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{{CompanyInfo|
{{Actor
| logo = verisignlogo.png
|stakeholder group=Business
| platsponsor = ICANNWiki [[Sponsorship|Platinum Sponsor]]
|actor type=Root Server Operator, Domain Name Registry
| type = Public
|country=USA
| industry = Internet, Communications, Registry
|website=[https://www.verisign.com Verisign.com]
| founded = 1995
|issue areas=DNS
| founders = [[Jim Bidzos]]
|Logo=verisignlogo.png
|founded=1995
| headquarters = 12061 Bluemont Way,<br/>Reston, VA 20190
|founders=[[Jim Bidzos]]
|headquarters=12061 Bluemont Way,<br/>Reston, VA 20190
|employees=1,009 worldwide<ref name="factsheet">[http://www.verisigninc.com/en_US/company-information/about-verisign/fact-sheet/index.xhtml Fact Sheet]. Verisign.</ref>
|revenue=$772 million (2011 Naming Services Revenue)<ref name="factsheet"></ref>
| employees = 1,009 worldwide<ref name="factsheet">[http://www.verisigninc.com/en_US/company-information/about-verisign/fact-sheet/index.xhtml Fact Sheet]. Verisign.</ref>
|twitter=VERISIGN
| revenue = $772 million (2011 Naming Services Revenue)<ref name="factsheet"></ref>
|keypeople=[[Jim Bidzos]], Founder, Chairman, CEO<br>
[[Thomas Indelicarto]], Executive VP
[[Pat Kane]], SVP, Naming and Directory Services<br>
| twitter = VERISIGN
| keypeople =
[[Jim Bidzos]], Founder, Chairman, CEO<br>
[[Pat Kane]], SVP and GM of Naming Services<br>
[[Keith Drazek]], Director of Policy<br>
[[Keith Drazek]], Director of Policy<br>
[[Chuck Gomes]], VP of Policy and Compliance<br>
[[Chuck Gomes]], VP of Policy and Compliance<br>
[[Scott Schnell]], SVP of Marketing<br>
[[Scott Schnell]], SVP of Marketing<br>
[[George Kilguss III]] SVP and Chief Financial Officer.<br>
[[George Kilguss III]] SVP and Chief Financial Officer.<br>
[[Joe Waldron]], VP of Core Naming Services<br>
[[Joe Waldron]], VP of Core Naming Services<br>
}}
}}
'''Verisign''' is an Internet infrastructure service provider. It is based in Reston, VA and was founded in 1995. The company has offices around the world, in Virginia, California, Washington D.C., India, Brazil, China, Australia, Switzerland, and the UK.
'''Verisign''' is an Internet infrastructure service provider. It is based in Reston, VA and was founded in 1995. The company has offices around the world, in Virginia, California, Washington D.C., India, Brazil, China, Australia, Switzerland, and the UK.
Its registry services include operating the authoritative directory for the following [[TLD]]s:
Its registry services include operating the authoritative directory for the following [[TLD]]s:
<div style="column-count:2;-moz-column-count:2;-webkit-column-count:2">
* [[.com]]
* [[.com]]
* [[.net]]
* [[.net]]
* [[.edu]]
* [[.edu]]
* [[.gov]]
* [[.gov]]
</div>
Verisign runs two of the world's thirteen root servers: a.root-servers.net and j.root-servers.net, which are considered national IT assets by the U.S. Federal government.<ref name="factsheet"></ref> Verisign's average daily [[DNS|Domain Name System]] (DNS) query load for the first quarter of 2012 was 66 billion, with a peak of 74 billion; this represents a daily average increase of 4 percent over the previous quarter, while the peak decreased 37 percent.<ref>[http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/internet-grows-to-more-than-233-million-domain-names-in-the-first-quarter-of-2012-nasdaq-vrsn-1679901.htm Internet Grows to More than 233 million Domain names In The First Quarter]. Market Wire. Published 2012 July 13.</ref>
Verisign runs two of the world's thirteen root servers: a.root-servers.net and j.root-servers.net, which are considered national IT assets by the U.S. Federal government.<ref name="factsheet"></ref> During the fourth quarter of 2015, Verisign’s average daily Domain Name System (DNS) query load was approximately 123 billion queries per day across all TLDs operated by Verisign, with a peak of nearly 194 billion; this represents a daily average increase of 2.8 percent, while the peak decreased 67 percent.<ref>[http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160414006612/en/Internet-Grows-314-Million-Domain-Names-Fourth Business Wire: Internet Grows. Retrieved 17 Jun 2016.]</ref>
Verisign was also well-known for its authentication services, which included business authentication services such as implementing and operating secure networks, utilizing [[SSL]] protocol, encrypting transactions and communications, and user authentication services such as identity protection, fraud detection, and public key infrastructure.<ref>[http://finance.yahoo.com/q/pr?s=VRSN VRSN]. Yahoo! Finance.</ref> Those services were sold to [[Symantec]] in 2010.<ref name="reuters1">[http://www.reuters.com/article/2010/05/18/verisign-idUSN1816653320100518 UPDATE 2-Symantec close to buying VeriSign unit -- source]. Reuters. Published 2010 May 18.</ref> Prior to selling those services, Verisign had 3,000,000 certificates in operation, which made it the largest[[CA| Certificate Authority]] behind the encryption and authentication on the Internet.<ref>[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Verisign Verisign, En.Wikipedia.org]</ref>
