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Article source: SIDN

For SIDN, a reliable DNS is an absolute priority. Our DNS engineers, Unix managers and network managers are therefore working constantly to maintain and improve the availability of the .nl name server infrastructure. However, it is increasingly common for domain nameservers, such as the .nl servers, to be the targets of internet criminals. 

Redundant DNS environment
In order to assure the continued reliability of the .nl domain, all our DNS servers have in recent years been replaced by systems with redundancy in almost all critical physical and functional components in the DNS environment. We also have a configuration management system, which ensures that all systems perform exactly as specified in the design. Furthermore, 24x7 monitoring and detailed log analysis enable us to respond quickly to every service delivery issue. 

Abuse
Since last year, however, we have observed increasingly frequent attempts to abuse our DNS servers. The incidents have involved various types of attack, sometimes targeting our systems, but more often aimed at using our systems in DDoS and/or amplification attacks. Such attacks involve a third party being overwhelmed by a volume of traffic that they are not expecting. In other words, criminals have been trying to use the .nl name servers to interfere with the services of third parties. Like other registries and DNS providers, we have therefore been obliged to take steps to address the abuse. 

Bandwidth
Since the middle of 2012, we have sought to limit the impact of such attacks by eliminating the malicious traffic from the data flow. Instead of answering every DNS query, we first check whether it is legitimate. The reason being that non-legitimate queries are often submitted simply to use up bandwidth, so that it isn't available for service provision. By deliberate over-provisioning of the infrastructure, it is possible to manage the consequences of the attacks.

Ineffective attacks
Our abuse-prevention measures have had a positive effect: the number of attempted attacks on our servers has fallen sharply, because they no longer have any effect. Our systems can't be used for the malicious purposes described above any more, so the criminals have shifted their attention to less secure systems.

100% uptime
Of course, internet criminals don't stand still: new forms of attack are being invented all the time. For many years, SIDN's DNS service has boasted 100% uptime, and naturally we want to keep that record up. We therefore work tirelessly to enhance our processes, working methods and infrastructure. And thus to stay one step ahead of the criminals.

Estonian Internet Foundation  have upgraded the .ee WHOIS domain search service, which will now also return domain outzoning date (i.e. the date when the domain became unavailable on the Internet) and delete date from the registry.

The consultation is being conducted using the ICANN Public Comment Process, consistent with the contract requirements. The feedback received during this consultation will inform the Root Zone Management Partners on the subject of KSK rollover, so that a schedule and a detailed implementation plan for KSK rollovers can be established.

More information here 
 

Beginning 23rd of February 2013, a new .RO domain name registration service has been put into service. This allows real time domain registration through the EPP and REST protocols.

New features have also been added to increase the security level of the domains management services, the registrar control panel and control panel for domain owners.

Read further information on these changes including important information for Registrars

The latest issue of .eu Identity is now available in the .eu registry’s free magazine app on the Apple iTunes® and Google Play stores.

In this issue
Digital strategist, William Deckers, reveals five unique advantages that Internet businesses have over their brick-and-mortar counterparts. And content expert, Anna Borsboom, gives us insights into Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) and how you can use it to increase your website’s visibility.

We take a look behind the scenes of TEDxBrussels to see what goes into organising this annual ideas-exchange event, which brings together thought-leaders from a variety of industries to share, inspire, innovate and effect change.

NIC.at have published their ".at Report" looking at latest statistics on ownership and use of .at domains, environmental factors that influence the registration statistics as well as internet and broadband developments in Austria. 

"the better the underlying technologies, the more domains are registered" 

Click to access report

For his first visit to France and Paris as the CEO of ICANN, Fadi Chehad

CENTR has posted their Comment on the Consultation paper from ICANN on ccTLD Delegation and Redelegation Performance Standards.

Summarized the comment states the following:

For the full comment, please go to: http://forum.icann.org/lists/comments-cctld-drd-15jan13/