For many ventures, your domain name is your online business identity. With the rise in cybercrime cases such as domain name hijacking, it\u2019s never been more critical to keep your domain name safe.\u00a0<\/p>\n
By following a few tips and implementing domain name security best practices, you\u2019ll reduce the chances of losing your domain name. In this post, we\u2019ll share why domain name security matters as well as tips and tools to help you protect your domain name.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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<\/figure>\nGo from idea to online in minutes with GoDaddy Airo\u2122<\/h5>\n
Get started now<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Imagine a typical day in your business. You\u2019re going about your daily tasks when suddenly you receive a message from a long-time customer that they cannot access your website. Instead of your usual homepage, they\u2019re seeing a ton of unrelated ads.\u00a0<\/p>\n You rush to check your website and log in to your domain and hosting provider, only to find your worst fears have come true. You no longer own your domain. It\u2019s expired, and someone else registered it.\u00a0<\/p>\n Hours of hard work have vanished. Your content\u2014all your blog posts, videos, SEO efforts\u2014everything is gone. You\u2019re losing out on sales and opportunities to grow your audience, but what\u2019s worse, your brand reputation could be tarnished.\u00a0<\/p>\n Or take this domain name security nightmare: a bad actor gains access to your account through publicly available WHOIS information, hijacks your domain, and points it to another website. They might even gain access to your emails and transfer the domain to their name. You could be facing a long and drawn-out legal battle to get your domain back.\u00a0<\/p>\n Obviously, neither of these scenarios is something any business owner wants. The good news is that they can be avoided. All it takes is implementing some domain name security best practices.<\/p>\n If you want to make sure that your domain name is secure, follow the steps below.\u00a0<\/p>\n Read on to protect one of your business\u2019s most valuable assets.\u00a0<\/p>\n If you do a quick Google search for the best domain name registrar<\/a>, you\u2019ll see millions of results. Even ICANN\u2014the nonprofit organization responsible for coordinating the management of the technical side of domain registrations\u2014has hundreds of domain name registrars listed on its website.\u00a0<\/p>\n But not all domain registrars are created equal.\u00a0<\/p>\n Opt for a domain registrar, like GoDaddy<\/a>, that has a good reputation, takes security seriously, and has tools in place that facilitate domain name security.\u00a0<\/p>\n Want to see if your domain is available? Give it a try below:<\/p>\n When you register your domain name, most registrars, including GoDaddy, will automatically lock it. This prevents unauthorized changes, including transfer to another registrar.\u00a0<\/p>\n ICANN regulations state that when a transfer request has been filed, the registrar has five working days to respond. If there is no response, the transfer request will automatically be approved.\u00a0<\/p>\n In other words, if someone other than you requests that the domain name be transferred to another registrar, the transfer will be automatically approved without a domain lock<\/a> in place.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n However, certain changes to your domain name settings might require you to unlock your domain. If that\u2019s the case, be sure to lock it immediately after you\u2019re done.\u00a0<\/p>\n A strong, unique password is a necessity for all your online accounts. This includes not only your domain registrar\u2019s account but also the email account associated with your domain registration contact information.\u00a0<\/p>\n But what makes a strong password?\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n A strong password usually contains at least eight to twelve characters, consisting of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. The downside to a strong, unique password is that it\u2019s not always easy to remember.\u00a0<\/p>\n Consider using a password manager like LastPass<\/a>, 1Password<\/a>, or Dashlane<\/a>. Password managers<\/a> keep all your passwords safe so you don\u2019t have to remember them. Instead, you just need to remember a single master password that unlocks your password manager vault.\u00a0<\/p>\n Password managers can also generate secure passwords for you, so you don\u2019t have to remember everything that goes into creating a strong password.\u00a0<\/p>\n In addition to having a strong password, it\u2019s a good idea to set up two-factor authentication<\/a> for your most important online accounts. With two-factor authentication, you\u2019ll have to enter your password and use an additional method of verifying your identity.