Verisign was also well-known for its authentication services, which included business authentication services such as implementing and operating secure networks, utilizing [[SSL]] protocol, encrypting transactions and communications, and user authentication services such as identity protection, fraud detection, and public key infrastructure.<ref>[http://finance.yahoo.com/q/pr?s=VRSN VRSN]. Yahoo! Finance.</ref> Those services were sold to [[Symantec]] in 2010.<ref name="reuters1">[http://www.reuters.com/article/2010/05/18/verisign-idUSN1816653320100518 UPDATE 2-Symantec close to buying VeriSign unit -- source]. Reuters. Published 2010 May 18.</ref> Prior to selling those services, Verisign had 3,000,000 certificates in operation, which made it the largest[[CA| Certificate Authority]] behind the encryption and authentication on the Internet.<ref>[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Verisign Verisign, En.Wikipedia.org]</ref>
In October 2011, Verisign's registry management for [[.com]] domains passed the 100 million mark.<ref>[http://domainincite.com/com-passed-100-million-mark-in-october/ Com Passed 100 million mark in October]</ref> In the first quarter of 2012, figures showed that it held more than 50% of registrations for all TLDs.<ref>[http://www.trefis.com/stock/vrsn/articles/108265/verisign-sits-pretty-at-39-registered-half-of-all-domain-names/2012-03-14 Verisign Sites Pretty at 39 Registered Half of All Domain Names, Trefis.com]</ref> By the end of 2012's second quarter, Verisign had 240 million domain names across all of the TLDs it operates, with .com and .net holding 49% of the TLD market share, a drop of 2% from the first quarter.<ref>[http://www.trefis.com/stock/vrsn/articles/146666/verisigns-dropping-com-and-net-is-a-troubling-trend/2012-10-03 Verisign’s Dropping .com And .net Is A Troubling Trend, trefis.com]</ref>
In September 2015, Verisign's registry management for [[.com]] domains passed the 118 million mark.<ref>[https://www.verisign.com/en_US/internet-technology-news/verisign-press-releases/articles/index.xhtml?artLink=aHR0cDovL3ZlcmlzaWduLm13bmV3c3Jvb20uY29tL2FydGljbGUvcnNzP2lkPTE5ODUwMzk%3D Internet Grows. Retrieved 17 Jun 2016.]</ref> In the first quarter of 2012, figures showed that it held more than 50% of registrations for all TLDs.<ref>[http://www.trefis.com/stock/vrsn/articles/108265/verisign-sits-pretty-at-39-registered-half-of-all-domain-names/2012-03-14 Verisign Sites Pretty at 39 Registered Half of All Domain Names, Trefis.com]</ref> By the end of 2012's second quarter, Verisign had 240 million domain names across all of the TLDs it operates, with .com and .net holding 49% of the TLD market share, a drop of 2% from the first quarter.<ref>[http://www.trefis.com/stock/vrsn/articles/146666/verisigns-dropping-com-and-net-is-a-troubling-trend/2012-10-03 Verisign’s Dropping .com And .net Is A Troubling Trend, trefis.com]</ref>
== Products and Services ==
== Products and Services ==
===.com Renewals===
===.com Renewals===
The dropping of the aforementioned litigation between Verisign and ICANN may have cleared the way for the renewal of the [[.com]] registry agreement from 2005 through 2012.<ref>[http://www.theregister.co.uk/2005/10/25/verisign_icann_deal/ Verisign ICANN deal, TheRegister.co.uk]</ref> The agreement and its appendices can be viewed via the ICANN site [http://www.icann.org/en/about/agreements/registries/com here].
The dropping of the aforementioned litigation between Verisign and ICANN cleared the way for the renewal of the [[.com]] registry agreement from 2005 through 2012.<ref>[http://www.theregister.co.uk/2005/10/25/verisign_icann_deal/ Verisign ICANN deal], TheRegister.co.uk. Puhed 25 October 2005.</ref> The agreement and its appendices can be viewed via the ICANN site [http://www.icann.org/en/about/agreements/registries/com here].
In March 2012, [[ICANN]] posted a proposal for Verisign's potential renewal of the 2006 .com registry agreement.<ref>[http://www.icann.org/en/news/announcements/announcement-27mar12-en.htm .com Registry Agreement Renewal], ICANN.org.</ref> Three months later, in June 2012, the [[ICANN Board]] went against community suggestions to approve Verisign's .com registry agreement for an additional seven years after its expiration on November 30th, 2012. According to the ICANN decision, Verisign would've also been allowed to increase its registry fee by 7% in four out of the next seven years,<ref>[http://domainincite.com/9610-icann-gives-verisigns-com-contract-the-nod ICANN gives Verisign’s .com contract the nod], DomainIncite.com. Published 25 June 2012. Retrieved 28 November 2012.</ref> but this decision was changed by the [[DOC|Department of Commerce]]. Nonetheless, the new policy will result in Verisign paying ICANN a $0.25 fee for every .com registration, renewal, or transfer, instead of the lump sums it paid previously, potentially netting ICANN an additional $8 million in revenue annually.<ref>[http://domainincite.com/9845-icann-to-get-8-million-more-from-new-com-deal ICANN to get $8 million more from new .com deal], DomainIncite.com. Published 27 July 2012. Retrieved 28 November 2012.</ref><ref name="verisign2">[http://domainincite.com/10865-breaking-us-probing-verisign-price-hikes-com-contract-extended US probing Verisign price hikes, .com contract may be extended], DomainIncite.com. Published 25 October 2012. Retrieved 28 November 2012.</ref> The original board resolutions can be viewed [http://www.icann.org/en/groups/board/documents/resolutions-23jun12-en.htm#2 here].
