the .ai domain is taking off - why it's time to ride the AI wave

The .ai domain is taking off – why it’s time to ride the AI wave

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In October 2023, a domain sale <a href="https://www.openprovider.com/blog/domain-news-roundup-october-18-023" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">made headlines</a>, and for once, it wasn’t a .com. The domain you.ai sold for $700,000 on the Sedo marketplace, making it the highest ccTLD (country-code top-level domain) sale of the year. 



But the seller wasn’t the only one benefiting from the .ai boom. Since the launch of ChatGPt in November 2022, Anguilla, the small island nation that manages the .ai extension, has been making millions in revenue from domain registrations.



The demand for .ai domains has skyrocketed, and it’s not just tech startups that are paying attention. With the arrival of <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2025/01/29/how-chinas-deepseek-redefined-the-global-ai-race/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DeepSeek</a> raising the stakes in AI, the market is growing at a ferocious pace, making these domains more valuable than ever.



Let’s take a look at the history of .ai, why it has surged in popularity, and why now is the time to register one.



<h2 id="h-a-brief-history-of-ai">A brief history of .ai</h2>



The .ai extension was assigned to Anguilla on February 16, 1995 &#8211; almost a decade after the first TLDs launched. Initially, registrations were limited to second-level domains like .com.ai, .net.ai, .org.ai, and .off.ai. That changed in 2009 when Anguilla opened direct registrations under .ai to anyone worldwide.



Despite this, .ai remained relatively niche until 2022. Then, with the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT and Midjourney, registrations surged.&nbsp;



In July 2018, there were only just 50,000 registered .ai domains. However, by 2023, .ai registrations had reached <a href="https://domainnamewire.com/2024/10/01/ai-busts-past-500000-domains/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a whopping 353,928</a>. By October 1, 2024, this number had surpassed 533,000, having more than doubled since June 2023. And, as of January 2025, there are <a href="https://www.identity.digital/newsroom/ai-completes-a-historic-migration-to-the-identity-digital-platform" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">over 600,000 registered .ai domains</a> on the Internet. 



The surge in .ai domain registrations has significantly impacted Anguilla&#8217;s economy. In 2023, the territory earned <a href="https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2024/05/15/cf-an-ai-powered-boost-to-anguillas-revenues" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">approximately $32 million</a> from .ai domain fees, accounting for over 20% of its total government revenue. This marks a substantial increase from previous years, where such revenue constituted around 5%. 



Due to the exponential growth of the domain, the backend management of the .ai domain transitioned from the Anguilla government to registry backend provider Identity Digital in January 2025.



<h2 id="h-why-register-a-ai-domain-name">Why register a .ai domain name?</h2>



If you&#8217;re building a business or website in the AI space, here’s why a .ai domain could be the right choice for you:



<ul>
<li>Short and memorable: With just two letters, .ai is easy to remember. Short domains tend to stick in people’s minds, and .ai instantly signals that your website is AI-related.</li>



<li>Stands out from the crowd: While .com and .net remain dominant, .ai is a newer, more specialized choice. It shows that you&#8217;re keeping up with industry trends.</li>



<li>Less competition – 600,000 registered .ai domains may sound like a lot, but as a number, it’s not nearly comparable to the over 150 million .coms on the Internet. That means more great names with .ai are still available.</li>



<li>Good for SEO: If your company name includes &#8220;AI,&#8221; having a .ai domain can help with search visibility. <a href="https://www.openprovider.com/blog/domain-industry-news-roundup-july-11-2023" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Google also treats .ai as a gTLD</a>, so your site can rank globally, not just in Anguilla.</li>
</ul>



<h2>Register your .ai domain at Openprovider</h2>



Looking to register .ai domains in bulk? With Openprovider, you can do so via our all-in-one platform while saving time and money.



Since September 2023, Openprovider has been an accredited registrar for .ai domains &#8211; and if you’re registering multiple .ai domains, Openprovider Membership gives you a serious advantage.&nbsp;



As a Member, you get access to domain operations for 1,900+ TLDs at cost price, meaning lower costs on every .ai domain (and 1,900+ others!) you register or renew.&nbsp;



Whether you&#8217;re a domain investor, a startup securing multiple brand names, or a reseller, our pricing model helps you save more as you grow your portfolio.



Want to secure your .ai domain? Check availability and register yours today.


