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Non-Stable Domain

It refers to domains that frequently fluctuate between being reachable and unreachable at the DNS level. This instability is often observed in malicious infrastructures that leverage short-lived servers, disposable IPs, or fast-flux techniques to evade detection and takedowns.

Analyst Q&A

What this signal answers

The questions every analyst asks before acting on this signal.

What it detects01

What does 'Non-Stable Domain' mean in DNS-layer or SOC analysis?

It refers to domains that frequently fluctuate between being reachable and unreachable at the DNS level. This instability is often observed in malicious infrastructures that leverage short-lived servers, disposable IPs, or fast-flux techniques to evade detection and takedowns.

Why it matters02

Why is domain instability a potential indicator of malicious activity?

Consistent DNS volatility suggests intentional evasion tactics. Threat actors often disable domains during inactive phases to reduce detection probability or reputation scoring. This 'on-demand activation' behavior is commonly linked with phishing, C2 communication, and malware hosting domains.

How analysts use it03

Can legitimate domains also appear as 'Non-Stable'?

Yes, certain legitimate services, such as testing environments, dynamic DNS setups, or development instances, may also show instability. However, when frequent DNS state changes align with malicious indicators (like abnormal TTL values or blacklisted IP usage), it strongly supports a malicious classification.

Often paired with:alert_only
Evidence shape

What Non-Stable Domain looks like in the response

A realistic shape of the entry the engine appends to the risk_signals array when this signal fires. Evidence keys are subgroup-default; per-signal overrides documented in the API reference.

json
{
  "slug": "ip_often_up_and_down",
  "name": "Non-Stable Domain",
  "group": "dns_history",
  "subgroup": "ip_stability_retention",
  "direction": "malicious",
  "evidence": {
    "current_ip_lifespan_days": 612,
    "median_ip_lifespan_days": 540,
    "ip_churn_30d": 1,
    "last_ip_change_days_ago": 612
  }
}
See in API reference
Siblings

Peers in IP Stability & Retention

8 other signals share the same subgroup. They detect related behaviors and often co-fire on the same IOC.

Dedicated Hosting Detected

It means the domain operates on an IP address that is not shared with any other unrelated domains. This indicates a dedi…

SafeCore
Long IP Lifespan

It indicates that the domain has maintained the same IP address or hosting infrastructure for an extended period, weeks,…

SafeCore
Long-Lived Active Domain

These refer to domains that have consistently resolved through DNS over a long period. Long-lived DNS activity often ind…

SafeCore
Dead Domain

It refers to domains that have not been active or resolvable through DNS for an extended period. Dead domains often indi…

Malicious
Show 4 more in IP Stability & Retention

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