7 Crucial Steps to Strengthen Domain Security 

Whether you are a large commercial business, a small non-profit organization, or an individual, protecting your domain is important.  

Your domain name does not only lead potential customers to your website. It represents your brand. So, if a cyberattack threatens it, your business can experience huge data and financial loss and a tainted reputation. 

Over the years, ICANN, domain registries, and registrars invest financial, operational, and technical resources to ensure that the domain name system (DNS) remains secure and stable despite increasing attacks, such as botnets, malware, spam, and others.  

Though industry efforts continue to enhance domain security, you also need to take affirmative steps to protect your domains from cyberattacks.

 

How to Protect Your Business Domain Name 

     1. Choose a Security-Focused Registrar 

When registering your domain, choose a domain registrar like BigRock that has a robust security system that regularly checks for security vulnerabilities.  

Also, the domain hosting provider should be able to demonstrate strong internal security controls, proven security track record, and know-how in the latest security trends.  

      2. Set Up Multi-Factor Authentication 

Many internal security controls require the users to use multi-factor authentication to add a strong layer of security in case of compromised login credentials.  

As a business owner, you also must ensure that the account login credentials (especially DNS, domain, and web management accounts) are reviewed and audited on a regular basis. They should only be shared to authorized users.  

       3. Protect Your Email Address 

It’s crucial to safeguard the email address tied to your website. If someone can get into your inbox, they’ll get complete freedom to access all your valuable information. A quick search through your inbox will show your domains, bank accounts, and other sensitive personal information.  

It only takes a few clicks to reset your password to avoid compromising your account. It’s also another good reason to enable multi-factor authentication to your email accounts.  

      4. Beware of Phishing Attacks 

Anyone using an email can easily fall prey to a phishing attempt. It may be hard to guard your website all the time when hackers are constantly developing new and more sophisticated methods to gain access. But one important tip to always apply is to beware of any email that asks you to click a link that takes you to a page requiring your login credentials.  

It’s always better to go to the website in question directly, verify its authenticity, and then log in. Better yet, consult your IT department first before performing any action.  

      5.Remove Your Personal Data from WHOIS 

Though WHOIS is a useful platform when it comes to registering security contact information for a company, remember that it publicises these pieces of information.  

As a business owner, it’s best to exclude personal information, such as your name or an associate’s name and personal contact information, such as email addresses or phone numbers. Instead, use department information for preventing potential instances of identity theft.  

      6.Add an Additional Domain Lock  

All-important domains, especially those that point to ecommerce platforms should have an added domain lock called a registry lock.  

A registry lock freezes all the domain confirmations at the registry level until the right high-security protocol—specified by both the registrar and client—is followed. It also prevents erroneous nameserver updates, social engineering attacks, and hijacking. 

       7.Use Extended Validation SSL Certificates 

To build trust online, websites should be under HTTPS and use secure sockets layer or SSL certificates. These are digital certificates that authenticate the identity of a website and encrypt its connection between users.  

With this, they help reduce the effectiveness of phishing attempts and build customer trust and confidence with your site visitors.  

 

Start Protecting Your Domain 

Internet safety and security is everybody’s responsibility. While domain registrars and the registries do their part in maintaining a safe and secure platform, domain users should also undertake steps to protect their domain name portfolio and their business as a whole. 

Learn more tips on securing your domains here.