All domain extensions are not equal whether in terms of user’s impression or search engine evaluation. Although it is possible that .xyz websites can rank in search engines, it is quite rare to find them specifically. Knowing that ever since the internet started, the .com domain has been the most used and that is why many people prefer to visit a site with that TLD, the .xyz extension was released only after 36 years since the .com extension went online.
Many online users who visit a website with the .xyz domain extension are concerned about whether the website is secure or not because most of the websites registered under the abovementioned TLD are spam or riddled with viruses with the intent of infecting your computer. Cyber fraudsters also use similar domains like .top, .club, and .space for their nefarious purposes.
So, why do cybercriminals utilize the .xyz domain instead of one of the several TLDs? Simply because it is far less expensive than the other common domain extensions on the market. It would be less expensive to have tens of thousands of hacked websites under the .xyz domain name than it would be to have a.com or.net domain extension. Cyber hackers commonly utilize the following tactics with websites:
- Phishing sites: Many internet users are duped into falling for this type of deception. Essentially, it imitates the style and structure of a well-known website (often banking websites, crypto wallets, and social media) and requires you to input your login credentials on their phony site. As a result, any online user who visits such sites should always double-check the website address to ensure that they are viewing a legitimate site.
- Pop-up Ads: One of the most prevalent browser infections is annoying pop-ups and redirections from a random site, especially those with the .xyz TLD as well as the .club,.space, and .top domains. These websites are intended to drive visitors to affiliates. In most cases, it spams the browser with unsolicited adverts such as discounts, dating sites, and promoted applications. This sort of site is not inherently harmful; nonetheless, applications associated with this site may cause further harm to the computer system.
- Browser hijackers: They are a sort of malicious program/extension that changes a web browser’s settings without the user’s consent, with the primary objective of injecting unwanted advertising into the user’s browser. It’s very similar to pop-up marketing sites, but a browser hijacker may also alter the user’s current home page and search engine. It may also follow a user’s browsing history, cookies, and stored data across numerous websites.
Given the widespread use of .xyz sites by cyber criminals, it’s important to note that not all websites with the .xyz TLD are dangerous. There are still some nice websites that use the mentioned plugin. To determine if a website is safe, consider the following factors:
- If the website uses an HTTPS connection: Visiting sites that use an HTTP connection is riskier. If the URL begins with https, it means your connection to the website is secure.
- Appearance and Content: The design of a website tells it all; a web user’s first impression of a website is formed the moment it is accessed. A fraudulent website’s appearance would already be suspicious. If the website is flooded with adverts, it is most certainly malicious, and consumers should avoid clicking any links. When a person’s instinct urges them to leave a spot, they should.
Summary
To recap what has been discussed so far, websites with the .xyz suffix are neither particularly spammy nor harmful. The mentioned TLD’s reputation has recently been identified as suspect since many of the sites registered with it are created by cyber criminals with bad purposes.
Even a .com or .net website can contain harmful sites, therefore everyone should be cautious. TLD is only one aspect to consider when determining a website’s safety; other criteria such as secure connections, appearance, and SSL certificate may also be taken into account.
