Alt.So NIC Public Announcements

for the Year 2025

↳ Apr 22, 2025: Command-line DNS zone editor got an emergency security update

↳ Apr 12, 2025: All of the core Alt.So NIC policies have got a major update today

↳ Mar 17, 2025: February's back-end system work has been done successfully

↳ Feb 11, 2025: Back-end system work notice - Notice Number Y0050211 (core security)

↳ Jan 27, 2025: Alt.So NIC front-end is now with Hostinger UAB global networks

↳ Jan 01, 2025: Implementation of Public Reference Announcements (PRAs)

Command-line DNS zone editor got an emergency security update

Apr 22, 2025: Alt.So NIC have updated the crucial security measurements of the Command-line DNS zone editor due to a recent spike of coordinated brute-force attacks.

We are convinced that a group of hackers from various parts of the world systematically tried different combinations of characters, letters, numbers, and symbols to crack the ALT.SO DNS Pass, the pass code required to access our online DNS management tool. We are also convinced that automated tools were used to perform these attacks, which were maybe even powered by AI.

Even though the attacks were unsuccessful and we have IP address blocking mechanism in place, we have made some immediate changes to add an extra layer of security to our website.

It is noteworthy that a correct DNS Pass will only give access to our online DNS management tool. To perform any change to a domain name, the request must come from that domain's control email address with the correct Domain Key.

Everyone is advised to keep their ALT.SO DNS Pass(es) and Domain Key(s) in a safe place. Since the attacks were unsuccessful, no new ALT.SO DNS Pass has been issued. However, everyone is free to get a new Domain Key to feel extra secured.

All of the core Alt.So NIC policies have got a major update today

Apr 12, 2025: Alt.So NIC have updated all the core policies today with some major revisions. This revision run includes the rules of registration, privacy policy, and WHOIS policy.

February's back-end system work has been done successfully

Mar 17, 2025: Continuing from the Notice Number Y0050211, the security system upgrade work has been done successfully without any major interruption. All our services are active now.

Back-end system work notice - Notice Number Y0050211 (core security)

Feb 11, 2025: From UTC 00:00 on March 14, 2025 to UTC 23:59 on March 16, 2025, Alt.So NIC will conduct planned upgrades to its back-end security (core security) systems.

During this period, our back-end systems will be temporarily unavailable for a few seconds at a time (or minutes, should technical issues arise). This work will not affect our DNS server systems (including email servers), meaning all .alt.so domains will function without interruption.

However, brief disruptions (split-second to seconds) may occur to the following services:

The Alt.So NIC website
WHOIS lookup
Command-line DNS zone editor

Everyone is advised to refresh Alt.So NIC webpages if they encounter any error.

Alt.So NIC front-end is now with Hostinger UAB global networks

Jan 27, 2025: For ensuring better service stability during heavy load, Alt.So NIC have moved the front-end server to Hostinger UAB from iFastNet Ltd. There were no service interruption as our back-end server, along with a temporary front-end server was operational to cover the transfer period.

Implementation of Public Reference Announcements (PRAs)

Effective Jan 1, 2025: Alt.So NIC will implement a structured transparency initiative by publishing public announcements exclusively through our official website.

Classified as Public Reference Announcements (PRAs), these communications will address matters impacting all stakeholders, including domain registrants, partners, suppliers, and the general public. PRAs encompass critical updates such as policy revisions, security advisories, compliance requirements, and service modifications. By centralizing these announcements, we ensure clarity, accountability, and universal access to information vital for informed decision-making across our ecosystem. All stakeholders are advised to review PRAs promptly, as non-compliance or delayed action may result in service interruptions, contractual repercussions, or exposure to operational risks.

PRAs may include, but are not limited to:

Changes to domain registration protocols or eligibility criteria
Security vulnerabilities or mitigation strategies affecting .alt.so domains
Updates to partnership terms, procurement guidelines, or service-level agreements
System maintenance schedules or disruptions to WHOIS, domain management, or support services

PRAs will be archived chronologically in the Public Announcements Hub on our website, featuring searchable tags. This initiative aligns with our commitment to operational integrity and regulatory transparency, reinforcing the trust placed in .alt.so domains as the global standard for secure digital identity. For inquiries regarding PRAs, contact us.

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