this:
- “https://www.paypal.com/redirect?url=http://phishingsite.com”
Here, PayPal’s domain appears legitimate, but the link redirects to a phishing site that attempts to steal your credentials.
3. Obfuscating malware with images
In obfuscating malware with images, the attacker hides malicious URLs behind images or other visual elements on a website. These images can be disguised as buttons or links that, when clicked, lead the user to a fraudulent site. This method exploits the fact that people often trust visible content on a webpage more than they trust URLs in the address bar.
For example, an attacker might embed an image of a “Login” button with a hidden link that, when clicked, takes the victim to a phishing website.
Examples of URL Phishing
URL phishing can take many forms, often disguised as urgent or critical messages to get you to act quickly. Here are some common examples of URL phishing:
1. Breached account alert
One common phishing tactic is the “breached account alert,” where attackers send you an email warning that your account has been compromised. The email includes a link to a website where you’re asked to reset your password. But the link directs you to a fraudulent website designed to steal your login credentials.
2. FedEx delivery
Another example is the “FedEx delivery” scam. You receive an email claiming that there is an issue with your package delivery, along with a link to track it. The link leads to a phishing website that asks for your personal information or payment details in exchange for your supposed delivery.
3. CEO mail scam
A CEO scam uses URL phishing to impersonate executives, tricking employees into sending funds or sensitive data. The email appears to be from the CEO, with a link mimicking the company’s intranet or payment system—but it leads to a fake page. A security scan of millions of emails found that 6% of threats were business email compromises or CEO fraud.[2]
How to identify URL Phishing attacks
Recognizing a URL phishing attempt is not always easy. Cybercriminals have lately become quite sophisticated. But, there are a few strategies you can use to protect yourself:
1. Ignore Display Names
One of the easiest mistakes to make is assuming that the display name (the text you see in an email or text message) is trustworthy. Always double-check the actual URL to ensure the source is legitimate.
2. Verify the URL
Look closely at the URL itself. Phishing URLs often contain subtle errors like extra characters, misspellings, or alternative domains that look almost identical to the real one.
For example, “g00gle.com” instead of “google.com.”
3. Verify Domains
Always check the domain name of the website you’re visiting. If you’re entering sensitive information, make sure the domain is the official one (e.g., “www.paypal.com” or “www.amazon.com”). Phishing sites might use slightly different domains, such as “paypall.com” or “amaz0n.com”
Strategies for preventing URL Phishing
Preventing URL phishing requires both vigilance and the right tools. Here are some strategies that can help:
1. URL Filtering
URL filtering tools block phishing sites by checking URLs against known threat databases. Solutions like Scalefusion Veltar enables businesses to allow or block specific URLs based on their needs. With domain allowlisting, organizations can restrict access to approved websites only, preventing users from landing on malicious or unauthorized pages. This strengthens security, ensures compliance, and reduces phishing risks.
These tools offer real-time protection and let administrators customize URL access rules. This keeps employees safe from harmful links and lowers the risk of phishing attacks, helping protect company data and ensure secure browsing.
2. Check domain reputation
Use tools to check the reputation of a domain. If a website has a suspicious reputation, it’s best to avoid visiting it. Many security services offer domain reputation checks as part of their overall protection.
3. DMARC Verification
DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance) is a protocol that helps authenticate emails and prevent them from being spoofed. Turning on DMARC verification for your email is the key here. It can stop attackers from pretending to be trusted websites or organizations.
Prevent URL Phishing with Veltar
Unchecked phishing scams lead to massive breaches, fines, and lost trust. Large companies face financial and reputational damage. Small businesses risk complete shutdowns. Hackers steal data, hijack accounts, and spread ransomware. One-click can trigger a disaster.
Scalefusion Veltar goes beyond basic protection—it offers proactive security with its feature-rich tools. URL filtering, VPN Tunnel, and secure remote access are just a start. It blocks deceptive URLs used in phishing attacks, preventing users from revealing sensitive information. Veltar’s strong security features don’t just respond to threats—they anticipate them, keeping your organization one step ahead.
With Veltar, you get peace of mind, knowing your business is protected from phishing scams and cyber risks before they can cause harm.
