Challengers!

There are many new domains with registration requirements that must be met, but none as strict as these beauties. There're more to come, but current challengers include:

.BANK | .LAW | .ABOGADO | .SECURITY | .PROTECTION | .SWISS

They're not funny, they're not cute. They provide a domain name that identifies the nature of the business, and an online space that's protected. Applications are only approved from registrants who've met strict registration requirements. Regular audits of the domain names and registrants, ensure that the online space of each of these new domains remains secure, trustworthy, and genuine.

Good news for businesses, having been confirmed as legitimate. Excellent news for users who can be sure that they're dealing with a genuine business and it's safe to share their personal information.

.COM domain names are available to everyone. That's you, me, and fraudsters.

Does it really matter?

Registrants have to prove legitimacy. If requirements are not met, if supporting documents cannot be supplied - approval will not be given. If future checks prove noncompliance, domain names will be suspended. It matters!

Online users will know they're using a trustworthy and genuine website in an online space that's policed. No dodgy drugs, no spam email from cloned websites, no hoodwinking lawyers.

Expensive, no?

The security and validation makes these domains highly desirable, but it can lead to higher prices. Is it a price worth paying? Yes, users will know your website is safe, they will trust you, they will spend their money and share their details. However, a high price doesn't mean safe. There are new domains that are ridiculously expensive, but they're open to everyone. A domain is not clean or safe because it's pricey.

There are also some cheaper versions of several secured new domains. It's great that they cost less, but they don't provide the same level of protection.

The .BANK domain

It’s not a cheap domain to register, but hey - it's the banking industry. The .BANK extension is only available for verified banks, credit unions, and other qualifying financial institutions. All applications are rigorously checked, with over 30 security requirements to be met.

Up until now, banks used the .COM domain, just like the rest of us. No restrictions and open to everybody, it means there are websites in the .COM namespace that you might want to steer clear of. I could easily register a .COM domain name, design a lookalike website, and call myself a bank.

Hey you, fancy sharing your username and password on my 'genuine' bank website?

With the strict verification process, ongoing monitoring, and heightened security protocols such as SSL certificates issued by accredited Certificate Authorities being mandatory; the .BANK online space is SAFE!

.LAW & .ABOGADO

The registries behind the .LAW and .ABOGADO (Spanish for lawyer) extensions only accept domain name registrations from qualified lawyers licensed to practice law by an approved regulator of legal services. As with the .BANK domain, independent validation companies are employed to verify applicants. Sharks need not apply!

.SECURITY & .PROTECTION

The registration requirements for .SECURITY and .PROTECTION are way too long to list here. In short, all domain names registered with these extensions must have Transport Layer Security (TLS) implemented to protect the integrity and confidentiality of transmitted data. The certificates coming with TLS have to be issued by an accredited Certificate Authority. For websites handling financial information such as credit card or bank account details, the certificates must be Extended Validation, the highest security available.

The namespace of .SECURITY and .PROTECTION will be scanned regularly to ensure that domain name owners are fully compliant. Noncompliance will lead to domain names being suspended.

.SWISS

This domain can only be registered by public sector bodies or other Swiss organisations under public law. Plus, corporations or artificial persons registered in the Swiss Commercial Register who have their registered office and a genuine administrative site in Switzerland. There're many requirements that have to be met including a 20 day public assessment during which objections can be raised, and other applicants can submit registration requests for the same domain name.

Other geographic domain extensions ask for links with the community, local presence, intended use; but none as exacting as .SWISS.

Challenging .COM?

These domains are vital for improving online security. Genuine banks, lawyers, etc., are already migrating to these new domains.

They won’t end up with more registrations than .COM, or anywhere near. But challenge they will, as registrants of these super-safe new domains recognise the benefits, and as awareness spreads amongst users.

If you’re interested in registering a domain name with one of these extensions, please get in touch with our sales team. The requirements are sometimes a little tricky and best talked through to avoid errors or disappointment.

The Butterfly Effect: A single occurrence, no matter how small, can change the course of the universe forever.

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