The new .ie Registrar Accreditation Framework
The domain name industry is facing new and evolving challenges. Impending regulations like NIS2 threaten to create confusing and competing obligations for Registrars.
We want to move the needle on Internet Security in the .ie web space. You can’t manage what you can’t measure. We at .ie strongly believe that supporting our Registrars to meet these new challenges is the best path forward. The new .ie Registrar Accreditation Framework encourages and rewards best practices in areas like regulatory compliance, risk management, and performance metrics in alignment with regulatory requirements and cyber security best practices. It is designed to be compatible with future regulatory and legislative obligations imposed by NIS2.
Emphasis is placed on supporting Registrars’ compliance with any policy requirement updates that come from NIS2. Registrars with ISO certification or who are using the NIST Cybersecurity Framework will be recognised for their commitment to higher security standards.
Why are we introducing a new framework?
Registrars and .ie will be required by law to adhere to the upcoming NIS2 legislation. This is to ensure that the .ie domain space remains safe and secure. The new framework has been designed to assist Registrars in complying with the new legislation and to promote the domain industry and emerging cybersecurity best practices.
What is in it?
The framework has 4 pillars (Security, Operations, Activation, and Performance) and 13 metrics.
All Registrars will be graded on these metrics using our advanced data analytics capabilities. Over time, they will have to potential to highlight best practices and identify areas for improvement.
How will it work?
All Registrars will be graded, based on the 13-score metrics, and their partnership level will be based on their score ranking relative to other Registrars. Any Registrars with over 500 domains in their portfolio can qualify as either a .ie Gold or Silver Partner with any Registrar with over 200 domains having the ability to qualify as a Bronze Partner. All other Registrars will be assigned “Accredited Partner” status.
- Gold Partners: The top 10 qualifying Registrars
- Silver Partners: Qualifying Registrars ranked 11th – 30th
- Bronze Partners: Qualifying Registrars ranked 31 or above.
- Accredited Partners: All other Registrars
Registrars will be notified of their Gold, Silver, and Bronze partnership levels by 28 April and will keep that grade for 12 months. Metrics will be measured every quarter. This will enable Registrars to respond if they’re disimproving relative to their peers. At the end of 12 months, Registrars will be re-ranked and then promoted or relegated, based on their scores.
When does it officially launch?
The official launch date is 28 April 2025. The data used for grading Registrars will be from 1 October 2024 to 30 March 2025.
Keep an eye on our social channels in the lead-up to the official launch date for further updates.