There are many ways that cybercriminals can take control of your online presence, from cybersquatting to domain hijacking. That may lead to stolen data, financial losses, and reputation damage. When you buy premium domains, here are a few ways to protect them from cyber threats and hijacking:
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Buy Premium Domains From a Reputable Registrar
A reliable and trustworthy registrar matters because even if you take the necessary steps to protect your domain name, the wrong company may still jeopardize your security. The first thing to check for is accreditation from Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). This organization regulates the domain industry by placing strict standards and rules for good practices. Visit a potential registrar’s website to determine whether they’ve invested in adequate security measures like dedicated security staff and state-of-the-art security protocols like IP validation, domain locking, and SSL protection.
Use Strong Passwords and Change Them Regularly
Your password is your first line of defense, and it shouldn’t be obvious to guess. Combine upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters for maximum protection. It should be at least eight characters long, and you must avoid things like your birthday, pet’s name, or other personal information. Change your password regularly, at least every month, or more often. Since it doesn’t cost anything, make it part of your security routine to prevent passwords that have been compromised from being reused.
Set Up Multi-factor Authentication
When you buy premium domains, setting up multi-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security. It requires you to provide two or more pieces of information, such as passwords, one-time pins (OTP), and biometrics to gain access. Whenever someone tries to access your domain, make a setting so they must provide a password and an OTP sent to your phone number or email. Even if hackers get your password, they may not have the other information required to authorize a login. Most domain registrars offer this service, so take advantage of it.
Beware of Email Phishing and Spam
Cybercriminals often send phishing emails that appear to come from legitimate companies. Such emails may request confidential information like usernames, passwords, or other data. They may say they’ve noticed suspicious activity and want to secure the account. Never send confidential information through emails. Double-check with the company you’re dealing with to verify they sent it, and never click any suspicious links or download any attachments unless you know the source.
Register Your Domain Name Privately
After purchasing a domain name, your information becomes public on the WHOIS database. This means anyone can access your name and contact details, which cybercriminals could use to maliciously target you. Consider registering your domain names privately to keep your information hidden from prying eyes. Anyone searching the WHOIS database will only find the domain registrar’s details instead of yours. This prevents possible cyber-attacks and keeps your information secure. It may cost a bit extra, but it’s worth the peace of mind.
Monitor Your Domain Name Regularly
Track your domain name and check for changes like contact information, name transfer requests, or DNS updates. The registrar may notify you of any new activity regarding your domain, but it’s still good to monitor it yourself. It will allow you to detect suspicious activity early and immediately take corrective action. You may also use a domain monitoring service to keep tabs on your domain’s security and prevent unauthorized access or modifications.
Register Your Domain for a Long Period of Time
Your domain becomes more vulnerable when it expires. Domain hijackers can take advantage of the expiry date and snatch your domain. They may then use it for their activities, which could affect your reputation. Some cybercriminals may try selling it back to you at an exorbitantly high price. Register your domain for the longest period possible and renew it on time to prevent hackers from taking advantage of expiration.
Protect Your Domain Name From Cyber Threats
These are some tips to protect your domain name from cyber threats. It takes time and effort to find and buy premium domain names, so take the necessary steps to keep yours safe. Implement these security measures and stay vigilant to safeguard your investment. Contact your domain registrar immediately for prompt assistance if you notice any suspicious activity.
