The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is seeking information from prospective contractors and other interested parties who could assist ICANN and its High Security Top-Level Domain (HSTLD) Advisory Group in assessing and shaping a new program aimed at increasing security and trust for top-level domain (TLD) registry operators who choose to participate.
“This is an opportunity for interested stakeholders to have a voice in the formation of a program that will provide an additional layer of trust in the Internet’s Domain Name System (DNS),” said Craig Schwartz, Chief gTLD Registry Liaison. “Eventually this program could allow interested top-level domain registries to obtain an HSTLD designation, which will mean that a third party evaluator has verified that its business and technical operations have met certain security criteria.”

The HSTLD program will be available to any top-level domain registry operator who wishes to participate.

ICANN and the HSTLD Advisory Group are interested in hearing about the efficacy of various models that might be employed as the program takes shape. Members of the group are particularly interested in learning about the potential pros and cons of using various means to convey the HSTLD designation, such as a certificate, trust mark or scorecard.

Interested parties have until October 21.