In August 2012, three of [[ICANN]]'s Constituencies ([[ALAC]], [[GNSO]] [[Business Constituency]], [[GNSO]] [[Intellectual Property Constituency]]) sent a letter to ICANN complaining that the organization held its renewal talks with Verisign behind closed doors and the result is that there are no [[Whois|Thick Whois]] requirements for the .com TLD.<ref>[http://domainnamewire.com/2012/08/21/constituencies-blast-icanns-closed-door-verisign-com-contract-renewal/ Constituencies Blast ICANNs Closed Door Verisign Com Contract Renewal, DomainNameWire.com]</ref> The decision could not move forward without approval from the [[DOC|Department of Commerce]], which Verisign received on November 29th, 2012.<ref name="verisign2"></ref><ref name="verisign3">[https://investor.verisign.com/releaseDetail.cfm?ReleaseID=724216 Verisign Announces US Department of Commerce Approval of Newly Revised .com Registry Agreement], Verisign.com. Published 30 November 2012.</ref>
Verisign is to serve as the registry operator for .com from December 2012 through November 2018, with new terms and conditions, including:
* Verisign's current pricing of $7.85 per domain name registration will remain unchanged for the next six years;
* Verisign no longer holds the right to increasing prices up to seven percent over the six-year term, and all new price increases will be circumstantial and subject to Commerce Department approval.<ref name="verisign3"></ref>
Those who benefit most from the prize freeze include consumers, those who purchase .com domain names in bulk, brand owners who maintain expensive defensive registrations, and registrars who no longer need to pass on cost increases to their consumers.<ref>[http://domainincite.com/11176-winners-and-losers-in-the-new-com-pricing-regime Winners and losers in the new .com pricing regime], DomainIncite.com. Published 30 November 2012.</ref>
"Consumers will benefit from Verisign's removal of the automatic price increases," said [[Larry Strickling]] of [[NTIA]]. "At the same time, the agreement protects the security and stability of the Internet by allowing Verisign to take cost-based price increases where justified."<ref>[http://www.ntia.doc.gov/press-release/2012/department-commerce-approves-verisign-icann-com-registry-renewal-agreement Department of Commerce Approves Verisign-ICANN .com Registry Renewal Agreement], NTIA.doc.gov. Published 30 November 2012.</ref>
If [[ICANN]]'s [[new gTLD]] program becomes successful and "market power" is removed from .com's, Verisign believes that all price caps on .com's could be lifted as early as 2014.<ref>[http://www.thedomains.com/2012/11/30/verisign-if-new-gtlds-are-successful-we-might-be-able-to-lift-all-price-caps-on-coms/ Verisign: If New gTLD’s Are Successful We Might Be Able To Lift All Price Caps On .Com’s], TheDomains.com. Published 30 November 2012.</ref>
===.net Renewals===
===.net Renewals===
In other domain name negotiations with [[ICANN]], Verisign traded the [[.org]] [[TLD]] in return for continued rights over [[.com]]. In mid-2005, when Verisign's contract for operation of the [[.net]] TLD expired, Verisign and five other companies bid for it. Verisign was supported by renowned IT companies like Microsoft, [[IBM]], [[Sun Microsystems]], and [[MCI]]. On June 8, 2005, ICANN announced that Verisign had been approved to operate [[.net]] until 2011.<ref>[http://www.icann.org/en/tlds/dotnet-reassignment/dotnet-general.htm General Information Regarding Designation of the Subsequent .net registry Operator], ICANN.org.</ref> These agreements have presumptive right of renewal clauses that encourage the registry operators to invest in critical Internet infrastructure. Verisign was subsequently approved to operate the .net registry through 2017.<ref>[http://www.internetnews.com/infra/icann-renews-verisigns-.net-contract.html ICANN Renews Verisign .net Contract], InternetNews.com. Published 5 July 2011.</ref>
In other domain name negotiations with [[ICANN]], Verisign traded the [[.org]] [[TLD]] in return for continued rights over [[.com]]. In mid-2005, when Verisign's contract for operation of the [[.net]] TLD expired, Verisign and five other companies bid for it. Verisign was supported by renowned IT companies like Microsoft, [[IBM]], [[Sun Microsystems]], and [[MCI]]. On June 8, 2005, ICANN announced that Verisign had been approved to operate [[.net]] until 2011.<ref>[http://www.icann.org/en/tlds/dotnet-reassignment/dotnet-general.htm General Information Regarding Designation of the Subsequent .net registry Operator], ICANN.org.</ref> These agreements have presumptive right of renewal clauses that encourage the registry operators to invest in critical Internet infrastructure. Verisign was subsequently approved to operate the .net registry through 2017.<ref>[http://www.internetnews.com/infra/icann-renews-verisigns-.net-contract.html ICANN Renews Verisign .net Contract], InternetNews.com. Published 5 July 2011.</ref>
===.net Audit===
In January, 2013, Senior Vice President [[Pat Kane]] sent [[ICANN]] a letter stating that it had no intentions submitting to an ICANN audit of its [[.net]] registry. Kane wrote, "Verisign has no contractual obligations under its .net Registry Agreement with ICANN to comply with the proposed audit. Absent such express contractual obligations, Verisign will not submit itself to an audit by or at the direction of ICANN of its books and records." This comes directly after implementing a new "Contractual Compliance Audit Program", introduced under new CEO [[Fadi Chehadé]] in mid-late 2012 as a 3 year plan to ensure all registries and registrars are following their contracts. A registry audit would entail a review of compliance with [[Whois]], zone file access, data escrow, monthly reporting, and other policies outlined in the registry agreements. Mr. Chehadé had made a big focus of Contract Compliance and had promoted the head of Compliance, [[Maguy Serad]], to report directly to him.<ref>[http://domainincite.com/11560-in-major-snub-verisign-refuses-to-let-icann-audit-net In Major Sub Verisign Refuses to Let ICANN Audit Net, DomainIncite.com]Published & retrieved 11 Jan 2012</ref>
==New gTLDs==
==New gTLDs==
===IDN Transliterations of .com & .net===
