Demand Media's eNom is host to an unusually high concentration of malicious websites, making it the world's worst ISP, according to HostExploit researchers.
The internet domain name registrar is now under investigation by ICANN, the group responsible for managing the domain name system.
eNom is the world's second largest registrar but HostExploit, a team of volunteer researchers, has claimed in a report the Demand Media division was the world's worst ISP during the second quarter of this year. The ranking is based on the degree to which eNom is used to distribute spam and malicious software.
ICANN is looking into the accusation after HostExploit not only accused eNom of hosting an unusually large population of malicious websites, but also claimed it was a preferred domain name registrar for pharmaceutical spammers.
The allegations against eNom are serious and could result in a large fine or even having their license to sell domain names rescinded. Kurt Pritz, senior vice-president of services at ICANN, said the eNom division would be invited to make a response before any further action is taken.
Some of the division's resellers were also accused of violating ICANN rules. HostExploit said the domain name customers were providing false 'Whois' database information, the internet service that shows details of domain name owners. It also said these resellers were not following ICANN's expired domain deletion policy and generally failing to comply with their obligations.
When ICANN receives a written explanation from eNom regarding the accusations, it will consider the next course of action. In the meantime, eNom will continue its operations as a registrar and host.
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