WHOIS Lookup Guide

Learn how to perform WHOIS lookups and analyze domain information. This comprehensive guide covers domain research, DNS analysis, and network security.

What is WHOIS?

WHOIS is a query and response protocol used to look up information about domain names, IP addresses, and autonomous systems. It provides details about domain registration, ownership, and technical information.

How to Use the WHOIS Lookup

Navigate to the WHOIS Lookup tool
Enter the domain name or IP address to lookup
Select the lookup type (Domain, IP, or ASN)
Click "Lookup" to retrieve information
Review the detailed domain information
Check DNS records and technical details
Export or save the lookup results

WHOIS Information Explained

Registration Information

Domain Name: The registered domain
Registrar: Domain registration company
Creation Date: When domain was registered
Expiration Date: When domain expires
Updated Date: Last modification date

Contact Information

Registrant: Domain owner details
Admin Contact: Administrative contact
Tech Contact: Technical contact
Name Servers: DNS servers for domain
Status: Domain registration status

DNS Records Analysis

Common DNS Records

A Record: Maps domain to IPv4 address
AAAA Record: Maps domain to IPv6 address
CNAME Record: Creates domain aliases
MX Record: Mail exchange servers
TXT Record: Text information and verification
NS Record: Name server information

Use Cases and Applications

Security Research

Investigate suspicious domains
Check domain reputation
Analyze phishing attempts
Verify domain ownership

Business Intelligence

Competitor analysis
Domain portfolio research
Market research
Brand protection

Technical Analysis

DNS configuration review
Network troubleshooting
Server migration planning
Domain transfer preparation

Legal and Compliance

Trademark disputes
Copyright investigations
Regulatory compliance
Legal documentation

Privacy and Protection

Privacy Considerations

WHOIS Privacy: Many registrars offer privacy protection services
GDPR Compliance: EU regulations limit public WHOIS data
Data Accuracy: Ensure your domain information is current
Spam Prevention: Use privacy services to reduce spam
Identity Protection: Protect personal information from public view

Advanced Features

Advanced WHOIS Features

Bulk Lookup: Check multiple domains at once
Historical Data: View domain history and changes
Reverse Lookup: Find domains by IP address
ASN Lookup: Autonomous System Number information
Geolocation: IP address location data
API Access: Programmatic WHOIS queries

Best Practices

WHOIS Best Practices

Keep domain registration information up to date
Use privacy protection services when appropriate
Monitor domain expiration dates
Verify domain ownership before making changes
Use reputable registrars for domain registration
Document domain portfolio and renewal schedules