Open redirect phishing is an increasingly common cyberattack technique that exploits vulnerabilities in websites to redirect users to malicious pages. These fake pages often look completely legitimate, tricking people into entering sensitive information and exposing them to risks like data breaches, identity theft, and financial loss.
In this blog, we’ll break down what open redirect phishing is, why it’s dangerous, and how you can prevent it .
What is open redirect phishing?
Open redirect phishing is a tactic where cybercriminals manipulate legitimate website links to send users to harmful pages. The trick lies in exploiting open redirect vulnerabilities, which allow attackers to control where a link sends you.
Here’s how it works:
-
A trusted website has a redirect function (for example, after login, it might redirect you to your account).
-
This redirect isn’t properly secured.
-
Attackers tweak the redirect URL so that it points to their own malicious site.
-
You click the link thinking it's safe because it looks like it’s from a trusted domain.
-
Instead, you’re silently transported to a fake website designed to steal your details.
A simple example
Imagine someone sends you a link that appears to be from a company you know — maybe a bank or an online shop. It looks normal, right? But when you click it, you're actually redirected to a fraudulent page that looks identical to the real one.
Before you know it, you’ve entered your passwords or personal details, giving attackers direct access.
The risks of open redirect phishing
Open redirect phishing isn’t just annoying — it can have serious consequences. Here are the biggest risks:
Data breaches
When users enter login details into a fake page, attackers instantly gain access to sensitive accounts, leading to serious data breaches.
Identity theft
Stolen personal information — like names, addresses, phone numbers, and passwords — can be used by criminals to impersonate victims and commit fraud.
Financial loss
These attacks often target bank accounts, payment details, or business systems. A single successful phishing attempt can lead to unauthorised transactions and significant financial damage.
Malware downloads
Some malicious redirect pages automatically trigger malware downloads. This can compromise devices, steal more data, or spread ransomware across a network.
How to prevent open redirect phishing
The good news? Open redirect phishing is preventable. It requires a mix of user education and strong cybersecurity practices.
Education and awareness
-
Teach users to be cautious when clicking unfamiliar links.
-
Encourage everyone — staff, customers, colleagues — to check URLs before they click.
-
Promote a culture where people feel confident reporting suspicious emails.
Implement proper input validation
Web developers should validate and sanitise all user inputs, especially redirect URLs. Only trusted or predefined URLs should ever be accepted.
Use URL whitelisting
Maintain a list of approved redirect destinations. This ensures your application only sends users to safe, vetted domains.
Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA)
Even if credentials are compromised, MFA provides a crucial extra layer of protection. Attackers won’t be able to access accounts without the second verification step.
Regular security audits
Frequent vulnerability assessments help identify redirect weaknesses before attackers do. This is essential for keeping web applications secure.
Email filtering and validation
-
Use advanced email filtering tools to block phishing messages.
-
Train users to recognise suspicious senders, unexpected attachments, or urgent requests for information.
Stay vigilant and protect your organisation
Open redirect phishing may seem like a small vulnerability, but the impact can be huge. By understanding how these attacks work—and putting the right preventative measures in place—you can significantly reduce your risk.
A strong defence combines:
-
Up-to-date security tools
-
Smart application development
-
Ongoing user training
-
Clear internal reporting processes
Cyber threats are constantly evolving, but staying informed and proactive can keep your business, customers, and data safe.