[op_domain_search title=&#8221;Search domains&#8221; search_ext=&#8221;ai&#8221; search_placeholder=&#8221;Find your .ai domain&#8230;&#8221; search_button=&#8221;SEARCH&#8221; search_theme&#8221;large&#8221;]

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It’s all about .ai: a guide to this booming TLD

As online shopping grows, so do the risks. With thousands of transactions and sensitive customer data processed daily, e-commerce businesses face constant threats. More than <a href="https://cybersecurityventures.com/60-percent-of-small-companies-close-within-6-months-of-being-hacked" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">60% of small businesses</a> shut down within six months of a cyberattack, highlighting the real financial and reputational damage.



Without strong security measures in place, your store could fall victim to data breaches, payment fraud, or ransomware &#8211; leading to legal trouble, financial losses, and a sharp decline in customer trust.



E-commerce security is about proactively defending your business against online security threats. In this article, we share 10 key strategies to help you protect your customers, secure transactions, and keep your business running safely.



<h2 id="h-common-e-commerce-threats">Common e-commerce threats</h2>



The most common security threats targeting e-commerce businesses include:



<ul>
<li>Phishing attacks: Cybercriminals trick customers or employees into sharing sensitive information through fake emails, websites, or messages.</li>



<li>Malware and ransomware: Hackers deploy malicious software to steal data or shut down website operations.</li>



<li>SQL injection and cross-site scripting (XSS): Attackers manipulate website code to gain unauthorized access and steal information.</li>



<li>DDoS attacks: Hackers flood a website with excessive traffic to crash it and disrupt business operations.</li>



<li>Payment fraud: Fraudsters use stolen credit card data to make unauthorized purchases.</li>
</ul>



<h2 id="h-10-tips-to-improve-e-commerce-security">10 tips to improve e-commerce security</h2>



<h3 id="h-1-use-an-ssl-certificate">1. Use an SSL certificate</h3>



SSL certificates encrypt the data transmitted between your website and users, preventing hackers from intercepting sensitive information like passwords and payment details. If your store still does not use one or uses a free SSL, it’s time to upgrade.&nbsp;



All e-commerce websites need at least an OV certificate, which is designed to protect vulnerable data that customers enter into your website, including usernames, passwords, and payment information. <a href="https://www.openprovider.com/blog/paid-vs-free-ssl-why-paid-ssl-is-important-for-a-safer-internet" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Free SSL certificates do not offer this level of protection</a>.



OV SSL certificates are available from reputable providers, such as <a href="https://www.openprovider.com/products/security/ssl-certificates" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Openprovider</a>. You can register them for up to five years in advance.



How to implement:



<ul>
<li>Get an SSL certificate from a trusted provider or your hosting service.</li>



<li>Regularly check SSL certificates for expiration and renew them on time.</li>
</ul>



<h3 id="h-2-enable-two-factor-authentication-2fa">2. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)</h3>



Even strong passwords can be stolen. Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second verification step, such as a code sent to a mobile device or email.



How to implement:



<ul>
<li>Set 2FA as the standard for both admin logins and customer accounts</li>



<li>Use authentication apps like Google Authenticator or Authy instead of SMS-based codes, which can be vulnerable to SIM-swapping attacks.</li>



<li>Consider biometric authentication for mobile app logins.</li>
</ul>



<h3 id="h-3-keep-software-and-plugins-updated">3. Keep software and plugins updated</h3>



Cybercriminals often exploit outdated software to gain unauthorized access to e-commerce websites and platforms. Make sure to update your system whenever there’s a new update or security patch available. Failing to update leaves your store vulnerable. How to implement:



<ul>
<li>Enable automatic updates where possible.</li>



<li>Regularly check for updates on your e-commerce platform (e.g., Magento, WooCommerce, Shopify) and/or content management system (e.g. WordPress, Squarespace, Wix).</li>



<li>Remove outdated or unused plugins, as they can become entry points for hackers.</li>
</ul>



<h3 id="h-4-use-strong-passwords-and-enforce-policies">4. Use strong passwords and enforce policies</h3>



Weak passwords are a major security risk. Attackers use brute-force methods to guess login credentials. Strengthening password policies helps prevent unauthorized access. How to implement:



<ul>
<li>Require strong passwords for both admin logins and customer accounts, including at least 12 characters and a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.</li>



<li>Prevent users and employees from reusing old passwords.</li>



<li>Implement a password manager for employees to store and manage complex passwords securely.</li>



<li>Lock accounts after multiple failed login attempts to prevent brute-force attacks.</li>
</ul>



<h3 id="h-5-limit-access-to-sensitive-data">5. Limit access to sensitive data</h3>



The more people have access to sensitive information, the greater the risk of accidental leaks or insider threats. If your business has multiple employees, it’s important to be careful with your admin privileges.



