Ireland’s national domain registry, .IE, has introduced a new service called the Digital Trust Mark, designed to help businesses demonstrate secure and responsible digital practices.

Described as the “NCT for your online identity,” the initiative aims to provide visible assurance that a company’s website, email, and domain configuration meet recognised cybersecurity and operational standards.

Rising Cybersecurity Concerns

New research conducted by Amárach Research on behalf of .IE found that nearly one in five of Ireland’s leading companies experienced significant cyberattacks in the past two years.

The findings come amid broader concerns around digital crime, with fraud-related incidents rising sharply in recent months. Phishing attacks and exploitation of system vulnerabilities remain among the most common entry points for cybercriminals.

What the Digital Trust Mark Does

According to Louise McKeown Doogan, Chief Growth Officer at .IE, organisations can apply for assessment through DigitalTrust.ie. Once registered, their digital setup is evaluated using a proprietary scoring system aligned with industry best practices.

The assessment reviews:

• Website configuration

• Email security standards

• Domain setup integrity

• Responsible management of digital infrastructure

Businesses that meet the criteria receive a distinctive Digital Trust Mark symbol, signalling authenticity, reliability, and adherence to digital best practices.

Building Consumer Confidence

Until now, there has been no simple, visible indicator for consumers to determine whether a website meets recognised digital security standards. The Digital Trust Mark aims to fill that gap.

The mark is intended to function as a trust signal, similar in concept to Ireland’s National Car Test (NCT), offering reassurance that a business’s digital presence has been independently assessed.

Importantly, the service is not limited to .ie domains. It is available to Irish organisations operating on .com or other domain extensions, broadening its applicability across the business community.

A Push for Higher Digital Standards

.IE has positioned the initiative as part of a broader effort to improve Ireland’s overall digital resilience. With ransomware operations becoming increasingly sophisticated, including organised structures and support systems, strengthening foundational digital practices is becoming critical.

The registry hopes the Digital Trust Mark will become a widely recognised symbol of digital credibility within the next year, helping businesses signal trustworthiness while giving consumers clearer guidance when interacting online.

As cyber threats continue to evolve, visible verification frameworks such as the Digital Trust Mark may become an increasingly important component of national digital infrastructure and consumer protection.