Security researchers warn that the new web domains using the .zip and .mov extensions could be exploited by cybercriminals to mislead users online. The concern centers on how closely these domain names resemble familiar file types with the same labels, a tactic that creates a tempting trap for unsuspecting visitors. Reports from cybersecurity outlets and IT administrators, including coverage picked up by BleepingComputer, highlight these risks and the potential consequences for individuals and organizations alike.
According to the findings, Google introduced a set of eight new top-level domains (TLDs) that can be registered to host websites or to support email addresses. Among them, .zip and .mov stand out because they mirror well-known file formats, which increases the chance that users will click on a link or visit a site without recognizing a risk. Although these domains have been accessible to businesses since 2014, their public availability has expanded in the current period, inviting a broader range of registrations and uses.
Experts emphasize that the ease of acquiring these domains enables bad actors to create credible-looking destinations. They note that social networks and messaging platforms often render these filenames as clickable URLs, converting ordinary file extensions into web addresses. This dynamic can blur the line between a trusted platform and a malicious site, making it harder for users to distinguish legitimate content from harmful impersonations.
The consequence is a heightened risk of phishing and malware distribution. Users who encounter a familiar brand or service linked via a .zip or .mov URL might assume safety and proceed, only to be redirected to credential-stealing pages or malware downloads. The problem is magnified when the source appears to come from a trusted channel such as a social network or a messaging service, which can reinforce a false sense of security.
Analysts caution that attackers don’t necessarily need to register thousands of domains to cause widespread impact. A single compromised endpoint or a single employee’s action can radiate through an entire network, especially in environments with inadequate security controls or insufficient user education about domain-based phishing cues. This reality underscores the need for robust defenses, including vigilant domain monitoring, strict email and link-safety policies, and ongoing user awareness training.
In related developments, cybersecurity firm Silent Push Labs identified a phishing page hosted on a .zip domain that attempted to harvest Microsoft account credentials. This example illustrates how attackers exploit domain naming conventions to mimic legitimate services, tricking victims into surrendering sensitive information. Such incidents reinforce the imperative for organizations and individuals to scrutinize unexpected domain names, especially those that resemble common file formats or trusted brands.
Historical observations also point to the broader threat landscape involving misused app stores and misrepresented software assets. Earlier warnings from industry analysts referred to cases where apps or services were compromised through deceptive labeling or through registries that allowed ambiguous or misleading domain configurations. These patterns remind readers that vigilance is essential across all digital touchpoints, from email to app marketplaces, and that routine security hygiene can reduce exposure to these deceptive tactics. The evolving nature of these threats calls for consistent updates to security policies and monitoring strategies, ensuring that teams stay ahead of emerging impersonation schemes and domain-based abuse. In summary, the convergence of familiar file-type terminology and internet infrastructure creates fertile ground for social-engineered attacks, demanding a proactive, layered defense that combines technical controls with user education and clear incident-response protocols. These measures help organizations maintain resilience against a tactics-focused threat landscape that continues to adapt at a rapid pace.