The typosquatting problem can be largely avoided or brought to a halt by adopting a strategy of defensive registration. The aim of this is to proactively register all the mutations of your name that would otherwise fall into the wrong hands. If done well, this approach can be hugely effective, and can sometimes result in 100% protection with nothing at all left for the typosquatters.

Defensive registration might sound simple enough, but the challenges it brings are far from simple. Faced with thousands of possible mutations, where to start? The cost of registering all of them would be prohibitive. This means that it is necessary to somehow identify and register only those names that are at risk. Central to this task is to predict the likelihood and frequency of any typographical error resulting from your name. Furthermore, the risk level for any mutation can be influenced by external factors such as the timing of an advertising campaign, the modus operandi of a typosquatter, or the latest trend in brand naming. All this presents a complex problem in a constantly evolving lasndscape.

Registration should start as early as possible, ideally before launch, and the first names registered should be any that are at risk from the outset. This is where a sound defensive strategy should begin, not end. Typosquatting activity dictates that you frequently review the situation and register accordingly. As your traffic grows, so will opportunities to register typo domains that are likely to yield enough traffic to cover their registration fee. This is the bottom line for the typosquatters, and the front line in your battle against them.

Here are a few defensive tips you might like to consider before getting started:

• If your company has a track record of launching high traffic sites then you may be at risk as soon as you register your domain. Today's online domain tools allow subscribers to monitor your name server for activity and scan new whois records for your details. Counter this risk by using a hidden whois service and using your registrar's name server.
• Register the other extensions of your name (.net .org .co.uk etc.) and keep an eye out for new ones emerging.
• As a precaution, register any domains you can think of that people could use against you in the future as derogatory or gripe sites e.g. [yourname]sucks.com and [yourname]lawsuit.com.
• Social networking and video sharing sites allow users to register profile page names. Establish your presence in advance if you plan on using these.