6 Types of Malicious Websites and How to Protect Your Users

What Are Malicious Websites? 

Malicious websites are sites with harmful intent, often disguised to appear legitimate. These sites exploit system vulnerabilities or deceive users into handing over sensitive information. They can host various attacks like phishing, malware distribution, or scams, threatening individual users and organizations. The design and content of these sites exploit software loopholes or make unsuspecting users trust them.

As users interact with these websites, they risk exposing their data, financial information, or allowing malware to compromise their systems. The evolving tactics of cybercriminals require awareness about malicious websites and their potential impacts on digital security.

This is part of a series of articles about browser security.

Common Types of Malicious Websites 

1. Phishing and Spoofing Websites

Phishing websites mimic real websites to capture sensitive user information like usernames, passwords, or banking details. They often use emails or messages as entry points, leading victims to enter data voluntarily. Spoofing websites closely resemble familiar sites to evade initial suspicion.

These websites use social engineering and fear tactics to incite hasty actions from users. They might prompt updates or urgent actions, increasing the likelihood of data entry. The consequences of engaging with such sites can result in identity theft, financial loss, or compromised personal data.

2. Malware Distribution Sites

Malware distribution sites serve as platforms for hosting and delivering malicious software to unsuspecting users. They may appear as legitimate download sources, tricking users into installing harmful applications. These sites often advertise free software, enticing users to click on dangerous links that initiate malware downloads.

Once malware is installed, it can execute various functions such as data theft, system damage, or unauthorized surveillance. Threat actors continually update malware to bypass security measures. Users must stay informed and cautious, ensuring downloads are from verified sources.

3. Cryptojacking Websites

Cryptojacking websites secretly use a visitor’s computing resources to mine cryptocurrency. This process occurs without user consent or knowledge, resulting in reduced device performance and increased wear. Such sites might deploy scripts that activate mining activities as soon as the user visits the webpage.

These scripts can run on browsers or may be downloaded as files, persisting beyond the initial site visit. Cryptojacked systems face slowed operations and increased power consumption. Awareness and browser security measures are essential to counter this threat.

4. Scareware or Rogue Software Distribution Sites

Scareware sites use fear tactics to convince users to download rogue security software. They present alarming misinformation, such as fake virus alerts, urging immediate action. These sites often create a false sense of urgency, pushing users to purchase or install unnecessary software that might be malicious.

The downloaded software can hijack system operations, harvest data, or require ransom payments for functionalities. Users may end up with compromised systems and financial loss. Recognizing these scams and verifying software origins aid in preventing scareware infections.

5. Content Injection and Compromised Websites

Content injection refers to unauthorized modification of a website’s content, often carried out by exploiting vulnerabilities. Compromised websites display altered content that redirects users to malicious sites or downloads harmful software. Hackers may infiltrate secure page areas, replacing legitimate elements with harmful ones.

Such attacks can deceive users searching for related content, unaware of the malicious intent. Maintaining updated software, implementing web application firewalls, and conducting regular security audits help prevent these attacks. 

6. Scam Websites

Scam websites aim to defraud users by offering false promises, requests for donations, or by impersonating legitimate entities. They tempt users with fake deals, lotteries, or job offers, extracting money or personal information. These sites manipulate users’ trust and urgency to incite quick decisions without verification.

They often employ persuasive language and professionally crafted web designs to appear authentic. Users should be wary of offers that seem too good to be true and verify the legitimacy of unfamiliar online interactions.

Examples of Known Malicious Websites 

Example 1: BAHAMUT

The phishing network BAHAMUT operates a highly sophisticated network of fake news websites. BAHAMUT has taken over defunct news sites like Techsprouts, filling them with content and creating fake social media accounts to add credibility. 

The group uses these sites to deliver malware, particularly targeting high-value individuals across South Asia and the Middle East. Victims are often lured in by emails or social media posts that seem legitimate and tailored to their interests, leading them to interact with these malicious websites.

