When you register your domain name, ICANN requires you to keep your contact details up-to-date, accurate, and complete.
Doing so will help you to:
- Get critical notifications regarding your domain name from your registrar.
- Get instant updates about account changes and domain name registrations for added confirmation.
- Keep track of unauthorized changes that could negatively affect your account.
But here’s the catch: You need to disclose this important information (think: name, contact details, address, email, etc.) publicly. This makes you susceptible to scams and other kinds of cyber-attacks.
This is why educating yourself on the nitty-gritty of domain privacy becomes a game-changer. Learn all about domain privacy here and how it helps keep your data secure.
What Is Domain Privacy Service
Domain Privacy, also known as WHOIS Privacy or WHOIS Protection, is a service offered by domain registrars to help protect your personal information from being publicly available in the WHOIS database.
The WHOIS database is a publicly accessible directory that contains information about domain names and their registrants. Anyone with a registered domain name can access this sensitive information through a free WHOIS search tool.
Why Is Domain Privacy Service Important
Consider the following two scenarios:
Scenario 1: You register a domain name without Domain Privacy. This means your personal information is associated with your domain name in the WHOIS database. So, anyone can look up this information by performing a WHOIS query.
Scenario 2: You’ve just enabled Domain Privacy for your domain. In this scenario, your registrar will replace your contact details in the WHOIS database with the contact details of the Domain Privacy Service, essentially safeguarding your information by not making it public.
Typically, domain privacy services are provided by the domain registrar or a third-party service.
Note: You also have a third scenario called ‘Contact Forwarding’ where the Domain Privacy Service will forward inquiries to your actual contact information (without revealing it to the public) when someone contacts your website. This helps protect your privacy while allowing genuine leads to come through.
Also, if you are protected by GDPR, your publicly displayed data will be replaced by a term such as “redacted for privacy” (or a similar variation). GDPR aims to protect how people’s data is used, gathered, and stored.
How Can Domain Privacy Benefit You
WHOIS privacy services can protect your personal information and offer unparalleled peace of mind. Here’s a look at its all-round benefits:
It Protects Your Personal Information
As mentioned earlier, when you register a domain without WHOIS Privacy, your name, address, phone number, and email address become publicly accessible through the WHOIS database.
This exposure can make you vulnerable to unsolicited emails, spam, and identity theft. A WHOIS privacy service replaces your contact details with generic information, ensuring your private information remains confidential and anonymous.
It Reduces Spam and Unsolicited Contacts
Without WHOIS Privacy, your email address and phone number are readily available to spammers, marketers, and anyone wanting to contact you for any reason.
Hiding your personal data reduces the volume of potentially harmful communications. This enhances your online experience and minimises the risk of falling victim to phishing or other cyber threats.
It Enhances Security
Without domain privacy, malevolent actors could exploit your personal information to perpetrate domain hijacking, cyberbullying, or other malicious activities.
It acts as a shield, keeping your data secure and deterring cybercriminals from accessing your private details.
It Prevents Chances of Identity Theft
Identity theft can have serious consequences in the online and physical world. Registering a domain without domain privacy exposes you to this risk, as your information is available for attackers to manipulate.
Safeguard Your Information with Crazy Domains
Crazy Domains offers Domain Privacy Services to help you hide your information from the WHOIS database. Our reliable, memorable, and secure domain names protect against domain theft, spam emails, and more.
Furthermore, our Domain Privacy policies follow all the rules set out by ICANN, the leading governing body for global domain names. Register your domain with ease by protecting your data today!
