Free Domain Names: How DigitalPlat’s Open-Source Project Is Changing the Web

What if anyone could start a website without paying for a domain name? Thanks to DigitalPlat, a Cloudflare-backed non-profit, that vision is becoming reality. DigitalPlat recently announced an open-source project providing free domain names, aimed at removing financial barriers and making the Internet more accessible.

This initiative isn’t meant to replace traditional domain registrars, it’s designed for students, developers, hobbyists, and creators who want to publish online without cost. For digital nomads and small business owners, projects like this highlight the growing movement toward an Internet that is secure, inclusive, and affordable.

Who Is Behind the Project?

DigitalPlat is supported by major organizations including:

  • Cloudflare
  • GitHub
  • 1Password
  • Twilio
  • The Hack Foundation

The Hack Foundation, founded in 2016, is a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports hackathons, coding clubs, and community projects. Its mission: empower people everywhere to build, experiment, and create online. According to their website, “The DigitalPlat Foundation is a global non-profit organization. It supports open-source and community development. They also explore innovative projects.”

What Free Domains Are Available?

DigitalPlat’s free domains are technically subdomains, but they function like traditional domains. Available options include:

  • .DPDNS.ORG
  • .US.KG
  • .QZZ.IO
  • .XX.KG

These domains are licensed under AGPL-3.0 and offered as a sustainable, open-source project, not a trial or limited-time promotion.

The official GitHub Free Domains page recommends managing DNS with services such as Cloudflare, FreeDNS by Afraid.org, or Hostry, all of which offer zero-cost DNS solutions.

Why This Matters for Accessibility

Free domain initiatives like DigitalPlat’s can:

  • Lower barriers for students learning web development.
  • Give non-profits and small communities an affordable way to go online.
  • Provide digital nomads and freelancers a testing ground for side projects.
  • Encourage experimentation in open-source environments.

This aligns with a broader push toward an open and inclusive web. It echoes efforts by nonprofits and tech companies. They aim to bridge the digital divide.

How to Get Started

Anyone interested can explore registration and technical details directly via DigitalPlat’s GitHub project page. The setup is transparent, community-driven, and backed by reputable organizations.

For SMBs and professionals, though, we still recommend owning a traditional domain for branding and authority. A free domain is perfect for side projects—but your main business presence should rest on a custom domain with professional email and hosting. At SofTouch Systems, we assist small businesses and nomads. We help them build reliable online identities with secure hosting. Our services also encompass DNS management and IT support through our IT Consulting Services.

DigitalPlat’s free domain names project is an exciting step toward democratizing the web. The initiative combines open-source transparency with nonprofit sponsorship. It allows anyone, from students to global travelers, to create, share, and publish online without cost.

For those balancing a professional business presence, however, free domains should complement—not replace—your core digital strategy. Trust and authority still begin with owning your name online.

How to Build a Mobile Office That’s Secure and Reliable

As a digital nomad, your office is wherever you open your laptop—whether that’s a café in Prague, a co-working hub in Chiang Mai, or a beachfront villa in Mexico. The freedom is thrilling, but it comes with unique challenges. Without the right setup, unreliable connections and cyber risks can derail your productivity. In this post, we’ll show you how to build a mobile office that’s secure and reliable. It will give you peace of mind as you work from anywhere in the world.

1. Start With Strong, Portable Hardware

Your laptop is your command center. Choose a lightweight, durable device with extended battery life. For digital nomads, look for:

  • 12+ hours of battery life for long café sessions.
  • Lightweight build for easy travel.
  • Solid-state drive (SSD) for speed and resilience.

Pair your laptop with a compact, encrypted external hard drive for backups on the go.

2. Use a Trusted VPN Everywhere

Public Wi-Fi is convenient but dangerous. Hackers often target open networks in airports and cafés. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) encrypts your traffic, making your data unreadable to attackers.

Tip: Choose a VPN with worldwide server coverage for faster speeds and fewer dropped connections.

Explore why VPN vs. Free Wi-Fi is a no-brainer for nomads in our related guide: VPN vs. Free Wi-Fi: Why Paying for Security is Worth It.

3. Implement Cloud Backup and Sync

Losing a laptop abroad can be devastating. A cloud backup service ensures your files and projects are recoverable instantly from any device. Use solutions that provide:

  • Automatic daily sync
  • 30-day file history for recovery
  • Encrypted storage for client confidentiality

At SofTouch Systems, our Digi NITE Essentials Bundle includes secure cloud backups tailored for digital nomads.

