Definition

Combosquatting is a form of cybersquatting that combines a brand with an extra word to build a deceptive domain: brand-support.com, brand-deals.com, login-brand.net. The brand name stays intact, which makes the scam especially credible.

Typical word combinations

• Trust words: support, service, help, contact, secure
• Promotion words: promo, sale, offer, discount, shop
• Login words: login, signin, account, connect
• Locations: brand-uk, brand-fr

Risks for brands

Combosquatting is heavily used for phishing, brand impersonation and fake customer support. Unlike typosquatting, it is harder to detect automatically because the pattern is not mechanical.

Defence strategy

• Keyword monitoring on new domain registrations
• Takedown notices and UDRP / URS procedures
• Coordination with registrars and hosts for fast blocking
• Customer communication to reinforce recognition of official channels