Believe it or not, domain protection is as important as securing the right domain name for your website. You can have the most relatable and memorable domain name in the world, but if your website is not secure, customers will not transact with you online no matter how hard you try.
In this guide, we will look at why domain name security is important and how you can protect your business identity.
Why Is Domain Security Important
Well, your domain name is your brand’s identity. Failing to secure it will not only result in lost customer trust but also irreversible damage to the brand’s reputation.
Here are some reasons domain protection should be high on your priority list (if it’s not already):
It Helps Protect Your Brand
Your domain name is central to your brand identity. If it’s compromised, so is your reputation. Imagine how confusing (and damaging) it can be if your customers start receiving emails from a suspicious source—but with your company name!
It Prevents Unauthorized Transfers
Domain theft occurs when unauthorized individuals snatch away your domain and literally hold it hostage or, worse, sell it off. Securing your domain keeps it under your control.
It Keeps Your Data Safe
Domains contain sensitive information (think: email addresses, server locations, etc.). If someone gains access to your domain, they could exploit this data for malicious purposes and dent your reputation.
It Prevents Blacklisting
If your domain name enters the vicious circle of being branded as malicious, make no mistake that search engines and email providers will blacklist it. This means all your legitimate emails might end up in the spam folder, making communication with customers a nightmare!
It Maintains Website Integrity
Cybercriminals can use your compromised domain to spread malware, phishing scams, and even illegal content. This can lead to costly legal consequences and negatively affect your bottom line.
It Disrupts Business Continuity
Losing access to your domain can also disrupt your online presence and cause preventable financial losses. A secure domain ensures uninterrupted online services for your customers, 24x7x365.
It Ensures Regulatory Compliance
Depending on your business type and location, there may be legal requirements for domain security. Failing to meet these requirements can result in fines and other penalties.
7 Tips on How to Protect Your Domain from Online Threats
Domain name hijacking is a very real concern—and one that needs to be tackled the right way.
Also known as domain theft, it occurs when a domain name registration is acquired or altered without the permission of its original registrant, usually for malicious purposes.
Here are 8 tips on securing your domain name like a pro:
Select a Reputable Registrar
Domain security begins with choosing a trustworthy registrar. Think of the latter as your first line of defense. So, make sure to go with a reputable domain provider who has a strong security track record.
Aside from domain registrations, trusted domain providers like Crazy Domains also offer reliable site protection services to keep your website from cyberthreat. Don’t miss out on these security services to safeguard your online presence!
Activate the Registrar Lock Feature
Most registrars offer a “Registrar Lock” or “Domain Lock” feature. It prevents unauthorized transfers and changes to your domain settings. So, enquire about this functionality when doing your homework. Registering your domain with Crazy Domains provides you this feature through a simple, all-in-one Domain Manager platform.
Create a Strong Password
Would you believe that the most common passwords of 2024 include “password” and “123456”? This is no surprise, as most people don’t realize the importance of a strong password until a cyberthreat happens.
Your domain password should ideally be a complex combination of letters, numbers, and special characters. Using easily guessable phrases and words related to your business is a no-go.
Implement Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
2FA adds an extra layer of security to your domain account manager. It requires the user to verify their identity a second time using a one-time password (OTP) sent by mail or by phone. Think of 2FA as a powerful way to safeguard your domain name against unauthorized access.
Utilize SSL Certificates
A Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) Certificate encrypts the data exchanged between your website and its visitors. Beyond security, having an SSL certificate is increasingly important for establishing trust with your audience.
Getting SSL for your website is a surefire way to secure data transfers to and from your site, especially if you’re handling business transactions online. Many registrars, like Crazy Domains, offer an SSL certificate as an add-on to your domain or hosting service. So, don’t hesitate to secure one from your domain provider.
Leverage Privacy Protection
When you register a domain, your contact information becomes public in the WHOIS database—a treasure trove for cybercriminals that want to exploit businesses.
Getting privacy protection from your registrar allows them to protect this information and keep it confidential, Doing so reduces your risk of receiving spam, or worse, your domain getting hijacked, in the process.
If you’re registered with Crazy Domains, get our robust private registration service as an add-on to your domain.
Also, don’t forget to treat your domain registration details with the same level of confidentiality as your most sensitive business information. Regularly review your registration details and keep them up to date.
Renew Your Domain Regularly
Keep track of your domain’s expiration date and ensure timely renewal. Remember, cybercriminals often target domains that are about to expire. So, regularly renewing your domain name can prevent them from stealing it.
If remembering due dates isn’t your thing, opt to activate auto-renewal features on your account manager. Most registrars have this feature so they can immediately renew your domain before it expires.
Protect Your Domain Name and Your Business
Your cybersecurity can make or break your business. Take the first step to securing your biggest digital asset—your website (and, of course, your customer’s trust). Register your domains with a trusted domain and website solutions provider to ensure your online assets are in good hands from the get-go.
Aside from our wide-ranging domain options, we provide domain protection and site security services fit for your online business needs.