In December 2011, weeks before the opening of [[ICANN]]'s new [[gTLD]] program, the Chinese national [[registry]], [[CNNIC]], announced that it was applying for the IDN equivalents of .company, and .network.<ref>[http://tech.sina.com.cn/i/2011-12-20/10326538420.shtml .company .network Domain Names], Sina.com. Published 20 December 2011.</ref> This move was seen as potentially problematic given Verisign's own plans to seek the IDN equivalents of their [[.com]] and [[.net]] TLDs, such as their intention to apply for multiple transliterated versions of .com and .net.<ref>[http://www.managingip.com/Article/2761204/VeriSign-wants-com-and-net-IDNs.html Verisign Wants Com and Net], ManagingIP.com. Published 3 February 2011.</ref> Verisign's [[Pat Kane]] later added in January 2012 that the company was planning on applying for "about 12" new gTLDs, and noted that most of these were going to be foreign language transliterations of [[.com]].<ref>[http://seekingalpha.com/article/322517-verisign-management-discusses-q4-2011-results-earnings-call-transcript?part=qanda 2011 Results Earnings Call Transcript], SeekingAlpha.com. Published 26 January 2012.</ref> Expected languages included Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Cyrillic, Arabic, and Hebrew.<ref>[http://domainnamewire.com/2012/01/26/verisign-plans-to-apply-for-about-12-new-top-level-domain-names/ Verisign Plans to Apply for About 12 New Top Level Domain Names], DomainNameWire.com. Published 26 January 2012.</ref> It was also noted then that Verisign had already been chosen to provide [[registry]] services for several [[Brand gTLD|.brand]] initiatives.<ref>[http://domainincite.com/verisign-to-apply-for-a-dozen-new-gtlds/ Verisign to Apply for a Dozen New gTLDs], DomainIncite.com. Published 27 January 2012.</ref>
In December 2011, weeks before the opening of [[ICANN]]'s new [[gTLD]] program, the Chinese national [[registry]], [[CNNIC]], announced that it was applying for the IDN equivalents of .company, and .network.<ref>[http://tech.sina.com.cn/i/2011-12-20/10326538420.shtml .company .network Domain Names], Sina.com. Published 20 December 2011.</ref> This move was seen as potentially problematic given Verisign's own plans to seek the IDN equivalents of their [[.com]] and [[.net]] TLDs, such as their intention to apply for multiple transliterated versions of .com and .net.<ref>[http://www.managingip.com/Article/2761204/VeriSign-wants-com-and-net-IDNs.html Verisign Wants Com and Net], ManagingIP.com. Published 3 February 2011.</ref> Verisign's [[Pat Kane]] later added in January 2012 that the company was planning on applying for "about 12" new gTLDs, and noted that most of these were going to be foreign language transliterations of [[.com]].<ref>[http://seekingalpha.com/article/322517-verisign-management-discusses-q4-2011-results-earnings-call-transcript?part=qanda 2011 Results Earnings Call Transcript], SeekingAlpha.com. Published 26 January 2012.</ref> Expected languages included Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Cyrillic, Arabic, and Hebrew.<ref>[http://domainnamewire.com/2012/01/26/verisign-plans-to-apply-for-about-12-new-top-level-domain-names/ Verisign Plans to Apply for About 12 New Top Level Domain Names], DomainNameWire.com. Published 26 January 2012.</ref> It was also noted then that Verisign had already been chosen to provide [[registry]] services for several [[Brand gTLD|.brand]] initiatives.<ref>[http://domainincite.com/verisign-to-apply-for-a-dozen-new-gtlds/ Verisign to Apply for a Dozen New gTLDs], DomainIncite.com. Published 27 January 2012.</ref>
During its first quarter earnings report, on April 26, 2012, it was confirmed that Verisign would be applying for 14 new gTLDs, 12 of which are foreign language transliterations of .com and .net. They also announced that they had been contracted by 220 new gTLD applicants to provide technical backend services.<ref>[http://domainincite.com/breaking-verisign-has-220-new-gtld-clients/ Breaking: Verisign has 220 new gTLD clients], DomainIncite.com. Published 26 April 2012.</ref><ref>[http://domainnamewire.com/2012/04/26/verisign-is-backend-for-220-new-tld-applicants-and-applies-for-14-itself/ VeriSign is backend for 220 new TLD applicants and applies for 14 itself], DomainNameWire.com. Published 26 April 2012.</ref> They were the fourth most popular registry services provider, contracted by a total of 12% of applicants.<ref>[http://domainincite.com/9442-the-registry-back-end-market-numbers-are-in The Registry Back end Market Numbers are In], DomainIncite.com. Published 17 June 2012.</ref>
During its first quarter earnings report, on April 26, 2012, it was confirmed that Verisign would be applying for 14 new gTLDs, 12 of which are foreign language transliterations of .com and .net.
The languages chosen for transliterations include: Thai, Deva, Korean (Hang), Chinese (Hant/Traditional & Hans/Simplified), Hebrew, Russian, Arabic, Japanese. The two non-IDN applications by the company are for [[.comsec]] and [[.verisign]].
In July 2013, Verisign's [[Pat Kane]] outlined in an article<ref>[http://blogs.verisigninc.com/blog/entry/update_on_verisign_s_idn Update on Versigns IDNs Versigininc.com] Retrieved 4 Oct 2013</ref> the company's plans for allowing existing registrants of second-level [[IDN]] domain names to secure the matching domain under Verisign's new [[IDN]] gTLDs. For example, if you're the registrant of the Hebrew word for "website" that is registered as a second-level domain under [[.com]], you will have the rights to that second-level name under the gTLD "[[.קוֹם|קוֹם.]]" but you will not have the rights under the Hebrew transliteration of ".net" if it existed.<ref>[http://domainincite.com/13702-verisign-lays-out-buy-once-idn-gtld-plans Verisign lays out buy once IDN gTLD plans, Domain Incite] Retrieved 4 Oct 2013</ref>
===Clients===
They also announced that they had been contracted by 220 new gTLD applicants to provide technical backend services.<ref>[http://domainincite.com/breaking-verisign-has-220-new-gtld-clients/ Breaking: Verisign has 220 new gTLD clients], DomainIncite.com. Published 26 April 2012.</ref><ref>[http://domainnamewire.com/2012/04/26/verisign-is-backend-for-220-new-tld-applicants-and-applies-for-14-itself/ VeriSign is backend for 220 new TLD applicants and applies for 14 itself], DomainNameWire.com. Published 26 April 2012.</ref> They were the fourth most popular registry services provider, contracted by a total of 12% of applicants.<ref>[http://domainincite.com/9442-the-registry-back-end-market-numbers-are-in The Registry Back end Market Numbers are In], DomainIncite.com. Published 17 June 2012.</ref>
===Capabilities===
In November 2012, the three entities most responsible for the Internet's [[Root Zone]], [[ICANN]], [[NTIA]], and Verisign, confirmed that they were prepared with enough resources to launch up to 100 new gTLDs per week.<ref>[http://domainincite.com/10961-icann-verisign-and-ntia-ready-for-100-new-gtlds-per-week ICANN Verisign and Ntia Ready for 100 New gTLDs per week], DomainIncite.com. Published 8 November 2012.</ref>
In November 2012, the three entities most responsible for the Internet's [[Root Zone]], [[ICANN]], [[NTIA]], and Verisign, confirmed that they were prepared with enough resources to launch up to 100 new gTLDs per week.<ref>[http://domainincite.com/10961-icann-verisign-and-ntia-ready-for-100-new-gtlds-per-week ICANN Verisign and Ntia Ready for 100 New gTLDs per week], DomainIncite.com. Published 8 November 2012.</ref>
