Domain Security Best Practices
Protect your most valuable digital assets. Learn comprehensive strategies to secure your domains from theft, hijacking, and abuse while maintaining compliance.
Introduction to Domain Security
Your domain names are critical business assets that require robust security measures. Domain hijacking, unauthorized transfers, and DNS attacks can devastate your online presence. This guide provides actionable strategies to protect your digital identity.
The Domain Security Landscape
Annual increase in domain attacks
Average loss from hijacking
Average detection time
Preventable with proper security
Security Maturity Assessment
Strong passwords, registrar lock enabled
2FA, WHOIS privacy, transfer locks
DNSSEC, monitoring, incident response plan
Registry lock, legal protections, dedicated security team
Chapter 1: Domain Security Threats
Understanding threats is the first step in protection. This chapter covers common attack vectors and their potential impact on your business.
Major Threat Categories
Attack Methods
- • Social engineering registrar support
- • Email account compromise
- • Exploiting weak authentication
- • Insider threats
Impact
- • Complete loss of domain control
- • Website/email disruption
- • Brand damage
- • Ransom demands
Attack Vectors
- • Compromised DNS provider account
- • Cache poisoning
- • Man-in-the-middle attacks
- • BGP hijacking
Consequences
- • Traffic redirection
- • Phishing attacks
- • Data interception
- • Service disruption
Exposed Data
- • Full names and addresses
- • Phone numbers
- • Email addresses
- • Organization details
Risks
- • Targeted phishing
- • Identity theft
- • Physical security threats
- • Spam and harassment
Common Causes
- • Outdated payment methods
- • Changed email addresses
- • Staff turnover
- • No renewal reminders
Exploitation
- • Domain sniping
- • Competitive acquisition
- • Cybersquatting
- • Ransom scenarios
Real-World Attack Timeline
Attacker identifies target, researches WHOIS data, social media
Phishing attempts, support ticket manipulation, credential gathering
Attacker gains access to email or registrar account
Unauthorized transfer initiated, DNS changed
Victim notices issues, begins recovery attempts
Chapter 2: Prevention Strategies
Effective prevention combines technical controls, procedural safeguards, and continuous vigilance. Implement these strategies to create multiple layers of defense.
Essential Security Controls
Prevents unauthorized transfers. Must be disabled manually for legitimate transfers.
Status: clientTransferProhibitedRegistry-level lock requiring manual verification for any changes.
Cryptographic signatures prevent DNS spoofing and cache poisoning.
DS Record: 12345 8 2 [hash]
Algorithm: RSASHA256
Security Implementation Checklist
Week 1: Foundation
Week 2: Authentication
Week 3: Advanced Security
Week 4: Procedures
Chapter 3: Authentication & Access Control
Strong authentication is your first line of defense. Modern threats require multi-layered authentication strategies that go beyond simple passwords.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Strong Passwords
- • 16+ characters
- • Unique per service
- • Password manager
- • Regular rotation
Hardware Keys
- • YubiKey, Titan
- • FIDO2/WebAuthn
- • Phishing resistant
- • Multiple backups
Recommended for admin accounts
Biometrics
- • Fingerprint
- • Face recognition
- • Voice patterns
- • Behavioral analysis
Use as additional layer, not primary
Access Control Matrix
| Role | View | Edit DNS | Transfer | Billing | MFA Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Owner | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Hardware Key |
| Admin | ✓ | ✓ | - | ✓ | TOTP + SMS |
| Technical | ✓ | ✓ | - | - | TOTP |
| Viewer | ✓ | - | - | - | Password |
Secure Your Domains Today
Don't wait for an attack. Implement robust security measures now.
Security Checklist
Complete domain security audit checklist
Incident Response
Emergency response procedures template