MSR Strider URL Tracer

scan domains for typo-squatting

Our Rating: (Good!)

MSR Strider URL Tracer is a project from Microsoft Research that enables you to scan a domain name to see the third party domains that it serves content from and/or whether the site is being redirected. I addition, the tool includes a feature that lets you generate a list of common typos based on the domain name and allows you to scan and browse the list of generate names in order to spot domains that capitalize on inadvertent URL misspellings (typo-squatting). The tool was originally developed as a way for parents to spot domains that hijack popular children sites, and often serve adult content or intrusive ads to kids that are mistyping the domain name. It offers a detailed WHOIS lookup as well as an option to block the sites, so they can no longer be accessed with Internet Explorer. Strider URL Tracer can also be very useful for webmasters or site owners that want to track down typo-squatting violations. (Please note that this a research project and should be considered a work in progress)

Freeware