Securing a domain name
Securing a domain name is a key step in protecting your brand, your data, and your customers. This involves choosing a trusted registrar like OVHcloud, setting up two-factor authentication, using secure passwords, enabling DNSSEC, and blocking unauthorised domain changes.
Why domain name protection is important
In today’s digital landscape, protecting a domain name is not just an option, but a must for running a business. A domain name works like a digital address that guides customers and internet users to your website. Domain security directly affects the credibility and reliability of your online presence, and that’s why the security of your domain name is so important.
Protecting your company’s identity
A secure domain name is your first line of protection against cybersquatting and identity theft. Cybercriminals can reserve similar website names to hijack customer visits, damage your brand reputation, or simply make your website unavailable. By securing your domain name, you’re protecting your business and ensuring the trust of your users.
Data security
On the internet, domain names are often the gateway to sensitive information. An unsecured domain can be vulnerable to cyber-attacks, phishing, or malware. The security of your company data, as well as that of your internet users, could be at risk. Protecting your domain names is therefore essential to ensuring the security of your confidential and sensitive information, protecting you against legal action in the event of data loss.
Maintaining business continuity
The security of your domain name is intrinsically linked to your business continuity. A compromised domain can cause service interruptions, affecting several aspects of your business:
• online presence
• deliverability of your services and products
• internal and external communications
• business transactions
• operational and business management
• productivity
Compliance with confidentiality and security standards
With the increase in the number of data privacy regulations such as GDPR, ensuring the security and confidentiality of your domain is now a question of law and legal compliance. A secure domain prevents sensitive information exchanged via your website from being intercepted by hackers.
Increased confidence for internet users
In a world where cyberattacks are very common, users of your services are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of online security, and more suspicious of websites that they don't trust. A secure domain is a reassuring sign for internet users, who will know that their security is ensured when they are on your domain or one of your web pages.
Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)
Search engines promote secure websites by ranking them further up the search results. A properly protected domain name will have a positive impact on your SEO ranking, increasing your website’s visibility and attracting more traffic.
Securing your domain name after creating it is fundamental if you want to protect your business, secure your website’s data, ensure business continuity, protect yourself from legal action, comply with regulations, and optimise your online presence. Ignoring this aspect of digital security could have disastrous consequences for your business, while a well-protected domain will ensure your brand’s long-term success.
Tips for improving domain name security
When building your website, domain name protection is a vital aspect of running your business. After you’ve created your domain name, a series of best practices should be followed. Here are some tips and best practices for improving domain name security.
Choose a trusted registrar
Select a reputable and trusted domain registrar. Ensure it offers robust security policies, relevant certifications, and responsive customer service for optimal protection against fraud and cyber threats. Choosing the best registrar will ensure you have full control over the growth of your business. If you would like to change registrar, you can transfer your domain name to OVHcloud.
Set up two-factor authentication
Set strong and unique passwords
Private WHOIS protection
Private WHOIS protection, also known as "Privacy Protection," strengthens your domain name's security by hiding your personal information in the public WHOIS database. It also helps protect your online privacy, reducing the risk of information gathering by competitors or malicious parties.
Enable domain locking with your registry
When the owner of a domain name thinks they have found the best name for their company’s website, it is understandable to want to protect it. That’s because your domain name is your property. When offered by your registrar, activate the domain locking feature with the registry to prevent unauthorised transfers of your domain name. This step to secure your domain name offers additional protection against:
• the unauthorised transfer of the domain name to another registrar
• the modification of the contacts provided by the domain name
• the modification of the Domain Name System (DNS) servers and associated DNS zones
• the modification or deletion of domain names
Opt for automatic renewal
You can renew your domain name for months or even years. Automatic renewal of your domain name is an effective precaution to avoid accidental expiry. When a domain expires, it becomes available for public registration, which can lead to its loss or acquisition by malicious entities or competitors. By configuring automatic renewal, you can ensure that your domain remains your property and under your control, as if you had bought your domain name permanently, without the risk of it being grabbed by competitors.
Implementing DNSSEC
The DNSSEC, or Domain Name System Security Extensions, is an advanced protocol designed to secure the information provided by the DNS. By validating the digital signatures associated with the DNS data, DNSSEC guarantees that internet users are redirected to the authentic website linked to your domain name, and not to a fake version. This technology is essential for preventing DNS cache poisoning and DNS redirection attacks. It protects your users against phishing sites and other forms of cyberattacks. Enabling DNSSEC may require a technical configuration, but many registrars now offer options that make it easier to implement.
Want to register a domain name with OVHcloud?
Here are some examples of extensions you can use for your domains and subdomains. Check out our complete catalogue for even more choice.
View all our domain extensions
Conclusion
Adding security to your domain name remains an essential strategy to ensuring the longevity and reliability of your online presence. Protecting your domain name is about protecting your company, your company’s rights, your reputation and your digital integrity. By following the tips and best practices outlined in this article, including choosing the best registrar, enabling two-factor authentication, locking the registry and registrar, renewing your domain name, and implementing DNSSEC, you can create a secure digital environment for your company and your users. And by investing in your domain name’s security, you’re ensuring the success of your business services, as well as the long-term protection of your online business.
DNSSEC: Protect your domain name
Protect your domain name from cache poisoning.
In recent years, hackers have developed methods of ‘poisoning’ DNS servers by falsifying the responses given by the DNS, enabling them to divert traffic to their servers (phishing etc.). With our DNSSEC solution, you can now protect your DNS servers.
Your questions answered
Is it possible to protect more than one domain name at once?
Yes, you can register, reserve, and manage multiple domain names from the same Control Panel. This strategy helps safeguard your unique sign, protect your brand on digital platforms, and prevent third-party misuse. As such, you can include name variations, different products, services, or regions. (.fr, .com, .eu, etc.). Moreover, centralised management makes it simpler to track, renew, and secure DNS, as well as apply consistent security protocols. This step is crucial for safeguarding your rights in case of disputes or unfair competition.
What should I do if I notice any suspicious activity related to my domain name?
If you suspect something is wrong, log into your Control Panel right away to check your DNS settings and domain lock’s status, and see what actions have been taken. Check the technical setup hasn’t been changed without authorisation. Update your login information, enable two-factor authentication if available, and reach out to your host’s legal or technical support if needed. In case of disputes, these measures can also be used as proof in legal proceedings to protect your rights.
Is my domain vulnerable if I haven’t built a website yet?
Yes. A domain is always at risk online, even without an active website. If left unprotected, it can be purchased by a third party or used in counterfeiting, phishing, or brand impersonation activities, which could confuse people about your business or company. As soon as you register your domain, it’s important to take steps to secure your domain holder status: lock your domain, use the Whois service to hide your personal details, and ensure your DNS setup is complete and safe.
In what ways can an insecure domain name damage my SEO efforts?
Without proper security, a domain name can negatively impact SEO and lead to intellectual property infringement. When a domain is hijacked, it can be used to spread malicious content, commit fraud using your brands, or be misused to create unfair competition. Such actions could hurt your online reputation, spark disagreements, and erode the trust search engines have in your content. In contrast, rigorous domain management, a secure DNS setup, and protective measures enhance the security of your information and data, contributing to the effectiveness of your digital strategy.