We are used to seeing domains like .com, .net or .es, but in reality there are many more. There are others that are more unknown and are used in more specific situations. For example, we can find domains like .travel or .info. Now there is a new list that would go a bit unnoticed if it weren’t for the fact that there are several that could be a problem. In fact, they can even be used to sneak viruses through fake links. We are going to tell you why it happens and what you should do.
The hackers we can say that they constantly perfect their attacks. They use different strategies to steal information, passwords or sneak malware. One of the options they have is to send links, something that can happen simply through WhatsApp or social networks. If the victim clicks, that’s where the problem can start. With these new domains, it’s more likely to happen.
.zip and .mov domains, a problem
In total they are eight new domains. Specifically, they are the following: .dad, .php, .prof, .esq, .nexus, .foo, .mov and .zip. But of all of them, the two most problematic for security are the last two: .mov and .zip. Because? Keep in mind that .mov is a video format, so a hacker could send a message and the victim believes it is a video and opens it. Same with .zip, which is a compressed file format.
These domains now advertised from Google, they were approved by ICANN some time ago. They are basically available for anyone to buy. Someone who has a store, for example, could create their page with one of these domains just as they could with .com or .es.
But in addition, it can also be a problem for the code processing software. There may be conflicts when detecting a .mov or .zip link. For example, it could happen that the browser processes a .mov file as a video and not really as a web page, so it would open that link with another app.
This can cause them to create domains (something that is already happening) with certain common names. If someone sends certain files, in the .zip or .mov format, it could result in them being redirected to a web page created to steal data or that contains some malicious file.
What to do to avoid problems
What should we do to avoid problems with these domains? The most important thing is the common sense. If they send you a file of this type and it takes you to a website, be careful with any document that appears to download or data that you have to put. Being prepared for this is essential. You should be careful with shortened links.
You also need to have a good anti virus. This will help you spot potential fake files being sent to you. There are many options, both free and paid. You can install security software on your computer, but also on your mobile phone and thus have everything properly protected.
Also, it is important to have the updated device. In many cases, vulnerabilities can appear that are exploited by cybercriminals. Thanks to the updates, those failures can be corrected. You can achieve greater security and avoid problems of all kinds.
As you can see, it is possible that you will receive links with new domains. This could become a problem for your security, so you must take certain precautions. Avoiding scams of this type is essential to avoid compromising your passwords and personal data online.
