The dataset linked lists every active .gov domain name, providing a comprehensive view of US federal, state, local, and tribal government online presence. Each entry includes the domain name itself, the organization's name, city, state, and relevant contact information including email and phone number. This data offers a valuable resource for researchers, journalists, and the public seeking to understand and interact with government entities online.
SimpleSearch is a website that aggregates a large directory of specialized search engines, presented as a straightforward, uncluttered list. It aims to provide a quick access point for users to find information across various domains, from academic resources and code repositories to specific file types and social media platforms. Rather than relying on a single, general-purpose search engine, SimpleSearch offers a curated collection of tools tailored to different search needs.
HN users generally praised SimpleSearch for its clean design and utility, particularly for its quick access to various specialized search engines. Several commenters suggested additions, including academic search engines like BASE and PubMed, code-specific search like Sourcegraph, and visual search tools like Google Images. Some discussed the benefits of curated lists versus relying on browser search engines, with a few noting the project's similarity to existing search aggregators. The creator responded to several suggestions and expressed interest in incorporating user feedback. A minor point of contention arose regarding the inclusion of Google, but overall the reception was positive, with many appreciating the simplicity and convenience offered by the site.
Summary of Comments ( 187 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43125829
Hacker News users discussed the potential usefulness and limitations of the linked .gov domain list. Some highlighted its value for security research, identifying potential phishing targets, and understanding government agency organization. Others pointed out the incompleteness of the list, noting the absence of many subdomains and the inclusion of defunct domains. The discussion also touched on the challenges of maintaining such a list, with suggestions for improving its accuracy and completeness through crowdsourcing or automated updates. Some users expressed interest in using the data for various projects, including DNS analysis and website monitoring. A few comments focused on the technical aspects of the data format and its potential integration with other tools.
The Hacker News post titled "Every .gov Domain" linking to a CSV of .gov domains generated a moderate amount of discussion, with several commenters exploring different facets of the data and its potential uses.
Several comments focused on the practical applications of the dataset. One commenter pointed out the possibility of using the data to identify government websites that haven't yet transitioned to HTTPS, potentially exposing sensitive information. Another user suggested leveraging the dataset to contact government agencies and offer cybersecurity services. The potential for building a comprehensive directory of government services was also mentioned, highlighting the data's usefulness for both citizens and businesses.
A thread emerged discussing the surprisingly high number of .gov domains, with some speculating about the reasons behind this large quantity. One commenter hypothesized that subdomains and development/testing environments could contribute to the inflated number, while another suggested that many agencies might maintain separate websites for different projects or initiatives.
Some commenters discussed the technical aspects of the data, including its format and how it's updated. One user questioned the use of a CSV file for such a large dataset, suggesting a database or API would be more efficient. There was also a discussion about the frequency of updates and the reliability of the data source.
The conversation also touched upon the broader implications of having a centralized list of .gov domains. A commenter raised concerns about potential misuse of the data for malicious purposes, such as targeted phishing campaigns. Another user highlighted the importance of maintaining and updating the list to ensure its accuracy and prevent its exploitation by bad actors.
Finally, some comments offered additional resources and tools related to .gov domains, including a website that monitors the adoption of HTTPS by government websites and a project aimed at improving the security and accessibility of .gov domains. Overall, the comment section provides a range of perspectives on the value and potential applications of the .gov domain dataset, as well as considerations for its responsible use and maintenance.