In today's digital landscape, your domain name is the foundation of your online identity and a critical business asset. For international entrepreneurs and business owners, a compromised domain can lead to devastating consequences: customers unable to find your website, traffic diverted to malicious sites, email communications intercepted, and severe reputational damage that can cripple your business.

The threat landscape continues to evolve in 2025, with cybercriminals increasingly targeting domains because they often provide an easier entry point than well-secured servers. By hijacking your domain or DNS settings, attackers can intercept emails, deface your website, steal customer data, or conduct phishing campaigns under your brand name.

This comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and tools to protect your valuable domain assets from hackers and online fraud. We'll explore essential security strategies, emerging threats, and provide actionable steps to implement robust domain protection measures today.

2. Why Domain Security Matters in 2025

The scale and sophistication of domain-related attacks have reached unprecedented levels. According to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), domain dispute cases hit record highs with 6,192 cases in 2023, representing a 7% increase from the previous year. This trend has only accelerated since then.

More concerning for entrepreneurs and small business owners is that nearly 43% of cyber breach victims are small businesses, proving that cybercriminals don't discriminate by company size. In fact, smaller enterprises are often viewed as "soft targets" if their domain security is inadequate.

The bar chart below shows increasing domain disputes from 2,585 cases in 2013 to 6,192 in 2023, highlighting growing security concerns.

Figure 1 Chart showing increasing domain disputes from 2,585 cases in 2013 to 6,192 in 2023: Source: World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), 2023

High-profile incidents have underscored the importance of domain security. For example, in 2013, the New York Times website was effectively taken offline when hackers hijacked its domain registrar account, rerouting the newspaper's site and email traffic for hours. In the cryptocurrency space, MyEtherWallet suffered a DNS hijack that redirected users to a fake site, resulting in over $150,000 worth of Ethereum stolen in just a few hours.

If globally recognized organizations can fall victim, small business owners must be even more vigilant. The good news is that by understanding these risks and implementing best practices, you can drastically reduce the chances of domain hijacking affecting your venture.

3. Essential Domain Protection Strategies

Protecting your domain isn't a one-time task but an ongoing practice requiring multiple layers of security. Here we'll cover the key strategies every business owner should implement to create a robust defense system.

3.1 Choose a Secure Domain Registrar

One of your first and most critical decisions is selecting where to register your domain. A secure registrar is your first line of defense against domain hijackers.

What to look for in a secure registrar:

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) support for account login
Account notifications for important changes (contact updates, transfer requests)
Strong verification procedures for high-impact changes
No default passwords or plain-text credentials
Longevity and positive security track record

Many domain hijack cases occur not by "hacking" the domain itself but by compromising the registrar account or manipulating support staff through social engineering. A registrar with strict security policies helps guard against these techniques.

If you're already using a registrar that lacks these features, consider transferring your domain to a more security-focused provider. The slight increase in cost is negligible compared to the potential loss of your domain.

3.2 Enable Domain Lock

Once your domain is with a reputable registrar, make use of the domain lock feature (sometimes called "Registrar Lock" or "Transfer Lock"). This simple but powerful setting prevents your domain from being transferred or your DNS settings from being changed without your explicit authorization.

When a domain is locked at the registrar, any transfer request will be automatically rejected until you unlock it. This thwarts many common hijacking attempts where attackers try to transfer your domain to another registrar or change the nameservers to point to their server.

Most registrars allow you to toggle the domain lock in your account's domain management settings. You should keep your domains locked at all times, unless you are intentionally making changes or transferring to a new registrar.

There are usually multiple levels of domain locks:

Registrar Lock (Client Lock): The standard lock you control in your account
Registry Lock: An additional, higher-level lock at the registry level that requires manual authentication (often human verification via phone call with passcodes) to make any DNS or transfer changes

For most small businesses, a registry lock might not be necessary due to cost, but it's worth considering for high-value domains that are critical to your operations.

3.3 Implement DNSSEC

While registrar locks protect the domain registration, you also need to protect how your domain name is translated into an IP address via the Domain Name System (DNS). DNSSEC (Domain Name System Security Extensions) adds a layer of cryptographic security to DNS, ensuring that visitors reach your real website and not an impostor.

