Securing the .AI Frontier: Why CISOs and Digital Leaders Must Act Now

The .ai domain has become one of the hottest digital properties of the year—driven by the explosive rise of artificial intelligence across every industry. In this Q&A, Ram Mohan, from Identity Digital, breaks down what’s fueling the .ai boom, how it’s changing the cybersecurity landscape, and what CISOs and digital leaders must do now to secure their brand and build trust in this fast-evolving space.

What factors are driving the explosive growth of .ai registrations, and why should CISOs and digital strategists be paying close attention? 

The growth of the .ai TLD reflects how deeply AI is reshaping industries. Startups, tech companies, and forward-thinking brands are embracing the .ai TLD to signal innovation and align with the future of technology. For CISOs and digital strategists, this surge presents both an opportunity and a call to action. As a TLD becomes synonymous with a cutting-edge digital presence, it also becomes more visible and susceptible to general misuse. Staying proactively alert to phishing, impersonation, and fraud can help protect brand integrity, safeguard customer trust, and ensure your website remains a secure and credible gateway to your business. 

What makes the .ai TLD uniquely resilient or vulnerable to cyber threats compared to other domain extensions? 

The .ai TLD is uniquely resilient thanks to robust security infrastructure provided by Identity Digital, which safeguards it from cyber threats amid surging demand. With real-time threat monitoring, a leading abuse mitigation program, and proactive blocking of potentially malicious domain permutations, .ai is protected against phishing, impersonation, and malware. Built on a modern AWS cloud platform with servers in over 80 countries, .ai offers global resilience, scalability, and minimal downtime—even during major disruptions. Adoption of advanced security standards like DNSSEC further strengthens its defense, helping .ai remain a trusted, secure space for businesses, developers, and innovators worldwide. Still, its rapid rise and association with AI innovation attract cyber threats, underscoring the need for proactive domain security to preserve trust and credibility. 

How can organizations effectively manage and secure .ai amid such rapid expansion?

After purchasing a .ai domain, it’s important to implement strong security practices to protect your brand and users. This includes securing the registrar account with strong passwords and two-factor authentication, enabling domain locking to prevent unauthorized transfers, and using DNSSEC to guard against spoofing. It also includes monitoring domain expiration, enabling WHOIS privacy, and setting up alerts for suspicious activity. Additionally, regularly review DNS traffic and consider AI-driven tools for threat detection across your domain portfolio. Just as critical: have a rapid response plan in place for domain-related incidents and train employees to recognize threats such as phishing and spoofed links. 

What proactive steps is Identity Digital taking to safeguard the .ai namespace and maintain trust across sectors? 

With .ai adoption accelerating, Identity Digital is scaling its security measures accordingly. We operate a global server network and have a dedicated DNS Abuse Mitigation Team that proactively monitors for threats like phishing and malware. When abuse is detected, we act quickly by coordinating with registrars, law enforcement, and the Government of Anguilla to suspend malicious domains and restore trust. Our expanded registrar network and infrastructure also makes it easier for legitimate businesses to secure and manage their .ai domains. 

How does the DNS function as an early warning system in defending against cyberattacks targeting?

DNS traffic often shows signs of compromise before an actual breach. By monitoring anomalies (like sudden traffic spikes or suspicious queries),security teams can spot malware callbacks, phishing attempts, or domain spoofing in progress. It’s a key layer in a proactive defense stack. 

Are there any emerging threat patterns or misuse trends specific to .ai domains that security leaders should know about? 

The threat landscape for AI is evolving quickly alongside the rapid adoption of the technology. While attack vectors like phishing are increasing, the number of domain names used for abuse is decreasing. There’s also growing concern around the malicious use of lookalike domains to spread misinformation, deepfakes, or fraudulent AI tools. Given the pace of change, security leaders should prioritize ongoing monitoring and proactive defense to stay ahead of emerging threats – ensuring that as AI technology advances, it remains a safe and trusted force for innovation. 

What advice do you have for IT and security leaders looking to balance innovation with risk management in adopting .ai domains? 

Think beyond registration. Acquiring your key .ai domain name early is just the start. Build a coordinated strategy that includes governance, real-time oversight, and cross-team alignment. Partner with your registrar to apply enterprise-grade protections, enforce strict access controls, and ensure your response plans are tested and ready.