To simply put, a Whois Domain Lookup allows you to search the public database for information about a specific domain. Such as the expiration date, current registrar, registrant information, etc.
When you enter a domain into the search bar at the uniregistry.com/whois, a request is sent to the public WHOIS database. In that case, to that of your domain name registrar (like GoDaddy) or domain registry (like josephmuciraexclusives.com).
Then again, the stored record is displayed (as illustrated in the fig below). And as an example, WHOIS verification can utilize to combat spam or fraud.
Not forgetting, Network administrators (such as jmexclusives) use Whois data to identify and fix problems. For instance, WHOIS information determines the availability of domain names.
And also, in addition, it identifies trademark infringement and keeps domain name registrants accountable. In short, utilize the Whois tool in order to analyze large amounts of domain data.
Not forgetting, the agreements from The International Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) protect domain registrants.
What is ICANN?
One of the missions by ICANN is to help ensure a stable, secure, and unified global Internet. To reach another person on the Internet, you need to type an address – a name or a number – into your computer or other devices.
But, that address must be unique so computers know where to find each other. Eventually, ICANN helps coordinate and support these unique identifiers across the world.
For your information, ICANN was formed in 1998 as a not-for-profit public-benefit corporation. With a community of participants from all over the world.
The award is established in honor of the late Dr. Tarek Kamel, an Internet pioneer known for his contributions to global Internet governance.
At the time of his passing, Kamel was ICANN’s Senior Advisor to the President. And Senior Vice President for Government and Intergovernmental Organization Engagement.
This annual award will be presented to one individual during the ICANN’s Annual General Meeting. Perse, held in the fourth quarter each year. Please read and learn more about Dr. Tarek Kamel Award for Capacity Building.
What is Whois Domain Lookup?
A Whois domain lookup allows you to trace the ownership and tenure of a domain name. Similar to how all houses are registered with governing authority, all domain name registries maintain a record of information.
Especially, about every domain name purchased through them, along with details of who owns it, and the date till which it has been purchased.
Notably, the Whois database contains details such as the registration date of the domain name, when it expires, ownership and contact information.
As well as, nameserver information of the domain, the registrar via which the domain was purchased, etc.
What is a Whois IP Lookup?
An IP is a unique address of a server on the internet. Similar to how a telephone number allows you to connect to a specific phone on the telecom network.
Similarly, an IP address allows your computer to connect to a specific server on the internet. Domain names and IP numbers are the frameworks upon which the entire world wide web is built.
IP numbers are assigned to networking organizations with a record maintained by governing bodies for each IP number and the organization to which it has been assigned. A whois IP lookup allows you to track the above-mentioned details for a domain.
How do you Use the Whois Domain Lookup Tool?
As an example, using the GoDaddy WHOIS domain lookup tool is easy. You can simply enter the domain name whose information you’d like. To view into the search field on the WHOIS main page.
Then again, you can retrieve key data about a domain in this way. Including availability, ownership, creation, and expiration details. And if you own multiple domains of your own, it can be helpful to download exportable lists from the tool.
When it comes to the data publicly available, that varies based on the policies that apply to the specific domain. As well as other factors such as the country of residence provided by the registrant.
At a minimum, each listing will show the domain’s status, nameservers, and expiration date.
Are the Whois Domain Lookup Tools safe?
Of course, SEO Spam Attacks on compromised websites may be common, as we cover them quite frequently. Yet, shedding light on a blackhat tactic used to infiltrate a Whois domain lookup result for a domain name is complex and unique, as it is not a common occurrence.
“WHOIS” is a protocol that is used to verify who owns a unique domain name. Simply put, these records are available to everyone with the goal of creating trust online through the visibility of the website owner’s name, address, and phone number.
How does Whois Server Hack happen?
Recently, the research conducted revealed that hackers had taken advantage of customers’ domain expiration by purchasing a previously legitimate WHOIS server.
They then included arbitrary and unauthorized ads in this newly purchased old South African WHOIS server records. Whereas, the country code (.co.za) is in use for all-inclusive and top-level domain officials in South Africa.
A search to locate the official WHOIS server for a client (CNAME whois.coza.net.za.) came back with nothing wrong. But, the WHOIS server changes contained notable details of the change. And this was where things got really interesting.
Read Also: How to Protect Your Website from Negative SEO
The WHOIS changelog demonstrated a new set of spam links; included on all out-going email notifications.
Even though all the spam emails looked similar, there was a strong clue at the end of each email. Redirecting users to another site – “Why would queries go to whois.co.za instead of whois.coza.net.za?”
Researchers immediately ran a query to dig deeper on “whois victim-site.co.za whois: za.whois-servers.net:”. You guessed it right! The results indicated that the domain name had something to do with the issue.
So, performing a root cause analysis by installing Brew with an updated version of WHOIS 5.2.12 caused a different result. However, the fetched results paved the way to further narrow down on the real problem!
What is a Whois Site Registry?
On visiting the WHOIS server site – hxxp://whois[.]co. za, it promptly redirected to the legitimate website, https://www.registry.net.za/whois/ –. However, upon visiting hxxp://www.whois[.]co. za, it redirected to a completely different site and numerous ads started to crowd the screen immediately. Bingo!
This proved that whois.co.za domain – was hacked. Additionally, the hxxp://whois[.]co. za showed a clean version while hxxp://www.whois[.]co.za was spam-filled. Another WHOIS query was run and this time it clearly pointed out which server to use.
As of April 22nd, it was revealed that hackers had gained access to the domain whois.co.za and replaced it. Since then, clients started receiving unsolicited ads in their notification emails.
What do I do about the outdated WHOIS registry?
Remarkably, the problem occurs with versions of WHOIS older than 5.0.19. In 2009, the whois[.]co. za domain was removed in version 4.7.33.
A hacker capitalized by purchasing it after the domain expired to send advertisements.
On the other hand, WHOIS versions older than 5.0.19 will go on to see such messages when querying co.za domains. As reported to the South African registrar.
Read Also: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers about Whois Domain Lookup
It’s important for all users to keep a track on the WHOIS records to stay rest assured that the hackers are not making any illegal changes or compromise to their WHOIS server. We will keep you posted here if there are any further developments with the issue.
On one hand, the mission of ICANN is to help ensure a stable, secure, and unified global Internet. To reach another person on the Internet, you need to type an address – a name or a number – into your computer or other devices.
But, that address must be unique so computers know where to find each other. Eventually, ICANN helps coordinate and support these unique identifiers across the world.
Read Also: Whois Tools | For Domain Lookup, Availability & IP Search
On the other hand, the EU GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) regulates data protection law across all 28 EU countries. Whereby, it imposes strict new rules on controlling and processing personally identifiable information (PII). It also extends the protection of personal data and data protection rights by giving control back to EU residents.
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) comes into force daily. Hence, it’s the biggest shakeup to data protection rules in decades. Forcing companies to make significant changes to ensure GDPR compliance. By reshaping the way they approach data privacy.
Related Resources;
By all means, I hope the above-revised guide on Whois and ICANN was helpful. However, if you’ll require more guidance pertaining to this or more of our blog topics, please Contact Us.
And by the same token, you can share your questions, suggestions, additional links, etc. in the comments box below this blog post. And also, for even more information, please consult the ICANN Community Wiki.
Additional Reads;
- How do I use the Whois Tool?
- GDPR Benefits | Everything Webmasters Should Know
- URL Components Beginners Guide
- What are WordPress Schema Plugins?
- How is AMP Plugin for WordPress useful?
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