Shorter simpler domain names

From 24 March 2022, anyone with a local connection to Australia (including businesses, associations and individuals) will be able to register a new category of 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 to reserve their .au equivalent domain name, then it becomes available to the general public.

This new category of domain name 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.

Why would you register a (.au) direct domain name?

One word… Security. To protect your brand and online identity, it’s recommended to secure a (.au) direct domain name for all existing .net.au and .com.au domains you own. Read the following article from The Australian Cyber Security Centre:

New domain name changes could leave your business or organisation at risk | Cyber.gov.au

What is the cost?

The registration fee is $66 per year for each (.au) domain name you register.

Do you have to register all domain names?

The answer to this is no. You may decide to only secure a few of them.

What happens if you don’t secure the (.au) domain name?

After September 20th, 2022, anyone in Australia can register a (.au) direct domain name which means you run the risk of losing your desired domain name.

If you would like assistance with this application process, please feel free to contact us.