Registry lock is one of the best security precautions you can implement to protect your domain name and business. Find out what the lock protects your domain from and how you can use it in this week’s blog.
What is domain-name hijacking?
Domain-name hijacking is when an outside agent gains control over another registered domain through various illegal means. This fraudulent transfer involves the removal of your business data as the owner of the domain so that the cybercriminal appears as the owner and has administrator rights to the domain. A cybercriminal can then change items on the site or even hold the domain ransom until your business pays up.
What is a registry lock?
A registry lock works by locking in the data with additional levels of authentication between the registry and the registrar. These added levels of authentication mean that any changes to the data require the registrar to contact the registry to make the changes. Contact details are then checked by both parties to make sure that everything is correct.
Why should you have a registry lock?
A registry lock gives you the added safety that you have a strong defence against domain-name hijacking. Cybersecurity enhancements have been slow to adopt in the APAC region, however, we recommend a registry lock alongside the steps from the Australian Cybersecurity Centre (ACSC) in their essential 8 step strategy to improve system security.
How to find out if your domain has a registry lock?
If .au Registry Lock is active on a domain registration it will be visible by performing a WHOIS Lookup. The following statuses will be listed:
- serverDeleteProhibited
- serverUpdateProhibited
- serverTransferProhibited
These statuses show that any changes to the details of your domain cannot be changed and therefore are protected.
How to get a registry lock for your domain
You can get a registry lock for your domain by contacting your registrar. Registry lock is a service that your registrar may offer and requires them to contact the registry to perform the lock.
Get in contact with your registrar today to see if you can get the added security from a registry lock.