4. Secure Your Communications

Clients need to trust your professionalism. Free email services can signal “temporary” or “unreliable.” Instead, use a custom business email with your domain name. This builds trust and authority while protecting sensitive exchanges.

For extra protection:

  • Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA).
  • Use end-to-end encrypted messaging apps (e.g., Signal, ProtonMail).

See our article on Proven Ways a Custom Business Email Boosts Trust and Authority for more.

5. Protect Devices From Physical Theft

Security isn’t just digital. Physical risks are real when working in public spaces. Safeguards include:

  • A privacy screen to block shoulder surfers.
  • Anti-theft laptop locks in shared spaces.
  • Remote wipe setup in case a device is stolen.

6. Build in Redundancy for Reliability

Reliability means having a backup plan:

  • Carry a mobile hotspot with an international SIM card.
  • Use apps like Speedtest to check network quality before critical calls.
  • Have offline access to key files using cloud sync.

Building a secure and reliable mobile office isn’t about expensive tools, it’s about smart preparation. With the right hardware, VPN, cloud backup, custom email, and physical safeguards, you can travel the world while working with confidence.

At SofTouch Systems, we make it easy for digital nomads to thrive. We offer tailored IT solutions. These solutions balance flexibility with top-tier security.

Hackers Can Disable Windows Defender: Urgent Warning for Texas Businesses

Cybercriminals are exploiting a new Windows Defender vulnerability that lets them disable antivirus protection using legitimate system drivers. For Texas SMBs, this underscores the need to move beyond built-in security. Falling behind means risking ransomware, data loss, and operational downtime.

Hackers Can Disable Windows Defender: What Texas Businesses Need to Know

What This Windows Defender Vulnerability Means

In recent weeks, the Akira ransomware group has used a “Bring Your Own Vulnerable Driver” (BYOVD) attack. This attack disables Microsoft Defender Antivirus without detection. They employ a legitimate Intel CPU tuning driver—rwdrv.sys—alongside a malicious companion driver (hlpdrv.sys) that quietly alters registry settings to switch off Defender’s protections. This method sidesteps many security tools and has been observed in active ransomware campaigns since mid-July 2025.

Why Texas SMBs Are at Heightened Risk

  1. False Sense of Security – Businesses relying only on Windows Defender are becoming easy targets.
  2. Limited IT Resources – Without continuous monitoring, this vulnerability may go undetected for longer.
  3. Attractive Targets – SMBs often handle sensitive data, making them lucrative ransomware victims.

How to Protect Your Business Immediately

To guard against this emerging threat, Texas SMBs should:

  1. Implement Multi-Layered Security
    Use EDR, firewalls, email filtering, plus network monitoring, not just AV.
  2. Deploy Hardened Endpoint Defense
    Choose tools that resist tampering, such as managed EDR solutions.
  3. Engage a Managed IT Security Partner
    MSPs like SofTouch Systems offer 24/7 monitoring and proactive protection that goes beyond default defenses.
  4. Ensure Regular, Secure Backups
    Secure offsite backups are your lifeline if ransomware hits.
  5. Train Your Teams
    Equip staff to recognize phishing lures and avoid unsafe downloads.

Case in Point: Akira Ransomware Attack

Security researchers confirm that the Akira ransomware group has actively deployed this BYOVD technique since mid‑July 2025. They’ve exploited the legitimate rwdrv.sys driver (part of ThrottleStop) to gain system-level access, then used hlpdrv.sys, a malicious driver, to disable Defender via registry manipulation. This method has been observed in live ransomware campaigns. It was not just theoretical tests. This highlights the serious and ongoing nature of the threat.

How SofTouch Systems Shields Your Business

At SofTouch Systems, we equip Texas SMBs with resilient, enterprise-grade protections at SMB-friendly rates:

  • Managed EDR & Antivirus that can’t be tampered with.
  • 24/7 Endpoint & Network Monitoring to detect and halt threats fast.
  • Secure Backup & Recovery plans, regularly tested for effectiveness.
  • Employee Security Training that strengthens your human firewall.

Don’t rely solely on Defender, let us help you build defenses that adapt and respond.