Everyone is looking to make a quick buck on the internet and as such, the number of hackers and thieves online is increasingly high. Pinchers, swipers, and thieves are often on the lookout for security loopholes that can allow them to hack or steal your domain name and this can cost you especially for domain names that are valuable.
In addition to hackers and thieves, it is important to be diligent when using tools to search for potentially valuable domain names because instances of tool providers pinching people’s domain names before they can register are not unusual. Further, there are cases of registrars who are intentionally unresponsive or slow to renew when domain names approach expiration date in order to have the domain names revert back to the registrars. Also, some domain name search tools are known to steal data regarding the users’ searches and purchasing the domain names first.
This checklist guides you on the factors to consider in order to secure your domain name.
Step 1 – Domain Protection Best Practices
1 Check the reputation of a registrar and lookout for any disputes
2 Be swift in registering a domain name to your name
3 Avoid transferring your domain name without payment first
4 Be wary of unscrupulous domain transfer forms
5 Hide your contact info on the Whois form
6 Check that your passwords are unique and strong
7 Change your passwords periodically
8 Always register your domain name for longer durations (say up to 5 years)
9 Check that your registrar offers multi-step authentication
10 Avoid sharing login details for your domain register
11 Request for transfer locks on your domain name from your registrar
12 Frequently check and update emails associated with your domain name
13 Avoid registering with emails that are connected with your domain name
14 Always be on the lookout for spoofed emails to prevent phishing
15 Avoid clicking random links in emails
16 Always update your domain contacts
17 Install antivirus and spyware software in your devices to protect your login details from theft
18 Consider using a VPN to access your domain account
Step 2 – Recovering a Hijacked Domain
19 Contact your registrar
20 Have receipts or evidence authenticating your ownership
21 Contact ICAAN and lodge a dispute
22 Trust the process
Notes:
- Consider registering variances of your domain name to prevent hackers and thieves from trying to imitate your brand and manipulate potential buyers into providing their contacts
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