Domain Names Security : How safe is yours ?

The security of domain name registrations is an increasing concern for domain name registrants and registrars. However, there are steps you can take to increase the security of your domain name registrations.
Domain Name Security is often neglected by most organisations. Infact a large number of hacking attempts do not really need to happen at the Web Server level. Most hackers can fairly disrupt your business by simply hijacking your Domain Name. Most Registrars assign paramount importance to Domain Security. Its important you chosoe the RIGHT Registrar and who has implemented several security measures and safety locks to prevent your Domain Name from getting Hijacked or taken over.

There are basically TWO basic options offered by Registrars :

Password based Security
All Domain Names have a password based security. All Domain Names belonging to a particular Customer can only be modified through the right Username and Password combination of that customer.

Domain LOCK - this is a MUST have for all due to the recently announced TRANSFER Policy by ICANN (Visit : http://www.icann.org/transfers/policy-12jul04.htm)

Several TLD Registries have the ability to create what is known as a Domain LOCK. Most Registrars offers this feature to Customers whereby you may place a LOCK on your Domain Name. Once a Domain Name is locked NO modifications can be made to the Domain by ANYONE. The Domain Name may not even be transferred to another Registrar. The Domain will remain in a LOCKED status until you yourself choose to remove the LOCK. This feature is by far the most powerful feature to ensure that noone can make any changes to your Domain Name without your express approval.
Ok..what should you do now ?

If you own a domain name for your business or personal use, run, don't walk, to the phone, call the company you registered the name with, and make sure that name is "locked down."

If you don't, you could easily lose your rights to that domain. And whether your Web site is an integral part of your business, or just keyed to your family's activities, waking up one morning without it could range from inconvenient to disastrous.

Just check the WHOIS of the domain. Every domain name will have a column STATUS in the whois.

Make sure it shows as below :
Domain Status : LOCKED

Note:This Domain Name is currently Locked. In this status the domain name cannot be transferred, hijacked, or modified. The Owner of this domain name can easily change this status from their control panel. This feature is provided as a security measure against fraudulent domain name hijacking.