Google has recently announced the launch of registration of domain names under the .zip extensions. This launch may very well open a Pandora’s box of potential security risks due to the association with the popular archive format .zip.
There are several reasons why this launch could pose significant threats to online security. One of the primary concerns revolves around the inherent vulnerabilities associated with the .zip format itself. Indeed, .zip files, traditionally used for compressing and packaging multiple files together, have long been a favored tool for cybercriminals to distribute malicious software.
Users might unwillingly download a .zip file thinking it is a website, only to be exposed to potentially important cyber threats. This could lead to an increase in phishing attempts, as attackers may exploit the trust users have in .zip files to deceive them into unknowingly visiting malicious websites.
With the widespread use of .zip files across different platforms, including email attachments and software downloads, the potential attack surface expands exponentially with the introduction of .zip domains.
Google has assured that the use of their domain names is subject to high scrutiny, in particular through the SafeBrowsing security tool. Nevertheless, the inherent risks associated with the .zip format may be difficult to fully mitigate.
With the launch of this domain names extension, it is crucial for trademark holders to secure their .zip domain names, and for users to remain cautious when navigating the internet.