\u00a0<\/p>\n This can include:\u00a0<\/p>\n Once you set up two-factor authentication for your domain registrar\u2019s account, even if someone gains access to your email, they won\u2019t be able to log in without entering that special authorization code.\u00a0<\/p>\n An SSL certificate<\/a> enables websites to use the secure HTTPS protocol. An SSL certificate is a data file that\u2019s hosted on a website\u2019s origin server.\u00a0<\/p>\n It contains information such as:\u00a0<\/p>\n In short, this information ensures that your visitors\u2019 sensitive information is encrypted so it doesn\u2019t fall into the wrong hands. It also prevents hackers from creating a fake version of your website and verifies the ownership of the website.\u00a0<\/p>\n Most domain registrars have the option to purchase an SSL certificate directly from them, making domain name security easier to manage. We\u2019ve covered what an SSL is and how you can add one to your website, in this guide.<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n Many domain registrars offer automatic privacy protection for your domain. This is also known as WHOIS privacy<\/a>. By default, as soon as you register a domain name, some of your contact information may be visible online.<\/p>\n WHOIS privacy masks that information so that it\u2019s not publicly accessible. Some domain registrars offer this for free, while others will charge a small fee for domain protection<\/a> on top of the domain registration cost. Regardless, it\u2019s well worth paying a little extra to ensure your information cannot be accessed by anyone online.\u00a0<\/p>\n Editor\u2019s note: GoDaddy offers basic WHOIS privacy for all domains registered through us at no extra cost to you.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n Securing your domain at the DNS layer is crucial to prevent attacks like DNS spoofing and cache poisoning. By implementing DNSSEC (Domain Name System Security Extensions)<\/a>, you add a layer of cryptographic authentication to your DNS data.\u00a0<\/p>\n This ensures that visitors reach your genuine website and not a malicious replica.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n In addition to DNSSEC, it\u2019s important to monitor your DNS traffic for any suspicious activity. Using private managed DNS servers allows you to configure specific security protocols and block harmful DNS connections.\u00a0<\/p>\n Keeping your DNS configurations up to date helps protect against vulnerabilities that attackers might exploit.\u00a0<\/p>\n Typosquatting<\/a> occurs when malicious actors register domain names that are similar to yours, often differing by just a character or using a different domain extension. They then use these domains to mislead your customers or distribute malware.\u00a0<\/p>\n To protect your brand identity and prevent this, consider registering common misspellings and alternative domain extensions of your domain name.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n With GoDaddy\u2019s domain registration services<\/a>, you can easily secure these additional domains to protect your brand identity. By securing these similar domains, you can redirect users who mistakenly type the wrong address and prevent others from misusing your brand.\u00a0<\/p>\n Forgetting to renew your domain name could cause serious damage. For one, you run the risk of a competitor scooping it up. Secondly, a domain squatter could register your domain name and either refuse to sell it back to you or demand an exorbitantly high amount of money for it.\u00a0<\/p>\n Whenever possible, ensure that your domain is set up with automatic renewal.\u00a0<\/p>\n GoDaddy makes it easy to turn this option on in your domain management area.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n In addition, consider registering your domain for a longer period of time. For example, instead of one year, opt for two, five, or even ten years. You\u2019ll save money in the long run and gain immediate peace of mind in terms of domain name security.\u00a0<\/p>\n Business address or email changes are not uncommon these days. However, be sure to keep your contact information up to date with your domain registrar.\u00a0<\/p>\n Get into the practice of regularly checking your contact details and updating them whenever they change. This includes keeping your email, phone number, and contact address current.\u00a0<\/p>\n It\u2019s a good idea to always have this information associated with you rather than an employee or contractor (e.g., website designer). That way, if that employee ever leaves, you avoid the risk of losing your domain because you\u2019ve disabled their email address or company phone number.