Deadline to Protect Your Domain Names Is Fast Approaching

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Since 24 March 2022, anyone with a local connection to Australia (including businesses, associations, and individuals) has been able to register a new category of the domain name. These shorter simpler domain names will end in .au rather than .com.au, .net.au, .org.au, .gov.au, or .edu.au. All Australian businesses will have until 20 September 2022 to reserve their .au equivalent domain name, then it becomes available to the general public.

This new category of domain names allows users to register shorter, more memorable online names. However, it also creates another avenue for cybercriminals to conduct fraudulent cyber activities. Opportunistic cybercriminals could register your .au domain name in an attempt to impersonate your business.

For example, if you have currently registered yourbusiness.com.au, a cybercriminal could register yourbusiness.au or yourbusinesscom.au and use these domains to conduct fraudulent cyber activities.

It is highly recommended you secure .au domains that match any current .com.au and/or .net.au domain names you currently own.  As the owner of an existing .com.au domain, you have until 20 September 2022 to secure the .au equivalent before it becomes publicly available to anyone.

Shopping around for a good deal is also a great idea.  Prices for .au domains range from less than $20 to more than $70 per year, depending on which provider you choose.

If you have any queries in relation to the above, feel free to contact our IT consulting division for more guidance.

Author – Markus Goebel

*Correct as of 4 August 2022

*Disclaimer – this article has been produced by Kreston Stanley Williamson as a service to its clients and associates. The information contained in the article is of general comment only and is not intended to be advice on any particular matter. Before acting on any areas contained in this article, it is imperative you seek specific advice relating to your particular circumstances. Liability limited by a scheme approved under professional standards legislation.

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