Example 2: eCommerce Spoofs

There are several fake eCommerce sites that appear during events like Amazon Prime Day. These sites mimic well-known brands like PayPal, Amazon, and eBay, tricking users into providing personal information under the guise of account verification or exclusive deals. 

For example, fake PayPal sites often inform users that their accounts have been limited and prompt them to enter sensitive information. Similarly, during tax season, attackers create fake government websites offering tax refunds, which are actually infected with malware.

Norton has identified a list of particularly dangerous websites known for hosting malware or other malicious content. Some of these include:

• 17ebook.com
• clicnews.com
• fantasticfilms.ru
• gncr.org
• magic4you.nu
• pronline.ru

These sites, along with others like mactep.org and texaswhitetailfever.com, are notorious for spreading harmful software and should be avoided to prevent compromising your system.

How to Identify a Malicious Website 

There are several indicators that users can look out for to help identify malicious sites.

Unusual URLs

Unusual URLs are a telltale sign of fraudulent sites. They often contain misspellings, extra characters, or irregular formats, differing from legitimate site addresses. Cybercriminals use these discrepancies to deceive users accustomed to specific brand names or domains.

Examining URLs carefully before clicking can help avoid phishing traps. It is advisable to hover over links to reveal full addresses or use website verification tools. 

HTTPS Absence

The absence of HTTPS in a website’s URL indicates potential insecurity. HTTPS secures data transmission between user browsers and servers through encryption, protecting against interception. Sites lacking HTTPS might expose visitors to data theft threats, making personal information vulnerable.

Web users should be diligent about ensuring sites they interact with employ HTTPS. Browsers usually flag non-HTTPS sites, displaying warnings for user safety. 

Unverified Certificates

Unverified or expired certificates indicate potential risks when accessing websites. A valid certificate assures users that the website is genuine and encrypted. Sites with unverified certificates pose threats as they may have been compromised, offering an opportunity for data theft or malware distribution.

Browsers often display warnings for sites with these issues, discouraging user interaction. It’s crucial to heed these alerts and avoid entry of personal data on untrusted websites. Familiarity with certificate validation reinforces online security.

Aggressive Pop-Ups

Aggressive pop-ups often indicate malicious activity. These pop-ups might push fake alerts or demand immediate action, such as downloads or information input. Designed to be intrusive, they interrupt user activity and aim to create urgency, increasing the likelihood of compliance.

Users should avoid interacting with aggressive pop-ups and instead close them promptly. Using pop-up blockers and adjusting browser settings can reduce exposure. 

Mismatched Branding

Mismatched branding is a red flag for fraudulent websites. Incorrect logos, colors, or layout differ from authentic brand elements, indicating a site’s illegitimacy. These discrepancies are attempts to exploit user recognition, hoping to capture sensitive data through imitation.

Spotting these errors requires familiarity with legitimate sites, aiding in quick identification of inconsistencies. Users should remain observant and skeptical, double-check brand elements before engaging with site requests. 

Unexpected Redirects

Unexpected redirects serve as warnings of potentially harmful websites. Such redirects often lead users to unwanted destinations, possibly with malicious content. These tactics disrupt user flow, revealing attempts to escape user scrutiny or redirect to scam sites.

To thwart redirects, users should be attentive to URL changes and browser behavior. Employing security software with anti-redirect capabilities also helps maintain control. Recognizing and preventing unwanted redirects is an essential skill in defending against online threats.

How to Protect Against Malicious Websites 

Here are some of the ways that organizations can help prevent malicious websites from harming their systems and users.

Utilize Email Security Solutions

Using an email security platform aids in blocking phishing attempts originating from malicious sites. These solutions filter harmful emails, preventing them from reaching inboxes and reducing user interaction with deceptive links. Advanced tools leverage machine learning to identify and prevent threats in real time.

