---
title: "What Is DNS abuse? Domain Glossary | Grit Brokerage"
description: "ICANN defines DNS abuse as malware, botnets, phishing, pharming and spam when it delivers one of those other threats. Registries and registrars must act..."
url: https://gritbrokerage.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/dns-abuse
publisher: Grit Brokerage
contact: https://gritbrokerage.preview.multisites.ai/contact
offer: https://gritbrokerage.preview.multisites.ai/inquiry
---

Industry and events

# DNS abuse

ICANN defines DNS abuse as malware, botnets, phishing, pharming and spam when it delivers one of those other threats. Registries and registrars must act on it under their ICANN contracts.

## Why it matters

DNS abuse rules let registrars suspend domains used for attacks. ICANN contract amendments on this took effect in April 2024. For domain owners, abuse on a parked or hacked name can lead to a suspension, which can block a sale. A hacked name with malware may also lose value. Buyers should check a name's history for abuse flags. A common mistake is treating DNS abuse as the same as trademark infringement or website content disputes. Those fall under other rules. Keep security current on any domain you own, including unused ones.

Source: [icann.org](https://www.icann.org/dnsabuse)

## Where we use this term

-   [ICANN Is Replacing the 60-Day Transfer Lock: What Changes](https://gritbrokerage.preview.multisites.ai/post/icann-transfer-policy-changes-60-day-lock)

## Buying or selling a domain?

Call, text or email. Responsiveness is our trademark, and a broker answers, not a form robot.

[Talk to a broker](https://gritbrokerage.preview.multisites.ai/contact) [Call (442) 500-GRIT](tel:+1-442-500-4748)