Technology Today

Registering a .gov domain is about to get a lot more difficult as the US government will soon start requiring notarized signatures as part of the registration process beginning on March 10th.The reason behind this is to prevent wire and mail fraud that could lead to .gov domains, which are usually considered secure as they're registered by government agencies, from being registered by unauthorized organizations or individuals.The US General Services Administration (GSA) oversees the DotGov program that operates the .gov top-level domain (TLD) and makes these domains available to government organizations in the US.In an update on its website, DotGov explains why it will soon require notarized signatures to register a .gov domain, which reads:Effective on March 10, 2020, the DotGov Program will begin requiring notarized signatures on all authorization letters when submitting a request for a new .gov domain.
This is a necessary security enhancement to prevent mail and wire fraud through signature forgery in obtaining a .gov domain.
This step will help maintain the integrity of .gov and ensure that .gov domains continue to be issued only to official United States government organizations.In order to request a .gov domain, government organizations have to prepare and send an authorization letter as well as fill out an online form after receiving their .gov registrar account.The authorization letter must use official letterhead stationary and it also has to include a signature from an organization's authorizing authority according to the DotGov program.
Beginning on March 10th though, this letter will need to come with a notarized signature to prevent organizations or individuals from registering a .gov domain without the proper authorization.The change to how .gov domains are registered comes after independent security researcher Brian Krebs revealed in November of last year that almost anyone can register a .gov domain by using fake information on the authorization letter.
However, if someone is caught doing so, they could be indicted for wire or mail fraud.The .gov domain was first created in 1985 and for the past 35 years, users have associated it with legitimate government websites, which is why DotGov's new requirements make a lot of sense in helping to keep .gov sites secure.Via BleepingComputer





Unlimited Portal Access + Monthly Magazine - 12 issues


Contribute US to Start Broadcasting - It's Voluntary!


ADVERTISE


Merchandise (Peace Series)

 


Tech professional warns 'never state yes' to 3 questions from callers you don't recognise


Millions of Brits 'forced to function as online security guards' for elderly family members


Leading Tech: Virgin Media's totally free television giveaway ends quickly as 48-hour countdown begins


All Amazon Prime users put on high alert - you need to follow 4 new rules today


Amazon gives you 3 reasons to ditch your Fire TV Stick and try something new this week


Apple fans rush for 22% off AirPods Pro 2 as Amazon Prime Day kicks off


Paramount+ drops to £3.99 in half price sale ending this week


Amazon is handing out free Echo speakers this week and here's how to get yours


AI is the 'best organization partner' says youngest self-made female billionaire


Everyone using Amazon issued with an urgent 'don't click' warning this week


Sky is dishing out free TV channel upgrades, and here's how to watch it


Apple fans rushing for ₤ 35 iPhone 16 Pro Max as Sky uses payday deal


'I visited Chinese city which is like sci-fi movie with robots and noiseless trains'


Top Tech: Amazon's best early Prime Day deals including Ring, Tefal and Nespresso


Brits now 'obsessed' with health tracking and say it's key to motivation


Virgin Media is distributing complimentary wise TVs in surprise seven-day sale


O2 confirms UK network switch off and the exact date your phone might quit working


Samsung and Google have a new Android competitor that's like Nothing you've seen before


'Spectacular' Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra gets £10 a month price cut


Sky users given 48-hour cost alert and your costs could increase tomorrow


Never ever miss your favourite television series when on vacation with basic travel hack


Amazon may offer big reason to ditch your Fire TV Stick next week and try something new


Samsung and Google smartphone deals consist of free earbuds and smartwatches


Everyone using Google Chrome must restart their browser now - don't ignore new alert


iPhone users surprised after finding 'concealed' hack to organise home screen


Sky dishes out brand-new iPhone 16 at 'lowest ever' rate, not surprising that it's offering fast


Argos shoppers can get a free 40-inch Hisense TV by doing one thing


Immediate alert for everyone with a Gmail account - do not overlook 6 important brand-new rules


BBC iPlayer is rivalling Sky TV with a vital free upgrade - check your settings now