This solution also works for those that are conducting 'first come – first served' style sunrise processes."<ref>[http://domainincite.com/10694-ip-interests-should-join-the-trademark-clearinghouse-meeting-on-tuesday IP interests Should Join The Trademark Clearinghouse Meeting], DomainIncite.com. Published 5 October 2012.</ref>
This solution also works for those that are conducting 'first come – first served' style sunrise processes."<ref>[http://domainincite.com/10694-ip-interests-should-join-the-trademark-clearinghouse-meeting-on-tuesday IP interests Should Join The Trademark Clearinghouse Meeting], DomainIncite.com. Published 5 October 2012.</ref>
===Raises Questions on Security & Readiness===
In late March 2013, Verisign sent [[ICANN]] and the [[DOC|U.S. Dept. of Commerce]] a report analyzing the readiness of [[ICANN]] to safely implement its [[New gTLD Program]]. The 21 page document covered a large variety of issues but focused on readiness and potential weak points in the program and the implementation of New gTLDs. Many speculated at reasons beyond public welfare for the report being issued, such as an interest in delaying the program due to its vested interest in the .com market dominance. Still, Verisign has over 200 new gTLD clients that are looking towards implementation in order to start profiting from or otherwise utilizing their applied-for extensions. ICANN's CEO, Mr. [[Fadi Chehadé]], defended the organization's readiness and noted that the report contained no new information or areas that have not been addressed, stressing that the program was continuing on schedule with an acute attention to all matters of security.<ref>[http://domainincite.com/12465-chehade-says-no-delay-as-verisign-drops-a-security-bomb-on-icann Chehade Says No Delay as Verisign Drops a Security Bomb, DomainIncite.com] Published& Retrieved March 29 2013</ref>
== Security Breach==
== Security Breach==
==History==
==History==
* 1995 - [[RSA]] pioneered two-factor authentication and encryption, and Verisign was founded as a 'spin-off' of the [[RSA]] security technology to act as a [[Certificate Authority|certificate authority]].<ref>[http://www.rsa.com/press_release.aspx?id=10462 RSA and Verisign Team Up On Cloud-Based, Two-Factor Authentication Offering]. RSA. Published 2009 October 8.</ref>
* '''1995''' - [[RSA]] pioneered two-factor authentication and encryption, and Verisign was founded as a 'spin-off' of the [[RSA]] security technology to act as a [[Certificate Authority|certificate authority]].<ref>[http://www.rsa.com/press_release.aspx?id=10462 RSA and Verisign Team Up On Cloud-Based, Two-Factor Authentication Offering]. RSA. Published 2009 October 8.</ref>
* '''1995 June''' - Verisign announced partnerships with [[Apple]] Computer Inc. and [[Netscape]] Communications Corp. to implement VeriSign's Digital IDs in their software products.<ref>[http://www.thefreelibrary.com/VeriSign+Inc.+Announces+Partnerships+with+Industry+Leaders%3b+Partners...-a017098458 VeriSign Inc. Announces Partnerships with Industry Leaders]. The Free Library. Published 1995 June 22.</ref>
* June 1995 - Verisign announced partnerships with [[Apple]] Computer Inc. and [[Netscape]] Communications Corp. to implement VeriSign's Digital IDs in their software products.<ref>[http://www.thefreelibrary.com/VeriSign+Inc.+Announces+Partnerships+with+Industry+Leaders%3b+Partners...-a017098458 VeriSign Inc. Announces Partnerships with Industry Leaders]. The Free Library. Published 1995 June 22.</ref>
* '''1995 August''' - Verisign appointed [[Stratton Sclavos]] President and CEO.<ref>[http://www.thefreelibrary.com/VeriSign+appoints+Stratton+D.+Sclavos+president+and+CEO%3B+Industry...-a017194995 VeriSign appoints Stratton D. Sclavos president and CEO]. The Free Library. Published 1995 August 17.</ref>
* August 1995 - Verisign appointed [[Stratton Sclavos]] President and CEO.<ref>[http://www.thefreelibrary.com/VeriSign+appoints+Stratton+D.+Sclavos+president+and+CEO%3B+Industry...-a017194995 VeriSign appoints Stratton D. Sclavos president and CEO]. The Free Library. Published 1995 August 17.</ref>
* '''1996 January''' - Verisign introduced the first online digital certificate issue system at the [[RSA]] Data Security Conference in San Francisco.<ref>[http://www.referenceforbusiness.com/history2/29/VeriSign-Inc.html VeriSign, Inc. - Company Profile]. Reference for Business.</ref> Verisign also announced an agreement with [[Terisa Systems]] to develop a new and complete Internet security solutions.<ref> [http://www.thefreelibrary.com/VERISIGN+AND+TERISA+SYSTEMS+PARTNER+TO+DELIVER+INTERNET+COMMERCE...-a017778731 Verisign and Turisa Systems to Partner]. The Free Library. Published 1996 January 16.</ref>
* January 1996 - Verisign introduced the first online digital certificate issue system at the [[RSA]] Data Security Conference in San Francisco.<ref>[http://www.referenceforbusiness.com/history2/29/VeriSign-Inc.html VeriSign, Inc. - Company Profile]. Reference for Business.</ref> Verisign also announced an agreement with [[Terisa Systems]] to develop a new and complete Internet security solutions.<ref> [http://www.thefreelibrary.com/VERISIGN+AND+TERISA+SYSTEMS+PARTNER+TO+DELIVER+INTERNET+COMMERCE...-a017778731 Verisign and Turisa Systems to Partner]. The Free Library. Published 1996 January 16.</ref>
* '''1996 January''' - Secure Email was launched. Verisign lunched Code Signing with [[Microsoft]] in March, 1996. In August, 1996, [[Microsoft]] and Verisign announced the availability of client authentication technology for [[Microsoft]] IE users by using Verisign Digital IDs. <ref> [http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/1996/aug96/clientpr.mspx Microsoft and VeriSign Announce Availability of Digital IDs For Microsoft Internet Explorer 3.0 User]. Microsoft. Published 1996 August 13.</ref>
* January 1996 - Secure Email was launched. Verisign lunched Code Signing with [[Microsoft]] in March, 1996. In August, 1996, [[Microsoft]] and Verisign announced the availability of client authentication technology for [[Microsoft]] IE users by using Verisign Digital IDs. <ref> [http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/1996/aug96/clientpr.mspx Microsoft and VeriSign Announce Availability of Digital IDs For Microsoft Internet Explorer 3.0 User]. Microsoft. Published 1996 August 13.</ref>
* '''1997''' - the First Internet Commerce Transactions Linking Europe, Asia, and the United States was conducted by [[Verifone]] and Verisign.<ref> [http://www.thefreelibrary.com/VeriFone+and+VeriSign+Conduct+First+Internet+Commerce+Transactions...-a019591264 VeriFone and VeriSign Conduct First Internet Commerce Transactions Linking Europe, Asia and the United States Through Global Security Standard]. The Free Library. Published 1997 July 18</ref> The United States [[DOC|Department of Commerce]] approved VeriSign's plans to issue new Verisign Global Server IDs in June 1997, which allowed 128-bit encryption.
