What is Domain Theft protection?

July 10, 2024

Domain Theft protection is also known as domain lock or registrar lock, is a security feature provided by domain registrars to prevent unauthorized transfers of domain ownership. This protection ensures that your domain cannot be transferred to another registrar or owner without your explicit permission.

Key Features of Domain Theft Protection

  1. Transfer Lock:
    • The primary function of theft protection is to lock the domain at the registrar level, preventing unauthorized transfer requests. When enabled, the domain status is set to “Locked,” which blocks transfer attempts until the domain owner manually unlocks it.
  2. Change Notification:
    • Some registrars provide notification services that alert the domain owner of any changes or attempts to change ownership details, DNS settings, or contact information.
  3. Authorization Codes:
    • When a transfer is initiated, an authorization code (also known as an EPP code or Auth code) is required. This code is provided by the current registrar and must be entered correctly for the transfer to proceed.
  4. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):
    • Enhancing security further, some registrars offer two-factor authentication. This requires an additional verification step, such as a code sent to a mobile device, to access the domain management settings.

Benefits of Domain Theft Protection

  1. Prevents Unauthorized Transfers:
    • By locking your domain, you ensure that it cannot be transferred to another registrar without your approval, protecting your domain from hijacking.
  2. Protects Your Online Identity:
    • Domain theft can result in loss of website access, email services, and potentially your online brand. Theft protection helps secure your online identity.
  3. Ensures Business Continuity:
    • For businesses, a stolen domain can lead to significant disruptions, loss of customer trust, and financial damage. Theft protection helps maintain business continuity by safeguarding the domain.

Maintain Current Domain Contact Details

Letting your domain contact information get out of date is like leaving the door of your house unlocked. It’s a way for intruders to gain easy access.

If the administrative email address associated with your domain, for example, is an old email address from a long-expired domain, that could give attackers a way in.

The administrative email address is an especially bad piece of data to not be up to date. Anyone controlling that email address can approve a transfer of the domain to another registrar. If a hacker finds out that the listed email address is not valid, and then creates a bogus account using that address, they’ll get immediate access to your domain account.

Another good reason to make sure your domain contact details are current is so that your registrar can get in touch with you if there’s a problem with your domain. If they discover that your account’s security has been compromised, for example, it would be critical that the registrar can contact you quickly.

How to Enable Domain Theft Protection

  1. Log in to Your Domain Registrar Account:
    • Access the account where your domain is registered.
  2. Navigate to Domain Management:
    • Locate the domain management or domain settings section in your account dashboard.
  3. Enable Domain Lock:
    • Find the option to lock or enable theft protection for your domain. This is usually labeled as “Registrar Lock,” “Domain Lock,” or “Transfer Lock.”
    • Toggle the lock status to “Enabled” or “On.”
  4. Save Changes:
    • Ensure that any changes you make are saved and confirmed. You may receive a notification or email confirming the activation of the lock.

Practice Careful Password Management

Being careful with your passwords is important with every kind of account, but it’s especially crucial when dealing with the credentials for your domain account. The serious damage that can be caused by a domain account breach is comparable to what could happen if your bank account login credentials were made public.

With your domain credentials, follow all the typical suggestions: use a strong password, change your password periodically, and never share your login details with strangers.

If your registrar offers it, you should also enable two-factor authentication.

What to Do if Your Domain Name Gets Stolen

A domain owner can lock their domain, guard their personal information, and take all recommended security steps, and still, somehow, have their domain stolen.

Perhaps there’s been a breach of trust with one of your associates, or your domain registrar was attacked, and criminals obtain access to your account that way. Regardless of how it happens, when your domain name is stolen, you’ll need to spring into action and fix the problem.

In this section, we’ll explain that the first step in recovering your stolen domain should be with your registrar, and if that doesn’t work, call in the big guns—ICANN.

Additional Security Tips for Domain Management

  1. Use Strong, Unique Passwords:
    • Ensure that your registrar account is protected with a strong, unique password. Avoid using common words or easily guessable combinations.
  2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):
    • If your registrar offers 2FA, enable it to add an extra layer of security to your account.
  3. Regularly Monitor Domain Status:
    • Regularly check your domain’s status and contact information to ensure there are no unauthorized changes.
  4. Keep Contact Information Up to Date:
    • Ensure that your contact information, especially your email address, is current so you receive notifications about your domain.
  5. Use a Reputable Registrar:
    • Choose a registrar with a good reputation for security and customer support.

Conclusion

Domain theft protection is a crucial feature for safeguarding your domain from unauthorized transfers and potential hijacking. By enabling domain lock and following best practices for domain management, you can ensure that your domain remains secure and under your control.