Your Domain Name Registration May Not Be As Secure As You Think
The security of domain name registrations is an increasing concern for domain name registrants and registrars such as Network Solutions. However, there are steps you can take to increase the security of your domain name registrations.
Domain Name Security Topics
- How could my domain name registration be at risk?
- What are unauthorized transfers?
- What is domain name hijacking?
How Could My Domain Name Registration Be at
Risk?
With common dot-com names in short supply, hijackers and slammers actively seek out
domain names and come up with new schemes to “steal” domain name registrations
all the time. Some opportunistic people also make a practice of picking up a domain
name at the moment it is deleted in order to direct traffic to a new site. This practice
most often occurs when a domain name holder inadvertently neglects to renew the domain
name.
What Are Unauthorized Transfers?
Domain names can be switched or transferred from one registrar to another
without the knowledge or consent of the domain name holder. This practice
is sometimes known as slamming. In some cases, companies that are not
domain name registrars have falsely represented themselves as Network
Solutions. Customers who respond to the instructions may reveal credit
card information or unintentionally transfer the domain name.
What Is Domain Name Hijacking?
Hijacking involves the unauthorized transfer of a valid domain name from
the current registrant. Domain name hijacking is accomplished through
a variety of methods. Some unscrupulous people falsify their identity
in an effort to portray themselves as legitimate registrants of the domain
name(s) 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.
- New domain name security feature – Domain Protect
- New domain name auto-renewal feature
- Participant in the Uniform Dispute Resolution Process
- Lock your domain name
- Renew early and use auto renew feature
- Secure your Next Registration Rights
- Review Account Access Privileges
- Ensure contact information is accurate
- Carefully review information about your domain services
What is Network Solutions Doing to Protect My Domain Name Registration?
Network Solutions offers services such as Domain Protect and Auto Renew to help protect your domain name registration from unauthorized transfers.
New Domain Name Security Feature — Domain
Protect
The new Domain Protect feature is available to all Network Solutions customers free
of charge. When turned on, Domain Protect locks the domain name at the registry, providing
an additional layer of security against unauthorized transfers.
When Domain Protect is on, you must log into your account to enable a transfer to be processed.
New Domain Name Auto-Renewal Feature
You can help protect domain names and simplify the renewal process by setting your domain
registration services to Auto Renew. When turned on, Network Solutions will automatically
renew your domain name registration and annual services 45 days prior to their expiration
dates. Network Solutions sends an e-mail message to the account Holder or Primary Contact
before the account is charged.
Participant in the Uniform Dispute Resolution
Process
Network Solutions participates in the Uniform Dispute Resolution Process (UDRP), which
enables customers to resolve cyber squatting disputes online at www.DomainMagistrate.com.
The site focuses on solving problems (using ICANN’s Uniform Domain Name Dispute
Resolution Policy) and provides summaries of recent domain name disputes, administrative
panel decisions, docket listings, sample pleadings, and more.
Actions You Can Take to Protect Your Domain Name Registration
Lock Your Domain Name
When Network Solutions is your registrar, you can use the Domain Protect service to
lock a domain name to help prevent unauthorized transfers. Print
these easy instructions and log
in to your Network Solutions account to turn on Domain Protect.
Renew Early and Use Auto Renew Feature
Renew your domain name registrations for longer terms to minimize the possibility of
a domain name hijacking incident. You can also use Auto Renew, as another layer of protection,
to prevent an unintended renewal lapse should you miss a renewal deadline. Print
these easy instructions and log
in to your Network Solutions account to turn on Auto Renew.
Secure your Next Registration Rights
Add an extra layer of security to safeguard your domain name registration. The Network
Solutions Next Registration Rights service will automatically re-register your requested
domain name should you fail to renew it for any reason.
Review Account Access Privileges
Network Solutions is the only domain name provider that lets you revoke or assign domain
name privileges to a particular individual without sharing your password. Remember to
log in to Account Manager to protect your domain name by modifying user privileges when
employees leave your company.
Ensure Contact Information Is Accurate
Keep your Account contact information current so that any critical information about
your domain name registration can be communicated to you and to reduce the chance of
unauthorized modifications or transfers. Your contact information includes e-mail address,
postal address, and telephone number.
Carefully Review Information About Your
Domain Services
Examine all information you receive about your domain name registration. If you receive
suspicious e-mail or renewal notices that are not from Network Solutions, or if you
notice that your WHOIS information has been altered, immediately contact Network Solutions.
What is IRIServe doing?
| • | New domain name security feature – Domain Protect |
| • | New domain name auto-renewal feature |
| • | Participant in the Uniform Dispute Resolution Process |
Actions you can take