* 1997 - the First Internet Commerce Transactions Linking Europe, Asia, and the United States was conducted by [[Verifone]] and Verisign.<ref> [http://www.thefreelibrary.com/VeriFone+and+VeriSign+Conduct+First+Internet+Commerce+Transactions...-a019591264 VeriFone and VeriSign Conduct First Internet Commerce Transactions Linking Europe, Asia and the United States Through Global Security Standard]. The Free Library. Published 1997 July 18</ref> The United States [[DOC|Department of Commerce]] approved VeriSign's plans to issue new Verisign Global Server IDs in June 1997, which allowed 128-bit encryption.
* '''1997''' - VeriSign filed to raise $40 million for its public stock.<ref>[http://news.cnet.com/VeriSign-files-to-launch-IPO/2100-1001_3-205752.html VeriSign files to launch IPO]. CNET. Published 2007 November 24.</ref> On January 10, 1998, VeriSign went public.<ref>[http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/VeriSign-Inc-Company-History.html History of VeriSign, Inc.]. Funding Universe.</ref>
* 1997 - VeriSign filed to raise $40 million for its public stock.<ref>[http://news.cnet.com/VeriSign-files-to-launch-IPO/2100-1001_3-205752.html VeriSign files to launch IPO]. CNET. Published 2007 November 24.</ref> On January 10, 1998, VeriSign went public.<ref>[http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/VeriSign-Inc-Company-History.html History of VeriSign, Inc.]. Funding Universe.</ref>
* '''1997 July''' - Verisign is acquired by [[SecureIT]], a network security service company.<ref>[http://www.thefreelibrary.com/AirDefense+Strengthens+Management+Team+With+IT+Security+Veterans%3B...-a090833985 AirDefense Strengthens Management Team With IT Security Veterans]. The Free Library. Published 2002 August 26.</ref>
* July 1997 - Verisign is acquired by [[SecureIT]], a network security service company.<ref>[http://www.thefreelibrary.com/AirDefense+Strengthens+Management+Team+With+IT+Security+Veterans%3B...-a090833985 AirDefense Strengthens Management Team With IT Security Veterans]. The Free Library. Published 2002 August 26.</ref>
* '''1998 October''' - Verisign released a fully integrated PKI platform, OnSite 4.0.<ref>[http://www.thefreelibrary.com/VeriSign+Expands+PKI+Training+and+Consulting+Services-a053079815 VeriSign Expands PKI Training and Consulting Services]. The Free Library. Published 1998 October 13.</ref>
* October 1998 - Verisign released a fully integrated PKI platform, OnSite 4.0.<ref>[http://www.thefreelibrary.com/VeriSign+Expands+PKI+Training+and+Consulting+Services-a053079815 VeriSign Expands PKI Training and Consulting Services]. The Free Library. Published 1998 October 13.</ref>
* '''1998 November''' - Verisign offered Y2K testing certs for free.
* November 1998 - Verisign offered Y2K testing certs for free.
* '''1998 December''' - Verisign introduced digital certificate service for Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) servers and gateways.<ref>[http://www.wapforum.org/new/122199_verisign.htm Verisign Launches World's Most Comprehensive Digital Certificate Service for Wireless Web Servers]. WAP Forum. Published 1999 December 21.</ref>
* December 1998 - Verisign introduced digital certificate service for Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) servers and gateways.<ref>[http://www.wapforum.org/new/122199_verisign.htm Verisign Launches World's Most Comprehensive Digital Certificate Service for Wireless Web Servers]. WAP Forum. Published 1999 December 21.</ref>
* '''2000 March''' - Verisign acquired [[Network Solutions]] for $21 billion USD, which was the largest Internet purchase to date.<ref>[http://about-networksolutions.com/corporate-history.php Corporate History]. Network Solutions.</ref><ref name="networksolutions">[http://money.cnn.com/2000/03/07/deals/verisign/ VeriSign buys domain firm]. CNN Money. Published 2000 March 7.</ref>
* March 2000 - Verisign acquired [[Network Solutions]] for $21 billion USD, which was the largest Internet purchase to date.<ref>[http://about-networksolutions.com/corporate-history.php Corporate History]. Network Solutions.</ref><ref name="networksolutions">[http://money.cnn.com/2000/03/07/deals/verisign/ VeriSign buys domain firm]. CNN Money. Published 2000 March 7.</ref>
* '''2003 November''' - Verisign sold [[Network Solutions]] to Pivotal Private Equity for about $100 million.<ref>[http://www.infoworld.com/t/networking/verisign-sells-network-solutions-282 VeriSign sells Network Solutions]. Info World. Published 2003 October 16.</ref>
* November 2003 - Verisign sold [[Network Solutions]] to Pivotal Private Equity for about $100 million.<ref>[http://www.infoworld.com/t/networking/verisign-sells-network-solutions-282 VeriSign sells Network Solutions]. Info World. Published 2003 October 16.</ref>
* '''2005 May''' - Verisign introduced a new 2048 bit VeriSign Class 3 Secure Server [[CA]] which was used to sign Secure Site Certificates obtained from their website for IIS web servers.<ref>[http://www.bennadel.com/blog/395-National-Do-Not-Call-Registry.htm National Do Not Call Registry]. Bennadel. Published 2006 November 10.</ref>
* May 2005 - Verisign introduced a new 2048 bit VeriSign Class 3 Secure Server [[CA]] which was used to sign Secure Site Certificates obtained from their website for IIS web servers.<ref>[http://www.bennadel.com/blog/395-National-Do-Not-Call-Registry.htm National Do Not Call Registry]. Bennadel. Published 2006 November 10.</ref>
* '''2005 November''' - Verisign sold their online payment service, used in conjunction with [[Paypal]], to [[eBay]] for approximately $370 million.<ref>[http://news.cnet.com/eBay-spends-370-million-for-PayPal-rival/2100-1030_3-5892637.html eBay spends $370 million for PayPal rival]. CNET. Published 2005 October 10.</ref>
* November 2005 - Verisign sold their online payment service, used in conjunction with [[Paypal]], to [[eBay]] for approximately $370 million.<ref>[http://news.cnet.com/eBay-spends-370-million-for-PayPal-rival/2100-1030_3-5892637.html eBay spends $370 million for PayPal rival]. CNET. Published 2005 October 10.</ref>
