MSK-IX strengthens .SU domain’s technological resilience

MSK-IX, in partnership with RIPN (Russian Institute for Public Networks), has announced that a pivotal phase in the upgrading of the .SU domain infrastructure was completed. As part of their long-term collaboration, a comprehensive set of measures has been introduced to enhance disaster resilience within the Russian internet segment. These include deployment of a backup registration system and the

In February 2026, MSK-IX specialists, together with RIPN representatives, carried out extensive functional testing of the upgraded system. An independent commission confirmed the infrastructure’s full operational readiness and its compliance with stringent technological standards. This milestone signifies .SU’s transition to a new level of security, aligned with leading international practices in the management of critical internet resources.

Escrow and backup
At the core of any domain’s operation lies its registry: a database containing essential information required for domain functionality on the internet. This includes data on domain ownership, DNS configurations, and technical delegation parameters. Any disruption to the registry could potentially destabilize thousands of websites and digital services.
In order to prevent such risks, .SU registry data is now systematically secured within a specialized storage solution known as Data Escrow. This trusted “digital vault” functions as an independent escrow agent, ensuring the integrity and availability of critical data.
MSK-IX role as the operator of this backup infrastructure is deliberate. The company is among only eight organizations worldwide accredited by ICANN to provide escrow storage services – an acknowledgment that its systems meet the highest international benchmarks for security and technical reliability.

EBERO standard: Ensuring continuity
A central component of the project is the implementation of EBERO (Emergency Back-End Registry Operator) procedures: an internationally recognized disaster recovery standard employed by the world’s leading domain registries.
This mechanism enables the rapid transfer of registry operations to a backup provider in the event of force majeure or critical technical failure at the primary site. Through integration with MSK-IX systems, the .SU domain has acquired a robust fail-safe capability, ensuring the swift restoration of services while minimizing downtime.

Key benefits for the industry and users
The project implementation delivers several strategic advantages to the market:
Assured data protection: Multiple backup layers significantly reduce the risk of losing domain ownership information.
Swift recovery: Having a prepared “hot” standby infrastructure enables the mitigation of any disruption.
Increased user confidence: Domain owners gain both technical and documented assurances of stability for their digital assets.
Alignment with global standards: Leveraging MSK-IX expertise integrates national infrastructure into the broader global framework of secure internet operations.

“Ensuring the stability of country-code domain zones remains a top priority for MSK-IX as a leading infrastructure operator with over 30 years of experience. Our collaboration with RIPN allows us to apply unique expertise and international best practices to safeguard the interests of users and businesses in the digital environment,” the company notes.

The introduction of these mechanisms within the .SU domain represents a significant step forward in enhancing the resilience of Russian network infrastructure, reinforcing its security in the face of evolving technological challenges.