CRA dispels rumours of global Internet shutdown

The CRA clarified that on October 11 the ICANN will change the cryptographic key that helps protect the Domain Name System — the Internet’s address bookThe Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) has cautioned the public against misleading information circulating on social media platforms pertaining to an alleged “two-day Internet outage across the world.”The CRA clarified that on October 11, 2018, the Internet Corporation of Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) will change the cryptographic key that helps protect the Domain Name System (DNS) — the Internet’s address book.This is an important move to ensure a secure, stable, and resilient DNS, the CRA added.“To further clarify, some Internet users might be affected if their network operators or Internet Service Providers (ISPs) have not prepared for this change. However, this impact can be avoided by enabling the appropriate system security extensions,” it continued.Qatari domains such as .qa domains, .gov.qa, .org.qa, .com.qa etc., will not be affected as the latest security measures, and international standards have been implemented by CRA.The CRA is recommending to domains operators who own or manage domains not under the Qatari domains to check with their Domains Registry Operator or contact CRA for more information via support@domains.qaThe primary source for information about the rollover is http://www.icann.org/kskroll, the CRA said.