* '''2006 December''' - Verisign introduced Extended Validation [[SSL]] Certificates, standard practices for certificate validation and display approved by a group of leading [[SSL Certificate Authorities]] and browser vendors.<ref>[https://www.symantec.com/page.jsp?id=how-ssl-works How SSL Works]. Verisign.</ref>
* December 2006 - Verisign introduced Extended Validation [[SSL]] Certificates, standard practices for certificate validation and display approved by a group of leading [[SSL Certificate Authorities]] and browser vendors.<ref>[https://www.symantec.com/page.jsp?id=how-ssl-works How SSL Works]. Verisign.</ref>
* '''2007 November''' - Verisign announced plans to divest in its slower growing units and invest more in website naming and Internet security services. Projections suggested that these steps would cut Verisign's workforce in half.<ref>[http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN1416428420071114 VeriSign to divest slower units, sees staff halved]. Reuters. Published 2007 November 14.</ref>
* November 2007 - Verisign announced plans to divest in its slower growing units and invest more in website naming and Internet security services. Projections suggested that these steps would cut Verisign's workforce in half.<ref>[http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN1416428420071114 VeriSign to divest slower units, sees staff halved]. Reuters. Published 2007 November 14.</ref>
* '''2008''' - Verisign sold its global Digital Brand Management Services business for US$50 million to [[MelbourneIT]].<ref>[http://www.thewhir.com/web-hosting-news/050108_Melbourne_IT_Buys_VeriSign_Assets Melbourne IT Buys VeriSign Assets]. The Whir. Published 2008 May 1.</ref>
* 2008 - Verisign sold its global Digital Brand Management Services business for US$50 million to [[MelbourneIT]].<ref>[http://www.thewhir.com/web-hosting-news/050108_Melbourne_IT_Buys_VeriSign_Assets Melbourne IT Buys VeriSign Assets]. The Whir. Published 2008 May 1.</ref>
* '''2009 May''' - [[Stratton Sclavos]] stepped down from his positions as CEO of Verisign and [[William Roper Jr.]] was named to that position.<ref>[http://blog.domaintools.com/2007/05/stratton-sclavos-ceo-of-verisign-steps-down/ http://blog.domaintools.com/2007/05/stratton-sclavos-ceo-of-verisign-steps-down]. Domain Tools. Published 2007 May 29.</ref>. Later, [[Jim Bidzos]], the founder of Verisign was appointed as the CEO and President.<ref>[http://itknowledgeexchange.techtarget.com/security-bytes/jim-bidzos-back-as-chairman-of-verisign/ Jim Bidzos back as chairman of VeriSign]. IT Knowledge Exchange. Published 2007 August 22.</ref>
* May 2009 - [[Stratton Sclavos]] stepped down from his positions as CEO of Verisign and [[William Roper Jr.]] was named to that position.<ref>[http://blog.domaintools.com/2007/05/stratton-sclavos-ceo-of-verisign-steps-down/ http://blog.domaintools.com/2007/05/stratton-sclavos-ceo-of-verisign-steps-down]. Domain Tools. Published 2007 May 29.</ref>. Later, [[Jim Bidzos]], the founder of Verisign was appointed as the CEO and President.<ref>[http://itknowledgeexchange.techtarget.com/security-bytes/jim-bidzos-back-as-chairman-of-verisign/ Jim Bidzos back as chairman of VeriSign]. IT Knowledge Exchange. Published 2007 August 22.</ref>
* '''2010 May''' - Verisign sold the entire Authentication Services division to Symantec for 1.28 million.<ref name="reuters1"></ref> Because of this deal, Symantec now has the right to Verisign's old logo and the "VeriSign Secured" tag for SSL certification.
* May 2010 - Verisign sold the entire Authentication Services division to Symantec for 1.28 million.<ref name="reuters1"></ref> Because of this deal, Symantec now has the right to Verisign's old logo and the "VeriSign Secured" tag for SSL certification.
* '''2010 August''' - Verisign announced that it would move its headquarters from Mountain View, California to Reston, Virginia within the coming year. The move was explained given that 95% of the company's business is based on the East coast.<ref>[http://www.bizjournals.com/washington/blog/2010/08/verisign_shifts_headquarters_to_virginia.html Verisign Shifts Headquarters to Virginia]. Biz Journals. Published 2010 August 27.</ref>
* August 2010 - Verisign announced that it would move its headquarters from Mountain View, California to Reston, Virginia within the coming year. The move was explained given that 95% of the company's business is based on the East coast.<ref>[http://www.bizjournals.com/washington/blog/2010/08/verisign_shifts_headquarters_to_virginia.html Verisign Shifts Headquarters to Virginia]. Biz Journals. Published 2010 August 27.</ref>
* '''2011 July''' - [[Mark McLaughlin]] resigned from his position as CEO. He worked with Verisign since 2000, and had been CEO since 2009. Following Mr. McLaughlin's departure, Founder, Chairman, and former CEO [[Jim Bidzos]] resumed his duties as CEO.<ref>[http://www.thewhir.com/web-hosting-news/072911_VeriSign_CEO_Resigns_Founder_and_Chairman_Resumes_CEO_Duties Verisign CEO resigns.] The Wir. </ref> Another prominent executive, CFO Brian Robins, resigned in September, 2011. This happened as Verisign's stocks suffered and rumors of a buyout started circulating.<ref>[http://domainincite.com/verisign-cfo-quits-after-buyout-rumors/ VeriSign CFO quits]. Domain Incite. Published 2011 September 8.</ref>
* July 2011 - [[Mark McLaughlin]] resigned from his position as CEO. He worked with Verisign since 2000, and had been CEO since 2009. Following Mr. McLaughlin's departure, Founder, Chairman, and former CEO [[Jim Bidzos]] resumed his duties as CEO.<ref>[http://www.thewhir.com/web-hosting-news/072911_VeriSign_CEO_Resigns_Founder_and_Chairman_Resumes_CEO_Duties Verisign CEO resigns.] The Wir. </ref> Another prominent executive, CFO Brian Robins, resigned in September, 2011. This happened as Verisign's stocks suffered and rumors of a buyout started circulating.<ref>[http://domainincite.com/verisign-cfo-quits-after-buyout-rumors/ VeriSign CFO quits]. Domain Incite. Published 2011 September 8.</ref>
