.IE Domain Profile Report 2022

Use of domain security features We regularly advise .ie domain holders, especially SMEs, to integrate additional third-party security features, such as website security certificates and DNS Security Extensions. Cybersecurity – a key focus for the .ie namespace [continued] 60% of content-rich .ie websites are secured with a security certificate (-6 percentage points YoY) Security certificates encrypt the communication between the website and its visitors. This means that cyber criminals cannot intercept a customer’s data. Websites with a security certificate have URLs that begin with https://. The decrease is somewhat surprising, in the light of the increased number of cyber attacks, coupled with heightened awareness of online security. 757 .ie domains are secured with DNSSEC (+51% YoY) DNS Security Extensions (DNSSEC) uses cryptography to add an extra layer of security to a .ie domain. This strong increase is welcome, albeit from a low base. 57 .ie domains are secured with Registry Lock (+19% YoY) Registry Lock is a service which requires a passphrase, thereby preventing unauthorised or unwanted changes to a .ie domain. The aim of the service is to minimise the risk of unauthorised changes, terminations or transfers, in cases where a user’s information has been leaked or systems are hacked. With cybercrime on the increase, it is important that all businesses and in particular, brand managers, use this service to improve their website’s security. .IE Domain Profile Report 2022 | 2