History of the TLD

.security was delegated as a generic top-level domain under ICANN’s New gTLD Program to XYZ.COM LLC in 2015 and entered general availability in early 2016. CentralNic provides the technical back-end services for the TLD. It was introduced to serve the growing needs of online and physical security industries.

Main Use and Industry Position

.security is positioned for entities in the security sector including cybersecurity firms, identity protection services, physical security providers, and other organisations focused on trust or protection. It conveys a professional association with security solutions and helps websites stand out in this niche.

Comparison to Other TLDs

Compared to broad TLDs like .com or .net, .security has a more specialised meaning which can help establish credibility in security markets. Unlike tightly restricted TLDs like .bank, .security has broader eligibility but still signals a security focus.

Pros and Cons of the TLD

Pros

• Clearly signals security focus for relevant businesses

• Professional branding advantage in cybersecurity and safety sectors

• Supports important technical features depending on registrar

Cons

• Higher registration cost at some registrars

• May be less recognised outside security markets

• Premium names can be expensive or limited

Registration Criteria

.security generally has no strict eligibility restrictions and can be registered by individuals or organisations, but it is most relevant for those in security-related industries. Some names may be premium depending on registrar rules.

Summary

.security is an active generic TLD aimed at organisations in the security space. It is operated by XYZ.COM LLC with CentralNic as the technical provider. It supports industry standard features and brings sector specificity that can enhance branding and trust for security services.