How to implement:



<ul>
<li>Grant permissions only to those who need them.</li>



<li>Regularly audit user accounts and remove unnecessary access.</li>



<li>Require employees to use company-managed devices for admin access to reduce exposure to malware.</li>
</ul>



<h3 id="h-6-monitor-transactions-for-fraud">6. Monitor transactions for fraud</h3>



E-commerce fraud can include chargeback fraud, card testing, and unauthorized purchases. Monitoring transaction patterns helps detect suspicious activity early. How to implement:



<ul>
<li>Use automated fraud detection tools that flag high-risk transactions.</li>



<li>Set transaction limits and require verification for large purchases.</li>



<li>Implement address verification systems (AVS) and card security codes (CVV) to prevent stolen card use.</li>
</ul>



<h3 id="h-7-perform-regular-security-audits">7. Perform regular security audits</h3>



Security vulnerabilities aren’t always immediately visible. A proactive approach to security includes regular assessments to identify weak points before they can be exploited. How to implement:



<ul>
<li>Conduct vulnerability scans using tools like <a href="https://www.tenable.com/products/nessus" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nessus</a> or <a href="https://www.openvas.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">OpenVAS</a>.</li>



<li>Consider hiring ethical hackers for penetration testing to uncover hidden risks.</li>



<li>Implement <a href="https://www.openprovider.com/blog/domain-security-news/security-txt" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">security.txt</a> on your website.</li>



<li>Regularly review your website logs for signs of suspicious activity.</li>
</ul>



<h3 id="h-8-backup-data-frequently">8. Backup data frequently</h3>



Ransomware attacks can lock you out of your data, and server crashes can result in lost orders. Regular, automated backups help you recover quickly. How to implement:



<ul>
<li>Automate daily backups of customer data, transaction history, and website files.</li>



<li>Store backups in multiple locations, including offsite or cloud-based storage.</li>



<li>Test backups periodically to ensure they can be restored if needed.</li>
</ul>



<h3 id="h-9-educate-employees-and-customers">9. Educate employees and customers</h3>



Cybersecurity awareness is one of the most effective defenses against threats. Many breaches result from human error, such as clicking on phishing links or using weak passwords. How to implement:



<ul>
<li>Train employees to recognize phishing emails and social engineering tactics.</li>



<li>Encourage a <a href="https://www.openprovider.com/blog/building-security-friendly-culture" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">security-friendly culture</a> within your organization.</li>



<li>Create content about security best practices for your website and social media accounts, such as how to spot fake emails claiming to be from your store.</li>
</ul>



<h3 id="h-10-use-a-secure-payment-gateway">10. Use a secure payment gateway</h3>



Handling payments securely is a top priority. Using a PCI DSS-compliant payment gateway reduces your risk of fraud and keeps customer data safe.



How to implement:



<ul>
<li>Work with reputable payment processors like Stripe, PayPal, or Adyen.</li>



<li>Avoid storing credit card information on your own servers.</li>



<li>Use tokenization to replace sensitive payment data with unique identifiers that are useless to hackers.</li>
</ul>



<h2 id="h-conclusion">Conclusion</h2>



By applying these 10 security measures, you can protect your e-commerce business from cyber threats, fraud, and data breaches while maintaining customer trust.



Taking proactive steps today will help keep your online store safe and your customers confident in their transactions.



Want to know more about cybersecurity? Check our <a href="https://www.openprovider.com/category/cybersecurity" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cybersecurity hub</a> for the latest security news, plus practical tools and insights to protect your business from cybercrime!

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Danego’s mantra, Service is in our system, can be traced all the way back to the childhood curiosity of founder Emiel van Berlo.&nbsp;



As a teen, Emiel’s fascination with technology began when his parents bought their first computer. &#8220;I broke it down in less than a week,” he says with a smile, “but I also managed to fix it a few days later.”



That hands-on exploration sparked a lifelong curiosity in technology and problem solving, which eventually led him to create <a href="https://www.danego.nl">Danego</a>.



<h3 id="h-the-computer-doctor">The computer doctor</h3>



Founded in 1998, Danego began as a one-person operation working out of the garage of Emiel&#8217;s parents in Boekel, Netherlands. 



In the early days, personal computers were becoming a more common sight in homes across the country, but many people in the surrounding areas still needed help navigating the challenges they posed. “If their computer stopped running, people would call me,” Emiel recalls. 



