Domain Name Protection

A Web Hosting Article Contributed by Frances Rhea

Your Domain Name in a Bundle

If you paid to register a domain name as part of a package of services, verify you are the owner of the name. Some web hosting firms register the domain name to their company rather than the clients' name. This stops the client from changing hosting service. Register the domain name yourself and make sure it is done through a recognized Registrar.

Domain Name Contacts

Usually there are no problems when other entities act as the technical contact for your domain. There can be a problem if your Registrar has email authentication of record changes and Technical contact denials.

For example: a Registrar may require email confirmation of a requested modification to a domain record maybe for change of ownership or change of DNS servers. The email confirmation needing an affirmative reply is sent to BOTH the owner and technical contact. If the technical contact responds negatively before the Owner has a chance to respond affirmatively, a problem arises.

This does happen. To protect yourself, read your registrar's policies.

Protecting Your Domain Name

You can protect your domain name record from unauthorized changes by taking advantage of the security features your registrar offers. If email confirmation is an option, turn it on. If a password-protected control panel is there, make your password unique so an attack can't determine what it is. Do not use a dictionary word even with a number.

Domain Name Hijacking

The way some registrars are set up can make it relatively easy to hijack a domain name. Some smaller registrars operate negative confirmation for transfers. A domain transfer will be completed UNLESS it is opposed within a specified number of days. The only warning you receive is an email from the new registrar asking you to take action if you DON'T want your domain name transferred. If you don't react to the email, or just delete it, the transfer is complete.

This is rare so do not be overly paranoid. It does pay to be alert.

Use an Isp Email for Your Domain Name

There are several potential problems in using a free email address when you register your domain name.

Since free email is a public service used by lots of people, these services are generally more susceptible to hacking. If a hacker gets into your email account, they could make changes to your domain name record without your knowledge or permission.

Some free email services delete inactive accounts after a specific number of days or weeks. If for some reason you don't log in during that period, you may find you no longer have that address!

Domain Name Monitoring

Most changes are from neglect or human error. Make sure the Whois record is for the correct domain and the record is current.

Check your contract dates. Confirm this from the original registration confirmation. Look for the expiration date. If it is expired, there is NO SECURITY BREACH. You relinquished the domain name by not paying the fee.