Domain Security Guide: Bulletproof Domain Protection
If you’ve never thought about how important your domain really is (or how much losing it and not worrying about domain security could impact your business), now’s the time to start. When it comes to cybersecurity, you can never be too cautious.
For example, phishing attacks are responsible for nearly 30% of all breaches globally, and the number of domain hijacking cases is increasing daily. It’s time to lock down your digital kingdom by staying informed and keeping your domains safe.
We’ve always been committed to helping you keep your domains secure, and we want to show you how to stay in full control of your domain security.
Why Is Domain Name Security Important?
Having a strong password isn't enough if you want full domain protection. Here's the reality check: 88% of organizations experienced one or more DNS attacks in 2023, with an average of seven per year.
Your domain powers your website, your email, and your brand's credibility. Losing control of it can result in service disruptions and reputational damage.
In some cases, attackers may redirect your domain’s traffic to malicious websites, putting your users at risk without their knowledge.
Domain security plays a key role in protecting customer trust. A compromised domain can trigger browser security warnings or expose visitors to harmful content, leading to a loss of confidence in your brand.
These incidents not only affect immediate traffic but can also have lasting consequences for your reputation. Plan your domain security strategy carefully, and find the solution that works best for you.
⚠️ Warning: Phishing attacks are growing by more than 150% per year, which has helped increase the adoption of DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance)—an email validation system designed to protect a company's email domain from being used for spoofing and phishing scams.
Why DNS and DNSSEC Matter for Your Domain’s Security
Every time someone types your domain name into a browser, the DNS (Domain Name System) steps in to connect them to your website. It works behind the scenes like an internet phone book, turning names into IP addresses that computers understand.
But DNS alone isn’t secure. That’s where DNSSEC (Domain Name System Security Extensions) comes in. It protects your domain by verifying that the DNS information hasn’t been altered or forged. Without it, attackers can redirect traffic to fake sites without users knowing.
Using DNSSEC helps keep your domain (and your visitors) safe from threats like DNS hijacking.
Understanding the Risks of Domain Hijacking
In a study by Palo Alto Networks’ Unit 42, researchers analyzed 29 billion new records and identified 6,729 cases of DNS hijacking (an average of 38 hijack attempts per day).
Those aren't just numbers: they're businesses getting blindsided.
Domain name hijacking happens when attackers gain control of your domain registration or DNS settings. They can:
- Redirect your website to theirs - Change your DNS records so visitors land on their site instead of yours
- Steal email by rerouting your MX records - Intercept all your business emails by redirecting them to their mail servers
- Issue fake SSL certificates for your domain - Get legitimate certificates from trusted authorities to make their fake sites look official
- Hold your domain hostage for ransom - Lock you out and demand payment to give back control of your digital identity
- Damage your SEO rankings permanently - Google penalizes compromised sites, and recovery can take months or years
- Even attempt to sell the domain quickly for profit
⚠️ According to CSC's 2023 Domain Security Report, out of the 6 million domain records that were examined, around 440,000 were at risk for subdomain hijacking, especially those connected to cloud services.
How Domain Security Affects Your Online Presence
Your domain's security directly impacts key areas of your digital presence:
Search engine rankings: A compromised site can result in penalties from search engines, damaging your SEO performance.
Customer trust: Security warnings or suspicious activity on your site can immediately drive users away.
Email reliability: If attackers control your domain, they control your email. That means password resets, customer communications, and business deals all go through them first.
Brand reputation: One hijacking incident can undo years of brand building. Social media moves fast, and bad news travels faster.
Registering Your Domain with a Reputable Domain Name Registrar
Domain registrars offer various platforms and services, which can differ. When looking for a registrar of your domain, look for a trusted one, with:
- Mandatory two-factor authentication
- Registry lock services to prevent unauthorized transfers
- DNSSEC support built into their platform
- Transparent security policies and incident response procedures
Top-tier registrars invest heavily in security infrastructure. They improve their platforms regularly and have dedicated security teams.
Implementing Security Extensions for the Domain Name System
DNSSEC uses digital signatures to verify that DNS responses are authentic and haven't been tampered with. According to the latest statistics, the global rate of DNSSEC validation is around 34%, but validation rates vary significantly by country and region.
Setting up DNSSEC involves:
- Generating cryptographic keys for your domain
- Publishing public keys in DNS records
- Signing your DNS records with private keys
- Maintaining the chain of trust up to the root zone
Regularly Updating Your Domain Management Policies
Your domain security is only as strong as your policies. Here is a list of the policies you might want to consider creating and maintaining:
How Can You Keep Your Domain Safe from Hijacking?
Protecting your domain from hijacking requires a proactive and layered approach. With attackers attempting hijacks daily, your security measures must be strong and up to date.