* '''2011 October''' - Verisign submitted its plan for a new Verisign Anti-Abuse Domain Use Policy for approval by ICANN. The policy would allow Verisign to scan domains in the .com, .net, and .name namespaces for malware, as well as to create a suspension system for sites knowingly hosting malware. These scans would be conducted quarterly, and a registrar would be able to opt out.<ref>[http://domainnamewire.com/2011/10/11/verisign-proposes-takedown-procedures-and-malware-scanning-for-com/ VeriSign Proposes Takedown Procedures and Malware Scanning for .Com]. Domain Name Wire. Published 2011 October 11.</ref> The policy would also allow Verisign to shut down websites at the request of law enforcement officials, and possibly for trademark interests.<ref>[http://www.circleid.com/posts/20111014_verisign_proposal_sudden_withdrawal_of_domain_anti_abuse_policy/ Of Canaries and Coal Mines: Verisign's Proposal and Sudden Withdrawal of Domain Anti-Abuse Policy]. CircleID. Published 2011 October 14.</ref> The policy was deemed controversial, with concern about government involvement in the Internet, as well as concern from domain registrars regarding the blurring of lines between registries and registrars.<ref>[http://domainincite.com/registrars-not-happy-with-verisign-abuse-plans/ Registrars not happy with VeriSign abuse plans]. Domain Incite. Published 2011 October 12.</ref> Two days after releasing the proposal, Verisign withdrew the request.<ref>[http://domainnamewire.com/2011/10/13/breaking-verisign-withdraws-request-for-domain-takedown/ VeriSign Withdraws Request for Domain Takedown]. Domain Name Wire. Published 2011 October 13.</ref>
* October 2011 - Verisign submitted its plan for a new Verisign Anti-Abuse Domain Use Policy for approval by ICANN. The policy would allow Verisign to scan domains in the .com, .net, and .name namespaces for malware, as well as to create a suspension system for sites knowingly hosting malware. These scans would be conducted quarterly, and a registrar would be able to opt out.<ref>[http://domainnamewire.com/2011/10/11/verisign-proposes-takedown-procedures-and-malware-scanning-for-com/ VeriSign Proposes Takedown Procedures and Malware Scanning for .Com]. Domain Name Wire. Published 2011 October 11.</ref> The policy would also allow Verisign to shut down websites at the request of law enforcement officials, and possibly for trademark interests.<ref>[http://www.circleid.com/posts/20111014_verisign_proposal_sudden_withdrawal_of_domain_anti_abuse_policy/ Of Canaries and Coal Mines: Verisign's Proposal and Sudden Withdrawal of Domain Anti-Abuse Policy]. CircleID. Published 2011 October 14.</ref> The policy was deemed controversial, with concern about government involvement in the Internet, as well as concern from domain registrars regarding the blurring of lines between registries and registrars.<ref>[http://domainincite.com/registrars-not-happy-with-verisign-abuse-plans/ Registrars not happy with VeriSign abuse plans]. Domain Incite. Published 2011 October 12.</ref> Two days after releasing the proposal, Verisign withdrew the request.<ref>[http://domainnamewire.com/2011/10/13/breaking-verisign-withdraws-request-for-domain-takedown/ VeriSign Withdraws Request for Domain Takedown]. Domain Name Wire. Published 2011 October 13.</ref>
* '''2011 October''' - Verisign's registry management for [[.com]] domains passed the 100 million mark.<ref>[http://domainincite.com/com-passed-100-million-mark-in-october/ Com Passed 100 million mark in October]. Domain Incite. Published 2012 February 2.</ref>
* October 2011 - Verisign's registry management for [[.com]] domains passed the 100 million mark.<ref>[http://domainincite.com/com-passed-100-million-mark-in-october/ Com Passed 100 million mark in October]. Domain Incite. Published 2012 February 2.</ref>
* '''2011 November''' - After the 2011 [[ICANN Board]] approval of a [[New gTLD Program|new gTLD program]], it was announced that Verisign would pursue new [[IDN]] translations of it popular [[.com]] namespace.<ref>[http://domainincite.com/afilias-to-apply-for-chinese-info/ Afilias to Apply for Chinese .info]. Domain Incite. Published 2011 November 8.</ref>
* November 2011 - After the 2011 [[ICANN Board]] approval of a [[New gTLD Program|new gTLD program]], it was announced that Verisign would pursue new [[IDN]] translations of it popular [[.com]] namespace.<ref>[http://domainincite.com/afilias-to-apply-for-chinese-info/ Afilias to Apply for Chinese .info]. Domain Incite. Published 2011 November 8.</ref>
* '''2012 June''' - ICANN renewed Verisign's contract to run the registry for the [[.com]] TLD.<ref>[http://domainincite.com/9610-icann-gives-verisigns-com-contract-the-nod ICANN gives Verisign’s .com contract the nod], DomainIncite.com. Published 25 June 2012. Retrieved 28 November 2012.</ref>
* March 2012 - ICANN renewed Verisign's contract to run the registry for the [[.com]] TLD.<ref>[http://www.icann.org/en/news/announcements/announcement-27mar12-en.htm .com Registry Agreement Renewal]. ICANN. Published 2012 March 27.</ref>
* '''2013 February''' - Famous billionaire and investor, Warren Buffet, bought 3,685,700 shares of Verisign for $165 million.<ref>[http://www.thedomains.com/2013/02/15/warren-buffet-invests-in-165-million-dollars-into-domain-industry/ Warren Buffet Invests in 165 million dollars into Domain Industry, TheDomains.com] Published and Retrieved 15 Feb 2013</ref>
==Acquisitions==
==Acquisitions==
==References==
==References==
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[[Category: Companies]]
[[Category: Companies]]
[[Category: Registries]]
[[Category: Registries]]
[[Category: Past Sponsor]]
[[Category: Past Supporters]]