DNS logging and forensics play a critical role in uncovering and addressing abuse within the namespace, ensuring the integrity, security, and trustworthiness of the Domain Name System (DNS). As the DNS serves as a cornerstone of internet functionality, it is often targeted by malicious actors seeking to exploit vulnerabilities for various purposes, including phishing, malware…

Data escrow is a fundamental practice in the management of domain name system (DNS) namespaces, designed to ensure the security, availability, and continuity of critical registry data. As the authoritative managers of top-level domains (TLDs), registries are responsible for maintaining comprehensive databases of domain registrations, including information about domain owners, nameservers, and other key details.…

Transparent DNS interception is a network practice where DNS queries are intercepted and redirected by an intermediary, such as an internet service provider (ISP), firewall, or router, without the explicit consent or knowledge of the end user. This practice has become increasingly prevalent as network administrators and service providers seek to implement measures for security,…

Variant management in Internationalized Domain Name (IDN) top-level domains (TLDs) is a complex yet essential aspect of namespace management, ensuring usability, cultural representation, and security within the DNS. IDNs enable the use of non-ASCII characters in domain names, allowing users to access web resources in their native scripts, such as Arabic, Chinese, Cyrillic, or Devanagari.…

DNS-based service discovery is an innovative approach to utilizing the Domain Name System (DNS) for locating and accessing network services. While DNS is traditionally known for resolving domain names to IP addresses, its flexibility extends far beyond this primary function. By leveraging the namespace and specific DNS resource records, DNS-based service discovery enables devices and…

The Domain Name System (DNS) serves as the internet’s backbone, translating human-readable domain names into IP addresses and facilitating nearly every online interaction. DNS query analysis, the process of examining the patterns, types, and volumes of DNS queries, offers profound insights into namespace usage, user behavior, and network health. This analysis is not only critical…

In the Domain Name System (DNS), the Time-to-Live (TTL) setting is a crucial parameter that directly influences the efficiency, reliability, and scalability of namespace management. TTL determines the duration for which a DNS resolver is allowed to cache a record before it must request fresh data from an authoritative server. By defining how long DNS…

The Domain Name System (DNS) operates through a complex and interconnected ecosystem involving various entities that work together to ensure the seamless functioning of the internet’s namespace. Among these entities, registries and registrars play critical roles in managing top-level domains (TLDs) and facilitating domain name registration for end-users. To maintain order, consistency, and accountability within…

The introduction of new generic top-level domains (gTLDs) has been a transformative development in the Domain Name System (DNS), expanding the namespace to include hundreds of creative and specialized domains such as .shop, .tech, and .eco. These new gTLDs provide opportunities for businesses, organizations, and individuals to establish unique and relevant online identities. However, the…

In the expansive and rapidly evolving landscape of the Domain Name System (DNS), protecting intellectual property and brand identities has become a critical concern for businesses and organizations. The introduction of hundreds of new generic top-level domains (gTLDs) through ICANN’s New gTLD Program has significantly expanded the namespace, creating both opportunities and challenges for brand…