\u00a0<\/p>\n Unfortunately, phishing emails<\/a> are prevalent. They could seem completely innocent and as if they\u2019re coming from someone you know or a business you trust. In some cases, they might even appear to come from a government or other official agency.\u00a0<\/p>\n Sometimes, bad actors use phishing as a tactic to gain access to domain names.\u00a0<\/p>\n Be wary of any emails that ask you to click suspicious links or want access to your sensitive information. Most reputable companies won\u2019t ask for your SSN, credit card information, or similar in an email.\u00a0<\/p>\n If you\u2019re not sure that the email is legitimate, it\u2019s best to ignore it rather than risk exposing your financial or other sensitive information.<\/p>\n Lastly, keep the information about your domain registrar safe. This includes storing your login email or username and password in a secure location, such as a password manager.\u00a0<\/p>\n Don\u2019t share your login information through a text message, email, or chat either.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n Instead, use your password manager to securely share the password with other members on your team. Alternatively, some domain registrars will allow you to invite other users to your account so they can help you manage the more technical aspects.\u00a0<\/p>\n When registering your domain, it\u2019s wise to use an email address that isn\u2019t linked to the domain itself. For example, instead of using admin@yourdomain.com, opt for a personal email or one from a different domain.\u00a0<\/p>\n This precaution ensures that you retain access to important communications from your registrar even if your domain is compromised. In the event of hijacking, having an independent email helps you prove ownership and regain control more swiftly.\u00a0<\/p>\n Additionally, avoid listing third parties, such as web designers or developers, as the registrant of your domain. Keeping the registrant information under your control prevents unauthorized transfers and potential disputes over domain ownership.\u00a0<\/p>\n An expired credit card or outdated payment method can lead to unintended domain expiration, causing you to lose your domain name.\u00a0<\/p>\n While some domain protection plans can hold your domain name for an additional 90 days if your payment method expires at renewal, it\u2019s best to avoid this risk entirely.\u00a0<\/p>\n Regularly check and update your payment information with your domain registrar to ensure uninterrupted domain ownership and prevent potential downtime or loss of your domain.\u00a0<\/p>\n Now that you know how to protect your domain name, let\u2019s talk about a couple of tools that can help you with domain name security.\u00a0<\/p>\n As mentioned earlier, an SSL certificate is one way to make your domain more secure. GoDaddy offers a variety of SSL certificate plans<\/a> that can help show your visitors that your website is secure and trustworthy, as well as prevent bad actors from creating fake versions of your website.\u00a0<\/p>\n You can choose between Domain Validation (DV)<\/a>, Organization Validation (OV)<\/a>, and Extended Validation (EV) SSL certificates<\/a>, based on your business needs.\u00a0<\/p>\n If you have multiple domains to protect, a multi-domain SAN SSL might be your best option. For many subdomains, you might opt for the Wildcard SSL<\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\nWhy domain name security matters\u00a0<\/h2>\n
14 tips to help improve domain name security\u00a0<\/h2>\n
1. Use a reputable registrar\u00a0<\/h3>\n
2. Enable registrar lock<\/h3>\n
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3. Choose a strong password\u00a0<\/h3>\n
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4. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)\u00a0<\/h3>\n
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5. Use an SSL certificate\u00a0<\/h3>\n
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6. Enable privacy protection\u00a0<\/h3>\n
7. Implement DNSSEC and monitor DNS configurations\u00a0<\/h3>\n
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8. Register similar domain names to prevent typosquatting\u00a0<\/h3>\n
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9. Renew your domain regularly\u00a0<\/h3>\n
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10. Keep your contact details with the registrar up to date\u00a0<\/h3>\n
11. Beware of phishing emails\u00a0<\/h3>\n
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<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n12. Keep your domain registrar information safe\u00a0<\/h3>\n
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13. Use an email address not associated with your domain when registering\u00a0<\/h3>\n
14. Keep your payment information up to date\u00a0<\/h3>\n
Tools to help with domain name security\u00a0<\/h2>\n
GoDaddy SSL\u00a0<\/h3>\n
Domain protection\u00a0<\/h3>\n