The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is responsible for domain name registration and website ownership worldwide. The WHOIS record is an internet recording listing that tracks the ownership of a domain and how to contact it for varied reasons including purchasing the domain, verifying ownership, and addressing technical issues.  Â
WHOIS records play a key role in maintaining the integrity of domain name registration and website ownership. Â
Let’s explore WHOIS and understand why it is important. Â
What is WHOIS?
A WHOIS record secures vital data about a domain name including its registrar, registrant, registration dates, and name servers. Some thorough records may also include the name of the domain’s owner, domain expiration date, and registration location. Â
Origin and Purpose of WHOISÂ
 Created in 1982, WHOIS was primarily created as a directory for ARPANET users which is one of the first public computer networks and played a key role in the development of the internet. Â
The primary purpose of WHOIS is to create a public database that includes all the key technical and contact information about registered domain names. Â
What Kind of Information Is Stored In The WHOIS Database?Â
 The WHOIS database secures a range of details related to domain registrations including:Â
1. Registrant Information
The registrant information covers the name, address, email, company name, and phone number of the company or individual that has registered the domain. Â
2. Technical Contacts
 This includes the contact details of all individuals responsible for addressing the domain’s technical and administrative aspects. Â
 3. Registrar DetailsÂ
Name of the registrar where the domain was registered with important contact information. Â
 4. Registration Dates
The registration dates include the date the domain was registered, the domain expiration, and the last update. This information allows one to stay on top of the domain’s lifecycle. Â
 5. Nameservers
All the nameservers that are linked to the domain, direct traffic to the relevant hosting server. Â
 6. Status Codes
The status codes indicate the current status of a domain (client hold, active, pending deletion) and whether it is available. Â
 7. DNSSEC Information
This includes all the key information that indicates whether a domain is secured with DNSSEC, improving its overall security by minimising several types of cyber threats. Â
Importance of WHOIS Lookup
WHOIS lookup is one of the most crucial elements for anyone exploring the online space, providing key insights into network administration and domain ownership. Â
Here are some of the top reasons why WHOIS lookup is important. Â
1. Important Contact DetailsÂ
Apart from offering key contact details, WHOIS connects internet users with website owners for varied reasons. This direct communication serves as an important channel for customers to reach out to domain owners, address legal issues, and provide technical support. Â
 2. Digital Transparency
WHOIS facilitates transparency in the digital environment. It boosts confidence in users who wish to know more about the identities or stakeholders behind specific websites, particularly in the e-commerce sector. Â
3. Intellectual Property Protection
People with registered trademarks depend on WHOIS to protect their intellectual property. It is common knowledge that unauthorised domain registrations that infringe on trademarks can hurt a brand’s credibility, reputation, and confuse customers. WHOIS enables trademark owners to respond to such unwanted violations. Â
 4. Cybersecurity
WHOIS is an essential instrument for identifying security issues in a world where cyber threats continue to increase at a rapid pace. Early detection or reporting of suspicious activities mitigates risk and protects users from fraudulent activities. It is essential for both individuals and organizations to promptly identify such threats before they cause substantial damage. Â
5. Domain Availability
WHOIS allows new website owners and entrepreneurs to check the availability of domain names. This helps them pick an available domain name and secure a web address that resonates with their brand or business.Â
 6. Legal ComplianceÂ
Legal jurisdictions worldwide mandate that domain owners update their contact information via WHOIS. This allows authorities to enforce regulations and hold websites accountable under the law in that country or region. Â
 How to Perform WHOIS Lookup?
 It is quite easy to perform a WHOIS lookup. Here are the key steps. Â
Pick a Reliable WHOIS Lookup Service
With so many WHOIS lookup services in the market, picking a reliable WHOIS lookup service can get tricky. Therefore, opt for a reputed WHOIS lookup service like Crazy Domains to avoid any hiccups. Â
Enter the Domain Name
Enter the domain name in our WHOIS lookup tool search field and hit enter. Ensure that the spelling of the domain name you want to investigate is entered correctly. Â
Submit Query
Hit the enter button on the tool. Â
View the Results
The WHOIS lookup service will display all the vital details regarding the domain name registration you are looking for. This typically includes the registrar, registration, expiration dates, contact information, and domain nameservers. Â
Parting Notes
While WHOIS saves all the essential information regarding a domain’s ownership and contact details, it improves online transparency and plays a key role in addressing domain-related roadblocks.  Â
In a nutshell, WHOIS is one of the most critical aspects of the modern digital landscape creating a safe passage for users to interact with domain owners. We hope you now understand the importance of WHOIS and how to perform a WHOIS lookup. Â
What is Whois and Why is it Important? – FAQ’sÂ
 1. What is the use of WHOIS?
WHOIS is a query and response protocol that is primarily used to search for details related to domain registration. The primary objective is to verify a domain’s ownerships, connect with domain administrators, and identify the contact details to address legal and technical issues. Â
2. Who manages the WHOIS database?
The WHOIS database is managed by The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). Â
3. Why is WHOIS public?
WHOIS is public to facilitate transparency and accountability in domain ownership. Â
4. How to make WHOIS info private?Â
You can use a domain privacy protection service to make your WHOIS information private.Â