DNSSEC uses digital signatures to validate that the DNS information (like the IP address for your domain) is authentic and hasn't been tampered with. This protects against techniques like DNS cache poisoning or DNS hijacking, where hackers trick the DNS system into resolving your domain to their malicious server.

In simple terms, DNSSEC is like sealing your DNS records with a wax stamp—if someone tries to swap your address, the broken seal reveals the tampering.

Many registrars and DNS hosts offer one-click DNSSEC setup. The process typically involves:

Enabling DNSSEC at your domain registrar or DNS provider
The system generates a DS record (Delegation Signer record)
You confirm or publish that DS record in your registrar's interface
Once enabled, DNSSEC works in the background without further effort

DNSSEC is strongly recommended by industry authorities like ICANN, which has been calling for full DNSSEC deployment across all domains after observing waves of DNS hijacking attacks. Below is a side-by-side illustration showing how attackers can compromise standard DNS, while DNSSEC's signature verification blocks unauthorized modifications.

Figure 2 Comparing Standard DNS Vulnerability vs. DNSSEC Security

3.4 Use Strong Access Controls

Many domain hijackings occur not through sophisticated hacking techniques but by simply compromising the login credentials of the domain owner. Implement these access control best practices:

Use a Strong, Unique Password: Your domain account password should be long (at least 12+ characters), complex (a mix of letters, numbers, symbols), and unique (not used anywhere else). Consider using a password manager to generate and store strong passwords.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Even if somehow an attacker obtains your password, they'd still need the second factor (like a code from your phone) to gain access.
Secure Your Email Account: Since email is often used to reset forgotten domain account passwords, ensure your email account is also protected with a strong password and 2FA. Consider using an email address on a different domain than your main business domain for your registrar login.
Be Careful with Shared Access: If you delegate domain management to employees or consultants, use sub-account roles or limited access when possible. Implement a rule that any domain changes require at least two people's awareness and approval.
Update Contact Information: Keep your contact information current so you receive critical notices like domain expiration warnings or verification emails.

For answers to questions and additional insights related to domain ownership and management, we recommend reading our article FAQs and Information About Domains.

3.5 Enable WHOIS Privacy

When you register a domain, you provide contact details (name, email, phone, etc.) that have historically been published in the public WHOIS database. This poses a significant security risk, as attackers can scrape these records to find domain owners' details and target them with personalized phishing or social engineering attacks.

Nowadays, due to privacy regulations like GDPR, most registrars offer WHOIS Privacy services (often for free) that replace your personal information with proxy details. Ensure this protection is enabled for your domains to reduce the exposure of your personal data and limit social engineering opportunities.

Even with privacy enabled:

Use a secure, dedicated email for domain registration
Be skeptical of unsolicited domain-related communications
Perform periodic WHOIS checks on your own domain to ensure the details are as expected

3.6 Maintain Domain Renewals

One of the most avoidable causes of domain loss is simply letting it expire accidentally. An expired domain can quickly be snatched up by someone else, including malicious actors who monitor for valuable domains that lapse.

To prevent this:

Enable auto-renewal for your domain
Ensure your payment information remains current
Set calendar reminders for domain expiration dates as a backup
Monitor emails from your registrar about renewals
Consider registering your domain for multiple years if possible

Additionally, regularly monitor your domain's status by logging in and verifying all looks normal (domain is locked, no unexpected forwarding set up, etc.).

4. Emerging Domain Threats

Cyber threats are constantly evolving, and domain-related attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Understanding these emerging threats will help you anticipate risks and reinforce your defenses proactively.

4.1 Advanced Phishing Techniques

Phishing remains one of the most effective tactics used by hackers, and they're getting more sophisticated. Attackers may specifically target you as the domain owner with official-looking emails claiming to be from your registrar or ICANN, stating there's an urgent issue with your domain.

These emails often create a sense of panic, encouraging you to click malicious links or enter your credentials on fake sites. Thanks to AI tools, attackers can now generate highly personalized emails that mimic legitimate communication styles, making them harder to identify as fraudulent.

Be on high alert for any unexpected emails about domain issues, renewals, or transfers. Always verify by:

Checking the sender's address carefully
Not clicking links in suspicious emails
Going directly to your registrar's website by typing the URL manually
Calling support on their official number if you're uncertain

Also, watch out for voice phishing (vishing) where an attacker may call claiming to be technical support from your registrar. With deepfake audio technology emerging, these calls can sound remarkably legitimate.

