What is a URL hijack
A URL hijack is when a hacker creates a website with a URL that closely resembles or is a copy of a legitimate website that a user knows and trusts. In addition to URL spoofing, the hacker can copy the content and style of a website, including its images and text. To hijack a URL, hackers can use characters from other languages or Unicode characters that look almost exactly like the original ASCII characters. Here are some pointers on what a URL hijack is and how to consider it in your SEO strategy.
How does it work
Your browser will run a DNS query when you type an Internet address into the address bar. The data is still present for pages you previously visited in the system cache. The browser is not required to submit its query to the Internet in this situation. In all other circumstances, a name server must be contacted by your computer or mobile device. Internet service companies typically offer these servers. Some people use Google’s services or other public DNS providers.
How to prevent it
Professionals tasked with enhancing a website’s SEO are well aware of how time-consuming this effort can be. The risk of a potential hijacking for the indexed page increases in proportion to how well-liked you become by the search engine. Unlike a computer assault, which, for instance, takes advantage of weaknesses in your website project, URL hijacking operations are strongly tied to the fundamental SEO practice of link building and cannot be stopped by ordinary security software. It is crucial to constantly check your existing and new backlinks for problematic URLs.
Get a VPN
By choosing a VPN connection, you can boost your level of protection. In this scenario, the user routes communication through the VPN service server rather than establishing a direct connection to the requested web page. Most of the time, these connections are fully encrypted. Attacks using a man-in-the-middle are therefore nearly impossible.
When learning what a URL hijack is, remember: there isn’t a universal solution to URL hijacking. How well you manage SEO link building will affect URL hijacking. To filter out the problematic URLs, it’s imperative that you carefully review and optimize both new and current backlinks. A further step in the correct path is to increase your security using enterprise-scale security solutions.