Why You’re Not Likely to Get Infected Simply by Typing a URL Wrong

In today’s digital landscape, concerns about online security are more prevalent than ever. However, it’s important to clarify a common misconception: simply mistyping a URL is highly unlikely to lead to your computer being infected with malware.

Back in the mid-to-late 2010s, web browsers significantly tightened their security measures. As a result, infections from merely visiting a website become extraordinarily rare, especially if you are using an updated browser. While there is an extremely slim chance of being targeted by an attack specifically designed for you, the average internet user is not at high risk of infection from everyday browsing activities.

Understanding Zero-Day Exploits

A “zero-day” exploit refers to a vulnerability in software that has been disclosed but not yet patched by the developers. These exploits can potentially compromise systems with up-to-date software, but their prevalence has drastically decreased in recent years. Following the tightening of security by major browsers, such zero-day exploits have become not only rarer but also vastly more expensive on the black market, with full exploits for widely-used browsers like Google Chrome reportedly fetching prices as high as $500,000.

Targeted Attacks in the 2020s

Currently, zero-day exploits are primarily employed in targeted attacks rather than indiscriminately sprayed across the internet. Here’s a closer look at how these targeted attacks differ from hypothetical mass spraying of exploits:

| Category | Actual 2020s Targeted Zero-Day Attack | Imaginary 2020s Zero-Day Attack |
|————————————–|————————————————————————————-|————————————————————————————|
| Victim | Individuals who are closely monitored, such as employees linked to substantial finances or activists under government scrutiny | The average person, like “Joe Smith,” who simply mistyped a URL or browses adult websites |
| Targeting Method | Victims receive personalized links that may come from compromised contacts or be tailored to their specific interests | Random URLs, which would be taken down quickly by security measures and antivirus software |
| User Experience | The link appears legitimate to the victim with no visible signs of infection. | Pop-up alerts claiming, “Your computer is infected!” which are obvious indicators of a scam. |
| Expected Gains | Potential ransoms in the millions, in the form of well-planned extortion | Minimal