In today’s interconnected world, your business’s online identity is increasingly more vulnerable than ever. With the rapid advancement of AI and 6G technologies, cyber threats are evolving at an alarming rate, making it critical to protect your brand’s digital presence. How can businesses proactively safeguard their online identity in this changing landscape?

At present, two major developments pose a profound risk to online identity protection:

1. The Transition to 6G Connectivity: Moving from 5G to 6G will enable ultra-fast, highly connected networks that dramatically increase the volume of data exchanged online. As more devices become interconnected via the Internet of Things (IoT), the points of contact multiply, creating vast opportunities for cyberattacks.
2. The Rise of AI-Enhanced Cybercrime: The emergence of AI has revolutionized cybercrime by lowering the barrier for entry. Malicious actors can now deploy advanced phishing attacks, realistic deepfakes, and malware with minimal expertise. The sophistication of these attacks poses a serious threat to brands trying to protect their online identity.

Why AI and 6G Are Changing Online Security

Traditional security measures, such as strong passwords and good email practices, are no longer enough to protect businesses from these new risks. AI and 6G are fundamentally changing how cybercriminals operate, increasing the scale and frequency of attacks. As a result, protecting online identity has become a more complex challenge.

To effectively guard against these threats, companies must go beyond basic security protocols and implement comprehensive measures to monitor and defend their online identity. This is especially true for companies handling sensitive customer data, conducting financial transactions, or managing high-profile brands.

Creating Trusted Areas: A Key Step in Protecting Online Identity

At Gandi, we advocate for the creation of “trusted areas”—virtual borders within the Internet that allow companies to control their digital interactions and protect their online identity. To do this effectively, businesses must:

• Monitor Registrations of Sensitive Words: Utilize advanced monitoring features to track the registration of domain names containing brand-specific or sensitive terms. Early detection is key to stopping fraudulent activity before it escalates.
• Couple Domain Names with DNS Security: Implementing DNS Security Extensions (DNSSEC) protects against attacks like cache poisoning and domain spoofing, ensuring the integrity of your website and services.
• Use Email Authentication Protocols: Email remains a major entry point for cyberattacks. Adopting protocols like SPF, DKIM, and DMARC ensures that emails from your domain are verified, reducing phishing and fraud risks.

By identifying patterns of suspicious activity and establishing secure communication protocols, companies can create trusted areas within the Internet—spaces where they can interact safely with customers and partners.

Adopting a .Brand TLD for Enhanced Identity Protection

One of the most effective strategies for protecting online identity is adopting a company-owned .brand Top-Level Domain (TLD). This solution gives businesses complete control over all domains registered under their brand, allowing them to:

• Protect Their Domain Space: Owning a .brand TLD limits opportunities for bad actors to create fraudulent websites or register similar domains that can harm your reputation.
• Build Customer Trust: A .brand TLD assures customers that they are interacting with an official, verified entity, which strengthens brand loyalty and reduces confusion.
• Simplify Security Management: Managing a .brand TLD allows for centralized control over security protocols, ensuring consistent protection across all digital assets.

Proactive Measures Beyond Traditional Security

The future of online identity protection requires more than just reactive measures. Businesses have to take a proactive stance to stay ahead of cyber threats, which must include:

• Forecasting Future Threats: Stay informed about emerging cyber risks, especially those tied to new technologies like AI and 6G. Anticipating vulnerabilities allows businesses to adapt their security strategies before an attack occurs.
• Investing in Advanced Security Technologies: Utilize cutting-edge solutions like AI-driven threat detection and blockchain-based authentication to enhance your security infrastructure.
• Engaging in Collaborative Defense: Partner with industry experts, cybersecurity professionals, and regulators to share knowledge and develop comprehensive defense strategies. A collective approach to security strengthens your ability to protect your brand.

In a world driven by digital commerce, online identity is no longer just an asset—it’s a strategic imperative. Companies must protect their digital presence not only to prevent financial loss but also to maintain customer trust and ensure continued growth. With the advent of AI and 6G, the risks are higher than ever, but so are the opportunities for those willing to take the necessary steps.