OpenDNS

Fresh system challenges scammers and typos, but does it go too far?

A fresh service called OpenDNS officially opened its doors today. The service is an alternative DNS to those offered by ISPs and promises a faster, safer internet experience. Open DNS claims that by changing your internet connection’s DNS to OpenDNS, you can:

-Reduce effects of phising attacks and scams
-Get faster resolution of domain names
-Automatically correct typos

The last one might get some domainers up in arms. But ahead of you fret, note that the system now appears to correct only typos involving domain extensions, such as typing .cmo instead of .com. Still, some people are asking OpenDNS to start auto-correcting typos of actual domains. This could thwart the efforts of typosquatters. And it could allow OpenDNS to play god. OpenDNS also wants to make money by showing ads when you go to a URL that isn’t registered. This may remind you of VeriSign’s SiteFinder service that landed the firm in hot water. But remember, people using OpenDNS are voluntarily using the service.

OpenDNS doesn’t use software. All you have to do is log into your router and change the DNS.

It will be interesting to see if this catches on and what effect it might have on the domain name community.