Domain Names Security : How safe is yours ?
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.
By Teeyes Siva (Source: http://www.hostlibrary.com)
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