As his reputation grew, his customers began referring to him as the Computer Doctor &#8211; a fitting title for someone driven by a passion for making things as good as new. The business began to quickly expand and Danego soon outgrew the garage. Emiel decided to set up base in Uden, a nearby town.



Over the years, Danego expanded its services to a wide range of ICT solutions, from VoIP phones to cloud hosting and domain management.&nbsp;



But Emiel’s dedication to problem-solving and straightforward service remained constant, as did his focus on building genuine, long-lasting relationships with his clients.



<h3 id="h-expanding-domain-horizons">Expanding domain horizons</h3>



Globalization was ramping up in the early years of the new millennium and Danego soon recognized the need to manage international domains.&nbsp;



In 2004, a customer requested a Belgian (.be) domain, prompting Emiel to seek out a reliable domain provider.&nbsp;



While the company had started out working primarily with Dutch (.nl) domain names, the increasing demand for global domain extensions from their clients made it clear that expansion into international domains was essential.&nbsp;



After reaching out to several entities, Arno Vis &#8211; CEO of Openprovider &#8211; was the first to reply. It was the start of a business relationship that has spanned more than 20 years!



Managing domains across multiple providers would some become overly time-consuming, and the switch to Openprovider saved Danego time and money. 



As a result, Danego could deliver even faster and more efficient services to their clients.



<h3 id="h-from-pillar-to-post">“From pillar to post”</h3>



At the heart of Danego’s operations is a team of ICT all-rounders who are deeply curious and driven to find the best solution for every challenge.&nbsp;



The company’s approach to service is simple: cut through the complexity and provide clients with clarity.&nbsp;



Whether it’s solving a VoIP issue, backing up data, or troubleshooting software, Danego makes sure their clients always leave with a clear understanding of the solution.



Their commitment to clarity is reflected in their support model. Danego advises clients to always get a ticket number and the name of the support contact when dealing with third-party software suppliers. This ensures that if a problem persists, Danego can follow up directly. 



Using a great Dutch phrase, he says it avoids the customer “being sent from pillar to post,” which vividly describes the frustrating experience of being passed from one unhelpful person to the next during a support process. 



With Danego proactively taking direct ownership of issues, “the customer is taken out of the conversation, and their time is saved,” says Emiel.&nbsp;



<h3 id="h-freedom-driven-motivation">Freedom-driven motivation</h3>



Emiel’s leadership style is built on trust and empowerment.&nbsp;



“You need to let people make their own mistakes &#8211; that’s the best way they learn,” he explains. “If you tell someone up front that it’s not going to work, they will stop showing initiative.”



This approach fosters a culture of autonomy and problem-solving within the team, ensuring that everyone has a sense of ownership and responsibility for the work they do.&nbsp;



All ideas are listened to. 



“Maybe something doesn&#8217;t work right now &#8211; but in five years it might,” says Emiel.“Motivation, motivation, motivation!”



<h3 id="h-service-in-the-system-in-action">“Service in the system” in action</h3>



Danego’s service culture is centered on the idea that technology should be simple, clear, and accessible.&nbsp;



They understand that technology can be overwhelming for many businesses, and they take pride in making it easy for their clients to navigate. This philosophy extends beyond just resolving issues &#8211; it’s about building trust and offering clients peace of mind.



One customer put it perfectly: “And if the software ever crashes, Danego support will usually fix it while you&#8217;re on the phone with them. They&#8217;re also willing to share little tips and tricks with you so you can solve the problem yourself next time.”



Their Service is in our System mantra isn’t just a slogan; it’s a reflection of their dedication to ensuring that customers feel supported every step of the way. This service culture is also evident in their approach to remote assistance, which has become increasingly popular, especially with the rise of hybrid working.&nbsp;



Danego’s ability to solve problems quickly and efficiently, regardless of where the client is located, has become a key advantage.



“In the days following the migration, we could call them at any time with questions, and the aftercare was perfect as far as we were concerned,” said another satisfied customer.



<h3 id="h-the-foundations-for-ict-success">The foundations for ICT success</h3>



In an industry where change is constant, Danego’s commitment to simplicity, clarity, and trust has allowed them to remain a trusted partner for businesses seeking reliable ICT solutions in the Netherlands.&nbsp;



With nearly three decades of experience and a customer-first approach, Emiel and his team are ready for whatever the future holds.



Danego has been a valued Openprovider customer since 2004. It is also an Openprovider Member, benefiting from cost-price domains and the convenience of managing everything on one platform.



Check out how Openprovider Membership can help you become a successful and profitable reseller<a href="https://www.openprovider.com/membership-plans"> here.</a>

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