Security Strategies
How Website Takedowns Really Work
Robin Hill
September 1, 2025
Summary
Website takedowns are a crucial part of protecting brands and customers from fraudulent activity. While they appear simple in principle, the execution requires experience, attention to detail, and careful communication with registrars and hosting providers. DarkInvader makes this process seamless by gathering complete evidence, preparing thorough requests, and navigating the nuances of registrar communication, ensuring that takedowns are both efficient and effective.

Understanding Website Takedowns

When you think about a website takedown, the concept sounds straightforward. A fake site pops up, designed to trick unsuspecting visitors, and you take it down. Done.

The reality, however, is far more nuanced. That’s where companies like DarkInvader come in, making the process smoother, faster, and far less frustrating.

How Fake Websites Are Identified

Before a website takedown can take place, the malicious site first needs to be identified. The rise of External Attack Surface Management (EASM) solutions, including DarkInvader’s own Defence Reconnaissance Platform, has transformed this process.

These platforms use a wide range of techniques to detect fake sites, such as:

  • Monitoring newly registered domains
  • Tracking SSL certificates as soon as they appear
  • Scanning for variations of existing domains
  • Running reverse WHOIS keyword searches
  • Using reverse image searches to spot stolen logos

All of this intelligence is combined to build a clear picture of what looks suspicious, allowing organisations to act quickly.

The Challenges of a Website Takedown

Once a suspicious site has been flagged, the next step is the website takedown request. On paper, this looks easy, contact the registrar or hosting provider and ask them to remove the site.

In practice, it is much more difficult. Some common challenges include:

  • Registrars or hosts that do not respond to requests
  • Requests being rejected due to incomplete information
  • Organisations that only accept a single submission attempt

If a request is ignored or rejected, the fake site can continue to operate, causing reputational damage, customer confusion, and even financial loss.

DarkInvader’s Precise Website Takedown Process

This is why DarkInvader approaches website takedowns with precision. Rather than firing off a quick email, every request is carefully prepared and backed with evidence.

Typical evidence includes:

  • Proof of brand misuse
  • Screenshots of the offending site
  • Domain ownership details
  • Technical evidence of infringement

By presenting all required details upfront, the registrar or hosting provider has everything needed to act quickly, reducing delays and increasing takedown success rates.

Expertise in Dealing with Registrars

A successful website takedown is not only about evidence but also about communication. Each registrar has different expectations: some are strict about formatting, others about language, and some require persistence.

DarkInvader’s team has built extensive experience in handling these nuances. This expertise ensures that requests are structured correctly, acknowledged, and most importantly actioned.

Why Professional Website Takedowns Matter

While a website takedown might sound simple at first glance, the reality is that it requires care, accuracy, and expertise. Fake websites can appear overnight and cause serious harm to brands and customers alike.

Taking them down quickly is essential, and success depends on a methodical approach. DarkInvader ensures that once a fake website is identified, it is removed swiftly and effectively, protecting both businesses and their customers.

Robin Hill

Robin Hill, a co-founder of DarkInvader, brings over 20 years of success in corporate sales, primarily within the enterprise sector. He previously co-founded RandomStorm, a cybersecurity company that was successfully acquired by Accumuli PLC in 2014. Throughout his career, Robin has demonstrated a strong sales focus, driving growth and building lasting client relationships. His deep expertise in sales and his experience leading innovative security firms have positioned him as a key figure in both the business and cybersecurity landscapes.

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