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WDH-098 Websites, Domains & Internet Infrastructure

Websites, Domains & Internet InfrastructureWDH-098

What is the difference between observing a website and attributing responsibility for it?

Observation concerns what the website displayed. Attribution concerns who created, published, controlled, authorised or benefited from it.

Evidence and decisions to consider

  • screenshots and preserved content;
  • domain and infrastructure lookups;
  • platform-account activity;
  • access and device evidence;
  • payments and communications;
  • alternative explanations such as compromise or shared access.

Keep the conclusion precise

Separate what the website displayed from who controlled the relevant account, infrastructure, payment flow or decision. Test shared access, delegation, false details, compromise, remote administration and changes over time.

Key takeaway

Treat observation and attribution as separate investigative questions.

Keep moving

Where this question leads

These links explain why the next page may matter, rather than presenting an undifferentiated list.