The analysis of the latest zone file for Google's recently launched .zip gTLD suggests that it might be used in malware and phishing attacks.



It is worth noting that .zip is also a filename extension commonly used to compress and send multiple files via email, creating confusion. In the May 14 zone file, there were 3,286 domains, many of which appear to relate to email attachments, financial documents, software updates, and employment information.

A significant number of domain names have the word "update" in them, along with "attach," "statement," "download," and "install." Some domains have names referencing tax and SEC forms, while others seem to target employees on their first day of work.

Although it is impossible to know the intent of registrants for each of these domains, it is quite likely that some of them are suspicious. Google released eight new TLDs last Wednesday, with .zip being the only one to accumulate more than a thousand domain names in its zone file as of yesterday. The other TLDs released were .dad (913 domains), .prof (264), .phd (605), .mov (463), .esq (979), .foo (665), and .nexus (330).

It is crucial to be vigilant and take appropriate security measures when dealing with email attachments and links, especially when the domain names look suspicious or unfamiliar.

.Zip domains have the potential to be exploited by cybercriminals to distribute malware, execute phishing attempts, and carry out other malicious activities. This presents a significant threat to the security and integrity of websites and the data they handle.

In response to this potential threat, I would take several proactive measures to mitigate the associated risks. Firstly, I would ensure that all software, including content management systems, plugins, and server-side applications, are kept up to date to minimize the potential vulnerabilities that hackers could exploit. Running regular security scans and audits on the websites to detect any suspicious activities or files originating from .zip domains would also be a priority.

To further enhance security, I would implement strict filtering and monitoring measures to flag and block any incoming or outgoing connections involving .zip domains. This would involve setting up firewall rules, intrusion detection systems, and monitoring tools to identify and mitigate any attempts to access or download files from these domains.

Moreover, educating website users and clients about the risks associated with .zip domains would be essential. Emphasizing the importance of exercising caution when clicking on links, downloading files, or interacting with unfamiliar domains will help raise awareness and reduce the likelihood of falling victim to malicious activities originating from .zip domains.
It's crucial to stay proactive and vigilant in order to protect the websites under my care from potential cyber threats associated with .zip domains. By implementing these measures and staying informed about emerging threats, I can help ensure the continued security and functionality of the websites I manage.