Domain Hack Prevention: A Manual for Business Owners

A singular and invaluable asset that an individual can possess is their name. It determines your identity—everything from personal to financial to legal affairs necessitates this information. Likewise, a corporate domain name serves as a crucial identity of the organization on the Internet and we should ensure no one can hack it.

Undoubtedly, domain security is a prevalent vulnerability enterprises encounter in the contemporary IT environment. The basic function of your internet address extends well beyond directing potential customers to your website. An influential domain name amplifies your prominence and brand image, so bolstering the legitimacy of your organization.

The problem is the potential for criminals to take your domain name. Are you susceptible to domain hijacking attacks? Does your strategy incorporate precautionary measures to safeguard your website? To what extent does your cybersecurity team possess the necessary capabilities to mitigate domain hacks?

The following guide provides essential information on IT domain protection and strategies to safeguard your business.

Why Domain Hack is Common to Businesses

Initially, one may perceive a domain as a mere designation – what potential opportunities do hackers have to exploit it?

Indeed, abundantly. Certain cybercriminals specifically focus on commercial websites mostly for amusement. Paradoxical as it may appear, this form of cyber thievery presents an enjoyable challenge for certain malevolent offenders. Serious hackers, conversely, engage in domain hijacking for financial gain.

Should a hacker successfully seize control of your domain name, the detrimental consequences can escalate into irreparable financial losses. Threat actors can infiltrate your communication network, disseminate fraudulent emails to your clients, and even get unauthorized access to sensitive information. Certain hackers engage in domain name transfers, a process in which they redirect your internet traffic to an alternative website, often one that has objectionable material.

In addition, domain hijackers commonly undertake phishing activities. Upon seizing control of your communication channels, they send phishing emails to your clientele. The individuals have unrestricted access to passwords, credit card details, social security information, and other confidential data. It is deeply unsettling to consider the possibility of losing your business because of insufficient domain protection.

Strategies for Safeguarding Your Domain from a Hack

Considering the significant impact of this problem, it is imperative to implement strong IT domain protection immediately. Regardless, how can one determine the specific domain security measures to be implemented? Do you possess knowledge of any techniques to mitigate domain hacks? Maintaining the security of your DNS is not as challenging as one may believe.

Selection of a Secure Registrar

When conducting domain name registration, many business owners primarily consider the factors of cost and privacy. Still, the primary factor is security. The selected registrar should implement multi-factor authentication and provide a readily available support team that can be contacted at any time of the day.

Use Distinct Accounts for Domain and Web Hosting Management

Is the account used for both domain and web hosting the same? To safeguard your business, it may be necessary to establish these accounts individually, it is much more advantageous if you choose separate hosts. Effectively handling several accounts for your domain can be a formidable task, but it becomes less difficult when you have developed collaborative IT solutions.

Ensure Timely Renewals To Prevent Domain Hack

When did you most recently verify the expiration date of your domain name? Hijackers proactively search for expired domain names that they may acquire without resorting to theft. Once a hacker manages to register your domain under a different name, it becomes exceedingly challenging for you to regain ownership of it.

The Benefits of Co-Managed IT Services

Fortunately for enterprises, there are many alternative approaches for safeguarding IT domains. To fully utilize them for enhanced security, the most effective approach is to use co-managed IT services. Using this IT strategy, a Managed Service Provider (MSP) can collaborate with your internal IT team to guarantee the protection of your company domain name against unauthorized access.

Should you contact us, we can provide you with further information regarding domain security. You may also download this complimentary Cyber Risk Infographic. The resource provides a plethora of knowledge about domain security and other methods of safeguarding your business against cyber liabilities. Keep in mind that information is power!