by Avinash Mendha

Created on: March 15, 2009

The security of domain names is an increasing concern for domain name registrars and registrants.Although,there are few steps you can take into consideration for your domain name security.Domain name security is often neglected by many of the organisations,and most of the hacking attempts do not really happen at server level.Most hackers can merely distrupt your business by just hijacking your domain name.Here are some of the risks that could affect your business or organisation:

How could be a Domain Name Registration be at risk ?

With a common 'dot.com' names , hijackers actively seek out for domain names and come up with new ways to steal domain name registration.Some opportunistic people also try to pick up domain name at the moment it is deleted to drive the traffic to a new site.This mostly occurs when the domain name holder neglects to renew the domain name.

What are Unauthorized Transfers ?

Domain names can be transferred from one registrar to another without prior knowledge or consent of the domain name holder.This is sometimes known as Slamming.As of November 2004, ICANN(Internet Cooperation for Assigned Names and Numbers) has adopted a new policy on domain name transfers that many believe may have the effect of increasing unauthorized transfers of domain names. Under the new policy, domain name registrations may be transferred away without confirmation from your current registrar.

What is Domain Name Hijacking ?

Hijacking involves the unauthorized tranfer of valid domain name from the current registrant.Domain name is accomplished by hackers in various ways.Some people falsify their identity to potray themselves as a legit registrants of domain name they intend to steal.This false information is used to request that the registrar transfer the domain name. Once the domain name is transferred, it can be used to traffic spam, set up pornographic Web sites, or support criminal activities.

Most Registrars give importance to Domain Name Security.It is important to choose RIGHT Registrar who has implemented several security measures and safety locks to prevent your Domain Name from getting hijacked or taken over.Here are the some of security measures you should take for Domain Name Security:

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.

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 no one can make any changes to your Domain Name without your approval.

What you should do now is just to contact the company you are registered with, and make sure domain name status is LOCKED.

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