Your domain name is more than just a web address for your online business. It's your image on the Web and a powerful branding tool. It's also a valuable asset that you must take steps to protect.
Unfortunately, many online business owners are unaware of the threats they may face when they register a domain name and have their personal contact information submitted to the public WHOIS database - a step that ICANN requires all registrars to take.
The good news is that there are five smart steps you can take to keep your domain safe from unwanted transfers of ownership and other threats:
1: Locking account access.
Often, an individual will use exposed or out-of-date account information in the WHOIS database to transfer your domain name to another registrar. When this happens, you will lose control of your domain name. Just as locking your doors keeps people away from your personal belongings, a domain lock keeps threats to your online business at bay.
2: Update your information.
Over time, your contact information is likely to undergo several changes. Yet changing a contact information in the WHOIS database is a simple step that many registrants neglect. Most important to remember: changing your email address, so that important messages (like your renewal notice) make it to your inbox.
3: Protect your privacy.
Once your contact information is entered in the WHOIS database, it will be available to anyone who does a domain search for your web address. This increases your vulnerability to unwanted transfers and other fraudulent activity. Keep your private information out of the hands of others by choosing private domain registration .
4: Select auto-renewal.
No matter how much you trust your memory, there is only one way to guarantee that you won't lose your domain due to a forgotten expiration date: auto-renewal. Your online business is likely in it for the long-haul, so it only makes sense to ensure that your domain name will go the distance as well.
5: Register alternate extensions.
Just as there are ways to prevent others from stealing your domain name, there are also ways to prevent competitors from stealing the traffic that goes to your web address. By registering alternate extensions at the same time you register your domain, you can prevent your competitors from doing the same in an attempt to catch those customers who may mistype your address in their browser.
When you're ready to register a domain name for your business, you can eliminate any concerns you may have by taking these five simple steps towards a smart, safe domain name.
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