WHOIS Databases Superpowers: 9 Practical Applications

Who’s who in malicious activities?

The WHOIS query and response protocol can just be the right source for businesses to find out. The information has been around since the 80s, helping Internet operators identify entities or individuals responsible for operating an online network resource — including those with malicious motives.

Today, these same WHOIS records serve security providers and businesses to perform different verification functions. Domain Name Stat is a good example of a solution provider which gathers in-depth data on registered domains and allows users to access the information for various purposes through its WHOIS database download service.

Let’s take a look at some practical applications for these WHOIS databases.

Phishing Prevention

Phishing is the malicious practice of obtaining sensitive information from an individual or business entity by using infected websites and emails. It is a scam to trick people into handing over their usernames, passwords, and financial information.

Access to current WHOIS records enables users to determine whether someone is telling the truth about their business. Among other aspects, an entity that claims to have been around for several years but whose domain registration details reveal it to be only a few months old will raise questions about its trustworthiness.

Combating Online Fraud

Checking for inconsistencies in WHOIS records could help companies prevent huge losses from online fraud. For example, an entity claiming to be based in a certain country while WHOIS records show otherwise, could be an indication of someone trying to lure you into a fraudulent transaction.

Protection From Brand Infringement

In a competitive environment, many businesses would do anything to get ahead. In fact, malicious entities may register domain names similar to your brand in order to cause confusion among your customers.

Unfortunately, this problem continues to grow. A study by CompuMark reveals that about 80% of their C-level executive respondents claim to have experienced trademark infringement issues in 2017.

If you think a company is in violation of your rights to a trademark, you can double check with updated WHOIS databases and provide authorities with information about the infringers to address the issue immediately.

Safeguarding Business Reputation

Protecting your reputation, especially on the Web, is very important because having a good name is a requisite for success. Any associations with dubious entities or cybercriminals discovered by media or business partners can negatively impact organizations. One of the ways this could happen is by linking companies with previous domain owners involved in malicious activities.

Access to a reliable WHOIS database gives you the opportunity to avoid harmful consequences. WHOIS records allow identifying domain owners to take a look at their track records, as well as to ascertain if a domain has been used for shady activities or if it has gained a negative reputation.

Enforcing Cybersecurity

An FBI crime report claims that more than $600 million has been lost in the US in 2017 due to business and personal emails being compromised. Analyzing WHOIS records are crucial in combating these and other fraudulent activities on the Web.

For example, you can keep track of domain names and email addresses that are used by perpetrators for malicious purposes and compile a list of accounts under them, based on similar registrant data. It would then be possible to block these pre-emptively to prevent further attacks and improve cybersecurity.

Domain Branding

When you’re planning to launch a new product or service and have a list of names that you’re trying to choose from, access to WHOIS records will let you find out whether a specific domain name has already been registered. You can also learn who the previous owners were and verify the integrity of the name itself before you proceed.

Market Research

Wondering what your competition is up to? A WHOIS database download will enable you to check their recently registered domain names and help anticipate the newest products or strategies that are likely to be introduced. Knowing which markets your competition intends to get a foothold on will allow you to devise a countermove.

Economic Research

Access to a WHOIS database enables companies to develop their own techniques for extracting useful information about their business metrics. WHOIS registration data allows economists to perform data mining techniques such as machine learning, graph-theoretic approaches, and heuristics, to name a few.

Law Enforcement

The public records from WHOIS databases make it easier for the authorities to gather evidence and prepare legal cases against individuals or entities performing malicious activities online. They also expedite the location and apprehension of guilty parties, thanks to readily available registrant data.

There are many practical applications of WHOIS database download today. From improving a company’s cybersecurity to getting protection from brand infringement, in-house access to large quantities of WHOIS records allows entities to remain transparent and keep abreast of their competition.

If you’re looking to benefit from a solid WHOIS database for your organization, feel free to contact us at service.desk@domainnamestat.com.