Malware Alert: Essential Guidelines for Securing .io Domains

Malware Alert: Essential Guidelines for Securing .io Domains

By Michael Chen

February 7, 2025 at 08:39 AM

.io domains are country-level domains originally designated for the British Indian Ocean Territory, but they've gained popularity among technology companies worldwide.

Registration and Transfer Features:

  • Renewals occur 15 days before expiration
  • No 5-day registration grace period
  • Not eligible for free domain offers
  • Whois Privacy is unavailable
  • Domain transfers include a one-year extension

Expiration and Grace Periods:

For expired domains, grace periods vary by registrar:

  • Tucows: 40-day grace period, followed by 30-day recovery period
  • Key-Systems: Approximately 30 days for renewal

Important Considerations:

  • Verify domain spelling before registration (no refund period)
  • Renewal charges are attempted twice: 15 days and 3 days before expiration
  • Failed renewals result in domain locking
  • Domain transfers include remaining time plus one additional year

Renewal Process:

  1. Automatic charge attempt 15 days before expiration
  2. Second attempt 3 days before expiration if first charge fails
  3. Domain locks if both charges fail

Recovery Options:

  • Tucows domains: Contact Tucows during 30-day recovery period
  • Key-Systems domains: Contact support to check reactivation possibility
  • Act quickly within grace periods to maintain domain ownership

Remember to keep payment information updated to prevent expiration and maintain continuous domain service.

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