.au direct domain names (eg. businessname.au), are shorter, simpler domain names and are available as a new option for Australian internet users.
They are general purpose, meaning they are open to anyone with a verified connection to Australia who wants to create or manage an online presence for themselves or their organisation.
While this new category of domain name allows users to register shorter, more memorable online names, it also creates another avenue for cybercriminals to conduct fraudulent cyber activities. Opportunistic cybercriminals could register your .au domain name in an attempt to impersonate your business.
To help protect your business from opportunistic cybercriminals, the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) recommends that all Australian businesses with existing domain names registered prior to 24 March 2022, register their .au equivalents before 20 September 2022.
If a business does not reserve their .au equivalent direct domain name, that name will become available to the public on a first come, first served basis from 4 October 2022.
QLS encourages all our members to consider registering their new domain name as a matter of urgency through the Priority Allocation Process established by .au Domain Administration (auDA). If you require assistance, please contact your tech support or domain hosting provider to help you through the process.
Eligible registrants must apply for Priority Status before 11:59pm UTC 20 September 2022 (9:59am AEST 21 September 2022).
More information about the Priority Allocation Process can be found here.