NiceNIC has recently become aware of public statements regarding our domain management and abuse prevention practices. We wish to clarify these points and provide a full and transparent explanation.
1. Clarifying the "clientHold" Status
The term "clientHold" refers to a specific registry status that indicates a domain is inactive and will not resolve until the registrar removes the hold. This status is applied as part of our standard abuse mitigation procedures to ensure that domains under our management are not involved in any illegal or harmful activities. Importantly, this action is not arbitrary. It is taken only after careful consideration and in compliance with ICANN regulations, ensuring that the domain holder is protected and given due process.
2. Misunderstanding the "Phishing Domain Score"
We have noticed references to our "Phishing Domain Score" being significantly higher than other registrars. However, it is important to clarify the nature of this score and the factors that influence it.
The "Phishing Domain Score" is often misunderstood as an indicator of a registrar's overall performance or security practices. In reality, this score is based on a combination of factors, including the historical presence of phishing-related domains under a registrar's portfolio. It does not account for a registrar's active efforts to prevent or mitigate phishing attacks, nor does it reflect the broader security measures in place.
At NiceNIC, we take proactive measures to address abuse concerns at every stage of the domain lifecycle. We also collaborate with Netcraft and NetBeacon to ensure our domains are not used for malicious purposes and have an industry-leading response time when dealing with abuse reports.
As ICANN-accredited registrars, we work closely with these partners, who are recognized for their expertise in identifying phishing and fraud threats. Their advanced tools and real-time monitoring capabilities help us track and mitigate abuse, ensuring we maintain a secure and compliant domain registration environment. Our cooperation with these industry leaders reinforces our commitment to safeguarding both our clients and the broader internet ecosystem.
As ICANN-accredited registrars, we work closely with these partners, who are recognized for their expertise in identifying phishing and fraud threats. Their advanced tools and real-time monitoring capabilities help us track and mitigate abuse, ensuring we maintain a secure and compliant domain registration environment. Our cooperation with these industry leaders reinforces our commitment to safeguarding both our clients and the broader internet ecosystem.
Furthermore, it is crucial to note that the "Phishing Domain Score" is not an inherent flaw of any registrar but rather a reflection of past patterns. The presence of a higher score does not imply ongoing negligence, but rather points to the need for continuous vigilance, which NiceNIC is committed to.

(In 2025, NetBeacon reported a 96% success rate in handling abuse cases involving 409 domains, with an average response time of just 36 hours, and a notable peak in abuse activity in December, reflecting continuous improvement in abuse mitigation efficiency. Source: NetBeacon)
3. Our Comprehensive Abuse Handling Measures
NiceNIC adheres strictly to ICANN's abuse policies and implements robust mechanisms to detect and prevent domain abuse. We:
- Receive all incoming abuse complaints.
- Investigate claims with full transparency and in accordance with ICANN's guidelines.
- Take appropriate actions, including suspensions, when evidence of phishing, malware, or fraud is identified.
Our goal is always to maintain a safe and secure domain registration environment for all stakeholders.
4. Protecting Customer Data and Ensuring Compliance
As an ICANN-accredited registrar, NiceNIC is committed to the highest standards of customer data protection and privacy. We comply with all relevant data protection regulations and continuously update our systems to safeguard our clients' information. We take any accusations of mishandling customer data seriously and ensure that all operations are conducted in full compliance with global privacy standards.
5. Conclusion: Our Commitment to Transparency and Security
NiceNIC is dedicated to maintaining the highest levels of integrity, compliance, and transparency in the domain registration industry. We continue to monitor and respond to any abuse concerns promptly, ensuring that our actions are aligned with ICANN's rules.
We encourage responsible reporting based on verified data rather than speculation. We will continue to provide reliable, secure, and compliant services to all of our clients.
Thank you for your continued trust in NiceNIC.
RELATED NEWS:
Last News:
NiceNIC & NetBeacon: Collaborative Efforts to Combat Domain Abuse
Next News: NiceNIC's Official Statement Regarding Unauthorized Social Media Impersonation
Next News: NiceNIC's Official Statement Regarding Unauthorized Social Media Impersonation






