Zip Domains and What They Mean for Your Cybersecurity Plans

Just when you thought that the digital landscape couldn’t get much riskier or complex, Google threw a wrench in everyone’s plans by releasing eight top-level domains (TLDs) that can now be purchased to use as email addresses or website hosting. Most of the TLDs aren’t all that concerning, featuring endings such as:

• .dad
• .esq
• .prof
• .phd
• .nexus
• .foo

However, our cybersecurity pros believe that the other two TDLs, .mov and .zip, could cause all sorts of headaches. Here’s what you need to know.

What Is a Zip Domain?

A .zip domain is a newly introduced TLD that’s similar to more common extensions like .com, org and .net. These extensions have been available for about a decade, but they only became accessible to the general public in the past few years. The new .zip extension shares similarities with zip files, a popular format for compressing and sharing data.

The general assumption behind .mov domains is similar to the .zip domain issue. You can now choose to purchase a domain name with the extension .mov instead of a traditional TLD like .com. Users could easily mistake this domain for the popular .mov video file type.

Hackers are clever and often rely on the idea that users will click deceptive links. The release of these new TLDs has made deceiving users a little bit easier. We are particularly alarmed about the potential misuse of .zip domains.

Suppose that a hacker wants to trick you into downloading malware. They could send you an email with a link like “download-your-invoice.zip.” You might think you are downloading a legitimate zip file, but in reality, you’ve just clicked on a link that will install malicious software on your network.

Why We Are Concerned (and You Should Be, Too)

The primary issue with .zip domains is the potential for phishing and malware attacks. Most users already associate the extensions with compressed files. People may mistakenly trust these domains without realizing they’re visiting a webpage rather than downloading a file.

The fact that .zip domains can appear in email links or on social media platforms without raising red flags makes them an appealing tool for bad actors. It’s just one more threat that you must educate your team on and protect your business from. As if you didn’t already have enough to worry about!

How You Can Prepare for Zip Domains

There are two bits of good news regarding .zip domains. The first is that hackers would have to purchase thousands of .zip domains to effectively use this new targeting strategy at scale. The second piece of good news is that you can strengthen your cybersecurity posture by partnering with a managed cloud solutions provider.

Team up with a skilled MSP and let them help you safeguard your business from emerging threats like .zip phishing attempts. For example, an MSP can implement advanced email filtering systems that detect and block phishing emails containing malicious attachments or links before they reach your employees’ inboxes. The provider can also offer training for your staff, ensuring they know how to recognize and avoid suspicious emails.

With the right provider in your corner, you can drastically reduce the risk of a data breach and keep your data out of the wrong hands.