4.2 AI-Driven Attacks

Artificial intelligence is accelerating the sophistication of cyber attacks. In 2025, we're seeing AI used to identify vulnerabilities faster and craft attacks at scale.

For domain security, this manifests in several ways:

AI-generated phishing emails that are more convincing and varied
AI tools combing through leaked data to find domain admin credentials
Automated scanning for configuration mistakes like DNS misconfigurations
Deepfake support calls that could potentially synthesize your voice to trick registrar support

A particularly concerning trend is typosquatting and lookalike domains enhanced by AI. Attackers register domains similar to yours (e.g., mycompany.co instead of .com, or using a slight misspelling) and use AI to quickly generate content that mimics your actual site. These domains can then be used for phishing campaigns targeting your customers.

To combat AI-enhanced domain threats:

Use DMARC for your email domain to prevent spoofing
Inform your customers about your official domain
Consider registering obvious alternative domains and typos
Implement advanced verification procedures with your registrar

4.3 DNS and Registrar Vulnerabilities

Not all attacks target you directly; some exploit vulnerabilities in the systems of domain registrars or DNS providers. If a registrar has a weakness (like a buggy control panel or an insecure API), attackers might exploit that to hijack domains.

Another concern is the supply chain: if you use third-party services integrated with your domain (like a DNS hosting service or a website builder that controls DNS via your registrar's API), ensure those accounts are also secure. An attacker who gains access to your DNS host could alter your DNS records without accessing your registrar account.

There are also sophisticated attacks like BGP hijacking (as happened with MyEtherWallet's DNS attack), where internet routing itself is manipulated. While these are harder for an individual to guard against, using HTTPS and DNSSEC helps detect if something is off, as users will see certificate errors if a hijacker can't present your site's valid certificate.

5. Tools and Technology Recommendations

There are numerous tools and services designed to bolster your domain protection. Below we can see an illustration of four essential protection categories working together as an interconnected security ecosystem for domain defense:

Figure 3 Key Security Layers for Complete Domain Protection

Here's a toolkit of technology recommendations for comprehensive domain security:

Secure Domain Registrar Services

Choose a registrar that emphasizes security features:

Domain lock capabilities
Required two-factor authentication
WHOIS privacy protection
Account-level protections beyond just domain settings
Alert systems for significant changes

For extremely valuable domains, consider advanced services offering registry locks or enterprise-grade protection that requires multiple human verifications for any change.

Domain Monitoring and Alert Tools

Implement monitoring solutions to be notified of any changes to your domain or related domains:

DNS monitoring services that alert you to modifications
WHOIS monitoring to detect changes in domain ownership records
Typosquat detection services that scan for similar domain registrations that could be used in phishing attacks
Uptime monitoring to quickly detect if your site goes down, which could indicate DNS issues

DNS Providers and Protection

Your DNS hosting can add an extra layer of security:

Specialized DNS providers often offer superior security features compared to default registrar DNS
DNSSEC support should be standard
DDoS protection to prevent attacks that might otherwise disrupt your domain

CDN and Web Security

Content delivery networks (CDNs) can indirectly secure your domain by:

Hiding your origin server's IP address
Absorbing certain attacks like DDoS attempts
Providing Web Application Firewall (WAF) capabilities
Offering additional DNS-level filtering for phishing attempts

SSL Certificates and Website Security

While not directly about domain registration, SSL security is critical:

Always use HTTPS on your site to encrypt communications
Consider Extended Validation (EV) certificates for additional verification
Implement CAA (Certification Authority Authorization) DNS records to specify which certificate authorities can issue certificates for your domain

Security Scanners and Auditors

Use tools that check your domain configuration:

Security scanners like Mozilla Observatory
SSL testing services like Qualys SSL Labs
DNS configuration checking tools
Blacklist monitoring to ensure your domain hasn't been flagged

Cyber Insurance

Consider cybersecurity insurance that covers domain-related incidents:

Business interruption coverage for website downtime
Cyber extortion protection if your domain is held for ransom
Legal assistance for recovering stolen domains
Incident response services

6. Step-by-Step Security Implementation Guide

Let's break down the practical steps to secure your domain today. Even if you're not technically inclined, these steps are accessible and will greatly enhance your domain protection.

