Domain Names Security : How safe is yours ?
by: Teeyes Siva
The security of domain name registrations is an increasing concern for domain
name registrants and registrars. However, there are steps you can take to
increase the security of your domain name registrations.
Domain Name Security is often neglected by most organisations. Infact a large
number of hacking attempts do not really need to happen at the Web Server level.
Most hackers can fairly disrupt your business by simply hijacking your Domain
Name. Most Registrars assign paramount importance to Domain Security. Its
important you chosoe the RIGHT Registrar and who has implemented several
security measures and safety locks to prevent your Domain Name from getting
Hijacked or taken over.
There are basically TWO basic options offered by Registrars :
Password based Security:
All Domain Names have a password based security. All Domain Names belonging
to a particular Customer can only be modified through the right Username and
Password combination of that customer.
Domain LOCK - this is a MUST have for all due to the recently announced
TRANSFER Policy by ICANN (Visit :
http://www.icann.org/transfers/policy-12jul04.htm)
Several TLD Registries have the ability to create what is known as a Domain
LOCK. Most Registrars offers this feature to Customers whereby you may place a
LOCK on your Domain Name. Once a Domain Name is locked NO modifications can be
made to the Domain by ANYONE. The Domain Name may not even be transferred to
another Registrar. The Domain will remain in a LOCKED status until you yourself
choose to remove the LOCK. This feature is by far the most powerful feature to
ensure that noone can make any changes to your Domain Name without your express
approval.
Ok..what should you do now ?
If you own a domain name for your business or personal use, run, don't walk,
to the phone, call the company you registered the name with, and make sure that
name is "locked down."
If you don't, you could easily lose your rights to that domain. And whether
your Web site is an integral part of your business, or just keyed to your
family's activities, waking up one morning without it could range from
inconvenient to disastrous.
Just check the WHOIS of the domain. Every domain name will have a column
STATUS in the whois.
Make sure it shows as below :
Domain Status : LOCKED
Note:This Domain Name is currently Locked. In this status the domain name
cannot be transferred, hijacked, or modified. The Owner of this domain name can
easily change this status from their control panel. This feature is provided as
a security measure against fraudulent domain name hijacking.
About The Author
Teeyes Siva heads the Sales Operations @ aalpha NET. He can be reached
@ siva@aalphanet.com or 00 91 0
93441 05858. aalpha NET (http://www.aalphanet.com)
- is India’s leading domain name registration, web hosting service provider.
Now also providing .co.in Indian domain registrations.
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