iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Yes, .zip and .mov can make social engineering easier—not because either top-level domain is inherently malicious, but because each looks exactly like a familiar file extension. A filename-like address can be misread in an email, chat, document or browser, so treat the presentation and destination as security signals rather than trusting the ending alone.
Why these domains are easy to misread
A top-level domain (TLD) is the final label in a web address, such as .com or .org. Google Registry introduced .zip and .mov as TLDs alongside six other new domains in 2023. Both strings are also widely recognized file extensions: ZIP archives and MOV video files.
That collision creates an interpretation hazard. A string such as invoice.zip can look like a file reference even when it is a complete web address. The danger depends on how a link is displayed and understood; the TLD itself does not prove that a site is fraudulent. ICANN has acknowledged the shared-string risk and says registry contracts require measures intended to mitigate it.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
When .zip and .mov became available
| Event | Date or scope | What it establishes |
|---|---|---|
| Google Registry announcement | March 2023 | .zip and .mov were among eight TLDs announced for launch. |
| General availability | May 10, 2023 | The published schedule opened registration broadly on this date. |
| DNS-abuse contract amendments | April 5, 2024 | ICANN says broader mitigation requirements became effective. |
| ICANN compliance audit | Work performed October 2024–October 2025; report issued 2026 | Twenty-one selected gTLD operators were reviewed; this was not a .zip/.mov prevalence study. |
What the “secure” label—and HTTPS—actually mean
Google Registry’s launch material called both namespaces “secure.” That is a registry-level description, not a promise that every registrant or website is trustworthy.
#1 Best Overall
The .mov registration policy requires registrars to show prospective registrants a conspicuous, separate notice that HTTPS must be configured for browsers to load .mov websites. HTTPS encrypts the connection to a site; it does not verify the operator’s identity, intent or content. A convincing phishing page can use HTTPS.
How a filename-looking link can support social engineering
Presentation creates the first mistake
An attacker can place a filename-like address in a message that appears to discuss an attachment, video or document. Recipients may assume the text is a local file and click without checking the destination.
Rank #2
The page supplies the second mistake
The resulting site can imitate a cloud-storage login, company portal, payment page or download prompt. If the page requests credentials, payment details or a download, the familiar-looking name may lower suspicion.
Recommended Free Tools
Browser warnings are useful but incomplete
Google says Chrome may display a “Deceptive site ahead” warning when it detects social-engineering content. Detection is a safeguard, not a guarantee: a site can be risky without being flagged, and a warning should never be bypassed merely because the page looks familiar.
What to do before opening one
- Pause on the wording. If a supposed filename contains a domain ending such as
.zipor.mov, consider that it may be a web address. - Inspect the actual target. Hover over the link on a computer or press and hold it on a mobile device to reveal the destination. Do not rely only on the visible label.
- Read the browser address bar. Check the complete domain, spelling and path after the page opens. A padlock or HTTPS does not establish legitimacy.
- Verify unexpected requests independently. Contact the sender or organization through a known phone number, bookmarked site or separate conversation—not through contact details on the suspicious page.
- Protect your accounts. Do not enter passwords, multifactor codes or payment information on an unexpected page, and do not download a file simply because the address resembles a filename.
- Heed warnings. If Chrome shows “Deceptive site ahead,” leave the page unless you have independently established that the warning is a mistake.
Guidance for site owners and administrators
Check Google’s security diagnostics
When Google identifies deceptive content on a property you control, its guidance directs site owners to the Security Issues report in Search Console. Review the affected URLs, remove unauthorized or deceptive material, fix the underlying compromise and request a review through Search Console.
Report abusive domains with evidence
ICANN’s DNSTICR process sends evidence-based reports to the responsible registrar or registry for consideration. Include the full domain, screenshots or message headers, relevant timestamps and a description of the suspected phishing or malware behavior. Registrars and registries may consider actions such as suspension or deletion under their policies and contracts.
Rank #4
What current evidence does—and does not—show
The cited primary sources establish the string collision, launch dates, contractual safeguards and reporting mechanisms. They do not establish a current abuse percentage or count specific to .zip or .mov.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →ICANN’s 2026 audit covered 21 selected gTLD operators. Twelve received clean reports and nine had at least one outstanding finding, but none had outstanding noncompliance related to DNS-abuse mitigation when the audit finished. Because the operators were selected for an audit rather than sampled to measure prevalence, those results cannot be converted into a .zip/.mov abuse rate.
Best Value
- This fun, nerdy, geeky, retro Cybersecurity Awareness Month design is perfect to wear this October. Great for cyber security professionals and experts who keep people safe on the internet, safe online, and safe online.
- Wear this for October National Cyber Security Awareness Month this October, raise awareness about cyber security on smartphones, laptops at your school, in the classroom or on your college or university campus. Be safe online and make sure others are too!
- Lightweight, Classic fit, Double-needle sleeve and bottom hem
ICANN also publishes counts for domains matching certain pandemic-related keywords through its DNSTICR work. Those figures belong to that separate program and are not statistics about .zip or .mov.
The practical takeaway
These TLDs give social engineers a useful visual disguise: a web address can resemble an ordinary file reference. Treat that resemblance as a reason to inspect the target, verify unexpected requests and avoid entering secrets—not as proof that every .zip or .mov site is dangerous. Registry policies, HTTPS and browser warnings reduce risk, but careful address-bar checking and independent verification remain essential.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
