Question

Many smaller organizations have their Web sites maintained by a third party. How could you use whois to find if this is the case, and if so, the identity of the third party?

Short answer

Use a Whois database to look up the domain name and check the registrant's details for a third party.

Step-by-step solution

- Access a Whois Database

Visit a Whois database website such as whois.net or whois.icann.org.

- Enter the Domain Name

Type the domain name of the website you are investigating into the search bar and initiate the search.

- Review Registration Information

Look through the registration information provided. Focus on the registrant's details which may include the name and contact information.

- Identify Third Party

Check if the registrant's information mentions a third party or an organization that is different from the owning organization. If it does, this third party is maintaining the website.

Key concepts

Whois database

The Whois database is an incredibly useful tool for anyone looking to gather information about a specific domain name. This database contains various details related to domain names, including the registrant’s information, registration dates, and the registrar. It's like a directory that keeps track of who owns what domain on the internet.
To use a Whois database, you can visit websites like whois.net or whois.icann.org. These platforms allow you to search for domain names by typing the domain into a search bar. The resulting information can tell you a lot about the domain, including who registered it and when.
Whois databases are a cornerstone for web maintenance and domain management, especially when determining the parties involved in a website.

Domain name registration

Domain name registration is the process where you choose and register a domain name to represent your website. You typically do this through a domain registrar like GoDaddy, Namecheap, or Google Domains.
When you register a domain name, you're required to provide certain information, including your name, address, email, and phone number. This data is then stored in the Whois database.
Registering a domain name grants you the ownership of that name for the period you choose, usually ranging from one to ten years. It’s essential to keep your domain registration details up to date, as incorrect information can lead to your domain being held or even canceled.

Website registrant information

Website registrant information consists of details about the person or organization that has registered the domain name. This includes registrant’s details like their name, address, phone number, and email.
When you perform a Whois search, you often get access to this registrant information. This can help you identify who owns the website and if there’s any third party involved, especially if you notice different names or organizations listed.
Accurate registrant information is crucial for domain management and legal purposes. Incorrect or outdated information can lead to complications, including the potential loss of the domain.

Third party web management

Many smaller organizations outsource their web maintenance to third-party companies. This practice is known as third party web management and can be quite useful for those who lack the necessary technical skills.
If you're curious whether a website is managed by a third party, doing a Whois search can help. By examining the registrant’s information, you can see if the registrant is actually a third-person company or service different from the owning organization.
Outsourcing to a third party can offer several benefits, such as specialized expertise and cost savings. However, it's important to ensure that the third party is reputable and trustworthy to avoid potential issues.