Step 1: Enable Two-Factor Authentication (5 minutes)

Log in to your domain registrar
Navigate to Security Settings or Account Settings
Turn on 2FA (you'll need an authenticator app like Google Authenticator)
Follow the registrar's prompts to scan a QR code or receive a text code
Save any backup codes provided

Step 2: Update Your Password (5 minutes)

While in your account, create a new strong password
Ensure it's at least 12 characters with a mix of character types
Store it in a secure password manager
Enable any additional security questions or PINs if offered

Step 3: Verify Contact Information & Enable WHOIS Privacy (5 minutes)

Locate the Domain Contact or WHOIS information section
Update any outdated contact details, especially email addresses
Turn on WHOIS Privacy Protection
Verify any confirmation emails you receive afterward

Step 4: Lock Your Domain (2 minutes)

Find the Domain Lock or Transfer Lock setting
Ensure it's switched to Locked
Save changes
Verify the domain status shows "clientTransferProhibited"

Step 5: Enable DNSSEC (10-15 minutes)

If your registrar is also your DNS provider:
- Find the DNSSEC option in DNS management
- Enable it and let the system generate necessary keys and records
If using a third-party DNS provider:
- Enable DNSSEC on that platform first
- Obtain the DS record
- Input this into your registrar's DNSSEC section
Wait for propagation (usually within a day)

Step 6: Configure Email Security (10 minutes)

In your DNS settings, add an SPF record
Set up a DMARC record to control how recipient servers handle authentication failures
Consider implementing DKIM for additional email security

Step 7: Turn On Auto-Renew (3 minutes)

Verify that auto-renewal is enabled for your domain
Ensure your payment method is valid and not expiring soon
Set calendar reminders as a backup before expiration

Step 8: Backup Critical Domain Information (5 minutes)

Download or save a copy of your current WHOIS information
Note down registrar support contact details
Record any account numbers or unique IDs
Save verification codes or backup codes from 2FA setup

Step 9: Educate Your Team (10 minutes)

Brief anyone who deals with the domain on security basics
Establish an internal rule that any domain changes should be communicated among the team
Create a simple incident response plan for domain issues

Step 10: Test and Verify Your Setup (5 minutes)

Visit your website to ensure it's still resolving properly
Use a WHOIS lookup tool to verify privacy and locked status
Try logging out and in again to test 2FA
Perform a basic security scan of your domain

By completing these steps, you will have significantly hardened your domain against common threats. For most businesses, these actions require about an hour of work but provide long-term security benefits.

7. Industry-Specific Considerations

Different industries face unique domain security challenges. Understanding the specific risks in your sector can help you prioritize the most relevant security measures.

E-Commerce Businesses

For online retailers, your domain is literally your storefront. If compromised:

Attackers can redirect customers to fake stores to steal payment information
Customer trust can be irreparably damaged
Sales and revenue are immediately impacted

Priority measures for e-commerce:

Implement strict account security with 2FA
Consider higher-level registry locks if available
Use extended validation SSL certificates for additional trust signals
Monitor for typosquatting and similar domains that could be used in phishing
Have a backup communications channel with customers (like social media)

SaaS and Tech Startups

If your business provides software or services through your domain:

A domain hijack directly impacts your ability to deliver services
API endpoints may be compromised
Customer data could be exposed through fake login pages

Priority measures for SaaS:

Implement DNSSEC to protect DNS integrity
Use multi-layered DNS security with monitoring
Create a solid incident response plan for potential outages
Consider using separate domains for critical API endpoints
Implement strict DMARC policies to prevent email spoofing

Financial Services

Financial institutions face heightened risks due to the valuable nature of their services:

Attackers have stronger incentives to target financial domains
Regulatory requirements may apply to domain security
Customer trust is paramount and easily damaged

Priority measures for financial services:

Consider specialized top-level domain extensions such as .bank with enhanced security.
Implement comprehensive monitoring for domain and DNS changes
Use the highest level of registry locks available
Develop detailed incident response procedures
Ensure compliance with industry regulations

Healthcare Organizations

Medical providers must consider both security and compliance:

Patient portals accessed through your domain contain sensitive information
HIPAA and other regulations have specific requirements
Privacy breaches can have legal consequences

Priority measures for healthcare:

Ensure WHOIS privacy is enabled
Implement strong access controls for domain management
Use HTTPS everywhere, especially for patient portals
Regularly audit domain security as part of compliance programs
Consider cyber insurance that specifically covers healthcare regulations

8. Legal and Recovery Options

Even with strong security measures, it's important to understand the legal framework around domain ownership and what to do if your domain is compromised.

