Cyber criminals could take advantage of upcoming major changes to Australian website rules. To protect their digital identity, Australian businesses should take urgent action in coming weeks with respect to their domain names.
What are the changes?
Business owners are being warned they could face an increased cyber risk to their business amid changes to Australian internet domains. The .au Domain Administration (auDA) registry service, who are a non-government body, introduced a new system whereby individuals and businesses with a verified connection to Australia can register a direct “.au” domain name.
auDA has provided priority access for holders of existing “.com.au” domain names, however this prerogative will end on September 21st 2022, allowing members of the general public to claim the shorter registration after this date.
To illustrate this; “advisory.com.au” (a fictitious small business’s existing domain name) can opt to purchase their shortened domain name “advisory.au” before the 21st of September, however, should they choose not to, any member of the public who has a connection to Australia, can purchase the rights to the domain name “advisory.au”.
Reserve your business's .au domain name before September 21st. Here's why:
Currently, domain names ending in “.com.au” require the association of an ABN. However, eligibility for the new “.au” domain merely requires the demonstration of an established connection to Australia. Such an unrestricted sale of domain names poses a significant risk for businesses, as it allows anyone to impersonate a business and engage in cybercrime, blackmail, scams, or any other misuse or fraudulent activity.
As a result, we strongly recommend that businesses safeguard their brand, and their key digital asset, by registering or reserving their equivalent “.au” domain name prior to September 22nd.
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For further assistance, get in touch with our team at Azure Group who can address any enquiries you may have.
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