Is .rf Website Safe?

TL;DR

Websites with a .rf domain (Russian Federation) aren’t automatically unsafe, but they carry higher risk than more common domains like .com or .co.uk. Exercise extra caution before entering personal information on these sites, especially for banking.

Why .rf Domains Raise Concerns

1. Less Regulation: The Russian Federation has different internet regulations than many Western countries. This can mean less oversight of website owners and content.
2. History of Malicious Activity: .rf domains have been historically associated with spam, phishing, and malware distribution, though this isn’t always the case now.
3. Reputation Issues: Many legitimate businesses avoid using .rf due to its negative perception. This makes it harder to verify a site’s authenticity.

How to Check if a .rf Bank Website is Safe

1. Check the SSL Certificate: Look for “https://” in the address bar and a padlock icon. Click the padlock to view certificate details. Ensure it’s valid and issued to the correct bank name.

   Example of checking certificate (Chrome): Address Bar -> Lock Icon -> Connection is secure

2. Verify the Bank’s Official Website: Don’t rely on search engine results alone. Go directly to the official bank website using a known, trusted link (e.g., from their app or a statement). Compare the URL carefully.

   Example: If you know the bank's main site is 'www.examplebank.co.uk', be suspicious of 'www.examplebank.rf'.

3. Whois Lookup: Use a Whois lookup tool (like who.is) to find information about the domain owner, registration date, and contact details. Be wary if the information is hidden or incomplete.

   Example: Enter 'www.examplebank.rf' into who.is to see ownership details.

4. Check for Contact Information: A legitimate bank website should have clear contact details (address, phone number, email). Verify these details independently.
5. Look for Spelling and Grammar Errors: Phishing sites often contain errors.

   Example: Poor grammar or unusual phrasing is a red flag.

6. Use Website Reputation Tools: Services like VirusTotal (https://www.virustotal.com) can scan the website for known malware and phishing attempts.

   Example: Enter 'www.examplebank.rf' into VirusTotal to check its reputation.

7. Be Suspicious of Requests for Personal Information: Never enter sensitive information (passwords, account numbers) unless you are 100% certain the site is legitimate.

What if You Suspect a Scam?

1. Contact Your Bank Immediately: Report the suspicious website to your bank’s cyber security team.
2. Report the Phishing Site: Report it to relevant authorities (e.g., Action Fraud in the UK).
3. Run a Malware Scan: Use reputable antivirus software to scan your computer for malware.