ICANN Policies and Dispute Resolution

ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) has established policies to resolve domain conflicts:

Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP): Primarily designed for trademark disputes, but can sometimes be used in hijacking cases where the domain is being used in bad faith.
Registrar Transfer Dispute Resolution Policy: If a domain was transferred between registrars without proper authorization, your original registrar can file a dispute to have the transfer reversed.

If you discover your domain has been stolen, immediately inform your registrar. They may lock the domain at the registry level to prevent further changes while the dispute is sorted out.

Legal Action Options

If administrative procedures don't work, legal action may be necessary:

File a lawsuit claiming ownership of the domain
Seek court orders to freeze the domain
Pursue damages from responsible parties

This route can be costly and time-consuming but has been successful in recovering high-value domains.

Cybersecurity Insurance

Consider insurance policies that cover:

Business interruption due to domain hijacking
Costs of recovery procedures
Legal expenses for domain disputes
Technical expertise needed to resolve issues

When evaluating policies, specifically ask about coverage for domain-related incidents, as they may not be included in standard cyber insurance.

Prevention Through Legal Protection

Strengthen your legal position by:

Trademarking your business name: This provides stronger legal grounds in domain disputes
Documenting domain ownership: Keep records of all domain registrations and renewals
Creating clear internal policies: Establish who has authority to make domain changes
Maintaining an asset inventory: Track all domains owned by your business, including expiration dates

9. Conclusion: Ensuring Long-Term Domain Safety

In 2025 and beyond, digital security is business security. Your domain—the online name and face of your company—must be protected with the same diligence as your physical and financial assets.

By implementing the strategies outlined in this guide, you've taken significant steps toward safeguarding this critical business asset. Proactivity is key—most domain catastrophes can be prevented through early action and consistent good practices. For a more detailed guide on these practices check out our post: 2025 Ultimate Guide to Choosing & Registering a Domain Name.

Remember that domain security is an ongoing process, not a one-time project. Stay informed about emerging threats, leverage reputable partners, have a response plan ready, and maintain a long-term security mindset.

The investment you make now in securing your domain buys peace of mind and protects your business from potentially devastating consequences of domain hijacking or fraud. It ensures that when someone types in your web address, they reliably reach you—and only you—building trust and maintaining your online reputation.

For international entrepreneurs and business owners, your domain is often the first touchpoint with customers around the world. Protecting it is a business imperative that safeguards your global brand and ensures continuous operations regardless of geographic boundaries.

By following the comprehensive strategies, best practices, and step-by-step instructions in this guide, you'll be well-equipped to protect your domain from hackers and online fraud, ensuring the continued security and success of your online business presence.

Ready to Secure Your Domain?

After understanding the critical importance of domain security, the next step is ensuring you have a reliable domain registrar with robust security features. At Nominus, we offer domain registration in over 200 countries with access to hundreds of TLDs, along with integrated security features including WHOIS privacy protection, DNS security controls, and automatic renewal settings. Our platform combines trademark registration and brand protection services, helping you not only secure your domain but also protect your legal rights—all through one secure, GDPR-compliant dashboard.

Register your domain today to implement the security strategies outlined in this guide and safeguard your online business presence.

References

World Intellectual Property Organization: Domain Name Dispute Statistics
- URL: https://www.wipo.int/amc/en/domains/statistics
ICANN: What is DNSSEC and Why is it Important?
- URL: https://www.icann.org/resources/pages/dnssec-what-is-it-why-important-2019-03-05-en
Internet Society: The Cost of DNSSEC Deployment
- URL: https://www.internetsociety.org/resources/
National Cyber Security Centre: Secure Your Domain Name System
- URL: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/
FTC: Domain Name Security for Small Businesses
- URL: https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/small-businesses/cybersecurity

By Ana Karely Perez

How to Protect Your Domain from Hackers and Online Fraud

Table of Content

1. Introduction