Beyond simple filtering, email security features include sandboxing for suspect attachments and analytics for early threat detection. By implementing email protection, organizations fortify their defenses against malicious attempts, protecting sensitive data and user interactions.

Enforce Web Filtering Policies

Web filtering aids in regulating access to potentially harmful websites. Implementing these policies limits users from reaching malicious or inappropriate content, improving network security. Filters categorize and block sites, applying rules that correspond with company security protocols.

Effective web filtering solutions include URL categorization, denylisting domains, and real-time updates on threats. Enforcing such measures ensures that only approved content is accessible, lowering risks associated with unsafe browsing habits and minimizing exposure to harmful sites.

Learn more in our detailed guide to web security 

Deploy DNS Filtering

DNS filtering adds an additional layer by controlling domain access requests through DNS queries. By blocking malicious domains at the DNS level, it prevents users from accidentally visiting fraudulent or harmful sites. This approach stops threats before they can reach an endpoint.

DNS filtering operates without impacting user experience, maintaining network speed while providing protection. Its integration into cybersecurity strategies is necessary for organizations aiming to protect the digital environment from threats originating from compromised websites.

Enforce Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Multi-factor authentication improves security by requiring multiple verification steps. Its implementation reduces unauthorized access risks, as MFA demands more than just passwords. By integrating MFA, even if credentials are compromised, unauthorized users cannot proceed without secondary confirmation.

MFA secures login processes across devices and platforms, deterring cybercriminal activities stemming from compromised sites. Regular MFA updates and securing backup methods ensure continuous protection. 

Isolate Critical Systems

Isolating critical systems minimizes exposure to threats from malicious websites. This practice involves separating vital networks or applications from general access, reducing the chance of attacker interference. Implementing segmentation strategies ensures that only authenticated users can interact with sensitive areas.

Network isolation is complemented by stringent access controls and continuous monitoring for anomalies. Automating security protocols around these systems mitigates damage potential, providing resistance against cyberattacks aimed at organizational resources.

Conduct Phishing Simulations

Phishing simulations prepare users by recreating real-world email threats, showing how to handle malicious attempts. These exercises educate employees on recognizing phishing signs, fostering a security-conscious culture. Regular simulations increase awareness and refine detection skills.

Through simulations, organizations assess their vulnerability to phishing and identify areas for improvement in their defenses. They ensure employees remain vigilant against evolving tactics used by cybercriminals. 

Implement Browser Security Solutions

Browser security solutions are useful for preventing malicious websites from affecting users’ systems. These solutions include browser extensions, plug-ins, or built-in features to block harmful sites and scripts before they can execute.

A common component of browser security solutions is the use of ad blockers and script blockers, which prevent malicious ads and harmful scripts from loading on webpages. Many browsers offer features like sandboxing, isolating each tab or browsing session to prevent cross-contamination if a malicious site is encountered.

A browser security extension is one of the more efficient solutions for protecting your enterprise browser and SaaS apps against external web threats, data breaches and employee-related risks. They can integrate with any browser and are more lightweight than other solutions, which facilitates protection and governance without any negative impact on user experience, browsing quality, or productivity.

Protecting Users Against Malicious Websites with Perception Point

Perception Point is a leading provider of AI-powered threat prevention solutions that safeguard the modern workspace against sophisticated threats. The unified security solution protects email, web browsers, and SaaS apps. By uniquely combining the most accurate threat detection platform with an all-included managed incident response service, Perception Point reduces customers’ IT overhead, improves user experience, and delivers deep-level cybersecurity insights.

Deployed in minutes, with no change to the organization’s infrastructure, the cloud-native service is easy to use and replaces cumbersome, traditional point systems. Perception Point proactively prevents phishing, BEC, ATO, malware, spam, insider threats, data loss, zero-days, and other advanced attacks well before they impact the end-user. Fortune 500 enterprises and organizations across the globe are protecting more and managing less with Perception Point.

Contact us today for a live demo.