Setting Up Two-Factor Authentication for Your Domain Account
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is mandatory for securing your domain account. While the options available will depend on your selected registrar, a modern 2FA setup should support application-level access control and offer multiple authentication methods, which can include:
- SMS codes (convenient but vulnerable to SIM swapping)
- Authenticator apps (like Google Authenticator or Authy)
- Hardware security keys (the gold standard for high-value domains)
- Biometric authentication for mobile apps
Set up backup authentication methods. Losing access to your 2FA device shouldn't mean losing access to your domain.
Monitoring for Domain Hijacking Attempts
You can never be prepared for something too much, so set up monitoring for:
- DNS changes: Get alerts when your DNS records change. Services like DNS monitoring tools can watch your domain 24/7.
- Whois changes: Monitor your domain registration details for unauthorized modifications.
- Certificate transparency logs: Watch for SSL certificates issued for your domain without your knowledge.
- Subdomain discovery: Subdomain hijacking affects a significant number of domains, especially those connected to cloud services. Regular scans can identify vulnerable subdomains.
📝 Note: By Q1 2024, there were 1.5 million DNS DDoS attacks globally: a clear indication of the escalating threat landscape.
Securing Access to Your Domain Through a Strong Password Policy
Your registrar account password is the key to your digital kingdom. Here are some tips on how to create your password and keep your account safe:
- Use passwords at least 16 characters long
- Include uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols
- Never reuse domain account passwords anywhere else
- Username can’t be part of your password
- Make sure you remember your password
What Steps Can You Take to Improve Your Domain Security?
Basic protection is a good start, but advanced security practices offer a stronger defense. These steps are essential for building a more secure and resilient domain management setup.
It’s time to go from protected to bulletproof.
What Are the Best Practices for Domain Name Security?
Domain security doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require a thoughtful approach. These practices work together to strengthen your defenses and reduce the risk of unauthorized access or hijacking.
Conducting a Security Assessment of Your Domain
Evaluate your current security measures with a focused review:
- Domain portfolio review: List all your domains, where they're registered, and who has access.
- DNS configuration audit: Review all DNS records for accuracy and necessity. Remove old or unused records.
- SSL certificate monitoring: Track all certificates and their expiration dates.
- Access rights review: Who has admin access to your domains? When did they last log in? It’s important to do check-ins regularly.
Implementing a Comprehensive Security Policy for Domain Management
Policies aren't just corporate paperwork: they're your security blueprint when things go sideways. A solid domain management policy outlines responsibilities, access rules, and policies to minimize confusion.
It covers who can touch what, when they can touch it, and what happens if they mess up. Without clear policies, you're running domain security on vibes and good intentions.
Create documented procedures for:
- Domain Registration: Standardize how new domains are registered and configured.
- Change Management: Require approval for all DNS changes and keep detailed logs.
- Incident Response: Know what to do if your domain gets compromised. Have contact numbers ready.
- Backup Procedures: Maintain copies of all DNS configurations and security settings.
What to Do in Case of a Domain Hijacking Incident?
Even with strong security in place, incidents can still happen. Whether due to a registrar breach, internal error, or malicious activity, acting quickly and having a plan is critical when your domain is hijacked.
Immediate Actions (first hour):
- Document everything—screenshots, timestamps, affected services
- Contact your registrar's emergency support line
- Change all associated account passwords
- Notify your hosting provider and DNS service
Short-term recovery (first 24 hours):
- File abuse reports with relevant authorities
- Contact your SSL certificate provider
- mplement emergency redirects if possible
- Communicate with customers and stakeholders
Long-term recovery (days to weeks):
- Conduct a forensic analysis to understand how the breach occurred
- Implement additional security measures
- Monitor for ongoing threats
- Review and update security policies
Bottom Line
Domain security isn't just about technology: it's about protecting your business, your customers, and your reputation.
Start with the basics: strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and reputable registrars. Then level up with DNSSEC, monitoring, and comprehensive policies. Your future self (and your customers) will thank you.
Your domain is your digital identity. Guard it like your life depends on it—because in today's connected world, it just might.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I update my domain security settings?
Review your security settings quarterly and update passwords somewhat frequently (every 90 days is ideal). However, monitor for threats continuously and respond immediately to any suspicious activity.
What is domain security and why is it important?
Domain security refers to the measures and protocols implemented to protect your domain name and its associated resources from unauthorized access, misuse, or attacks.
It is crucial because your domain serves as your online identity; a compromised domain can lead to various security incidents, including domain hijacking, domain spoofing, and loss of credibility with your audience.
How can I protect my domain from domain hijacking?
To protect your domain from domain hijacking, start by choosing a reputable domain name registrar that offers robust security features.
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your domain account to add an extra layer of protection.
Regularly monitor your domain registration details and set up alerts for any changes.
Should I use the same registrar for all my domains?
Not necessarily. Diversifying across reputable registrars can reduce risk, but it also increases management complexity. Choose based on your security needs and management capabilities.
How do I know if my domain has been compromised?
Watch for unexpected DNS changes, unknown SSL certificates for your domain, email delivery issues, or reports of your site hosting malicious content. Set up monitoring tools to catch these early.