Domain names are the cornerstone of any online business. Yet domain hijacking—when attackers steal control of your domain—can happen suddenly, disrupting email, website access, and brand reputation. Protecting your domain with effective domain hijacking protection strategies is essential, not optional.
What Is Domain Hijacking?
Domain hijacking occurs when unauthorized parties gain control of a domain by changing DNS settings or transferring registration without the owner’s consent. This can happen through compromised registrar accounts, phishing, or expired domains. Attackers then redirect websites or email, host malware, or hold domains for ransom. Recovery is often difficult and slow.
Why It Matters for Business Leaders
It’s not only small brands at risk. Even major domains—like “sex.com,” “Perl.com,” and various TLDs—have fallen victim. When your domain is stolen, you lose your web presence, interrupt customer access, and can incur serious legal or financial penalties.
Core Domain Hijacking Protection Steps
- Enable 2FA on your registrar account — protect against password theft.
- Activate registrar (client) lock — prevents unauthorized transfers.
- Use WHOIS privacy — hides public contact info and prevents social engineering attacks.
- Monitor domain expiry — set auto-renew and backup payment methods to avoid expiration.
Best Practices for Business Leaders
1. Choose a Trustworthy Registrar
Pick ICANN-accredited registrars with strong security policies, 24/7 support, and clear dispute resolution. Quality matters more than cost.
2. Secure Your Account
Implement strong, unique passwords and 2FA via security keys (e.g., FIDO2). Avoid SMS-based codes, which can be intercepted or SIM-swapped.
3. Lock and Monitor Domain Transfers
Registrar lock must be enabled on every domain. Receive email alerts for any changes. Set up internal approval processes before transfers.
4. Encrypt Registrar Emails and Admin Access
Confirm your domain admin contact uses secure email and retrieval methods. Attackers often target account recovery emails first.
5. Plan for Recovery Now
If hijacking occurs, act fast. Contact your registrar, then escalate to ICANN, UDRP, or legal channels. Even fast action can take weeks, so prevention is key.
Real-World Examples
- In 2000, *WhoAmI.com* was stolen via a phished Network Solutions account and took days to recover.
- The “Sea Turtle” campaign in 2019 hijacked national-level DNS, prompting U.S. warnings.
Useful References
SecurityScorecard explains domain hijacking tactics and prevention strategies here:
What Is Domain Hijacking and How to Prevent It
Where Cost+ Helps You Stay Secure
Cost+ supports businesses with **Security+**, including registrar reviews, multi-domain monitoring, auto-renew setups, and recovery processes—preventing domain hijacking before it impacts your brand.
Bottom Line
Domain hijacking protection is an essential part of modern risk management. Don’t wait for a breach to act—secure your registrar account, enable locking, and prepare a recovery plan to protect your domain and brand.
By Thomas McDonald
Vice President