Domain registrars can now prevent users from registering domains with typos for nefarious purposes
Domain registrars such as GoDaddy and 101domain now use tools that allow companies to block domain names that share certain similarities or spellings, or that otherwise infringe on their brand name.
Its groundbreaking solution, GlobalBlock, will revolutionize the industry, which previously relied on companies registering similar domains before others did.
A company may want to do this for several reasons, including preventing others from having similar names and reducing the spread of unsolicited malware that appears to be related to the company (but isn’t).
Domain blocking is here
GlobalBlock aims to eliminate the need for companies to register numerous other similar domains by allowing them to subscribe and reserve a portion of the domain space.
One of the more serious cases this can prevent is homograph attacks, where a threat actor can use a capital “i” instead of an “l” to impersonate a brand and spread malware or perform other malicious activities .
GlobalBlock+ included unregistered and registered trademarks, geographical indicators, marks protected by statute or treaty, company names and even celebrity names.
Users will have to pay for this privilege because, as with any new technology or product, the costs can be high. Prices range from €5,999 to €8,999 per year, making it a significant investment for companies looking to strengthen their digital presence and brand.
However, these are costs that can be quickly recouped through the saved staff time. There is also the potential that the tool can protect a business from more than a business could do without any help, further increasing security.
On the other hand, some have already begun to express concerns about the suppression of potentially legitimate domains that impact real individuals and companies.
As always, there are two sides to every story, but this represents an important step forward in how companies can protect their online presence.
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