Creating a secure professional website can help increase your online visibility, attracting clients and customers from around the globe. But with no domain name security, your website can attract hackers, scammers, and cyber attacks.
Your domain name might not be secure. To verify if it is secure, check the website’s extended validation certificates, utilize security tools available from your website host, and perform a security check every month. Investing in a domain lock can improve your domain name security.
This article will explore the reasons why domain security is essential. I also discuss how to check and improve your domain name security.
This information will help you protect your online identity and boost the reputability of your website content.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Reasons Why Domain Security Is Crucial
Ensuring that your domain name is secure is vital, as it helps to prevent:
- Identity theft
- Website hacks
- Cyber attacks
- IP theft and alteration
Keeping your domain name secure also ensures that website visitors view your content as safe, trustworthy, and accessible.
Unsafe sites with an unsecured domain can cause potential clients and visitors to avoid your content, resulting in a lackluster online presence.
How To Check the Security of Your Domain Name
Ensuring your domain name is secure is a straightforward process that can significantly improve your online reputation and website outreach.
To check your domain name security, you’ll want to:
- Check your site’s extended validation certificates.
- Utilize security tools available from domain name providers and web host platforms.
- Perform monthly website security evaluations.
Check Your Site’s Extended Validation Certificates
An extended validation certificate (EV) protects your website and domain name from phishing scams. It also ensures that your content is protected and safe to browse.
Without current EVs, those who visit your websites may get a notification that they’re browsing an unsafe website.
As such, checking your site’s certificates is crucial to ensure they’re current.
One of the most common types of extended validation certificates is SSL (Secure Sockets Layer). Check your site’s SSL certificates by selecting the lock-shaped icon in the upper lefthand corner of the URL input field at the top of your browser.
You can also use an online tool like the DNSChecker SSL Checker tool. To use it, input your website URL into the input field and select the Check SSL Certificate button. Your results will tell you whether the SSL chain is valid and for how long it’s valid.
If you’re looking to upgrade your site, and your domain and security certificates, you’ll want to consider choosing a website host that offers DNSSEC (Domain Name System Security Extensions) security options.
This option significantly improves the security of DNS protocols, ensuring that scammers don’t redirect traffic from your domain to less reputable ones. Some of the most popular web host services and domain providers that offer DNSSEC protection include:
- Cloudflare
- ClouDNS
- Google Domains
- GoDaddy
Many web hosts and domain providers also offer practical security tools that help you maintain and protect your domain name.
Use Security Tools Offered by Web Host Platforms and Domain Providers
Many popular website hosting platforms, such as Wix, WordPress, and Bluehost offer website monitoring services or optional plug-ins to help you maintain your site and your domain name security.
Taking advantage of these services can help you catch potential security breaches more quickly, ensuring that your domain name remains safe. When performing website maintenance or adding content to your sites, make a habit of utilizing security tools.
Contact your current web host platform or domain provider’s customer support team for more information if you’re unsure what tools they offer. And look for other ways to improve your blog.
Perform an Independent Security Evaluation
Perform an independent evaluation if your domain name provider or web host doesn’t offer a satisfactory range of security tools.
This practical walkthrough will help you complete a thorough evaluation to keep your domain name safe:
How To Secure Your Domain Name
If you are dissatisfied with your domain’s current security level, there are several ways to protect your domain name and improve its security. Let’s explore those options to help you choose one that fits your preferences and needs.
Choose a Reputable Registrar Offering Multiple Support and Security Tools
Not all domain registrars are equally trustworthy. That is why selecting a reputable registry service is essential when securing your domain name.
Top-rated domain name registries may charge more for domain registration services. But they also offer a higher level of security. And they will give you peace of mind when creating a domain name and building a website.
So, before you input your payment details and buy a domain name, review your chosen registrar’s security protocols. You’ll want to select a domain service provider that offers:
- 24/7 online customer support
- Multi-factor verification protocols
- An included domain-related email address
- Privacy protection to prevent hackers and spammers from accessing your personal information.
After selecting a registrar that offers these services, you can increase security by investing in a domain lock.
Invest in Registrar Domain Locks
When you lock your domain, registries cannot transfer the domain to other registrars. A registrar lock also prevents unwanted changes to your domain settings. So, investing in a registrar domain lock for your domain name is an excellent way to prevent unwanted hand-offs to less reputable registries.
This function can also prevent unwanted parties from changing your domain settings. It prevents altering your contact information or stealing your payment information.
Many domain name service providers offer locking services for free. But you’ll want to double-check if your registrar offers this service before paying for a new domain name.
Extend Your Domain Name in Advance
One of the most common issues small website owners experience is domain name loss due to lapsed payment. For this reason, it’s an excellent idea to extend the ownership of your domain well in advance by paying for long-term ownership plans.
The minimum domain registration length is one year, while the maximum is ten years.
Most registrars offer options between these extremes . So you can choose a registration length that fits your needs and budgetary limits.
Final Thoughts
Domain name security can significantly impact your website viewership and perceived online trustworthiness. It is essential to perform monthly security checks to ensure your domain name is secure.
You can improve the security of your domain name by investing in registrar domain locks and extending your domain name ownership in advance. Web host platform security features are also a top-notch resource, as are privacy protection services.
Selecting a trustworthy domain name service and website host goes a long way to ensure you maintain your domain name security.
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Updated April 2024