- May 25
- 8 min read
Updated: May 31
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Domain name security is a crucial aspect of maintaining a secure presence for your business online. It’s what protects your domain from unauthorized access and cyber threats, which in turn is what keeps your website, users and brand safe. When it comes to making a website, domain security should always be top of mind.
Some of the most common threats to the security of your domain include cyber attacks, chief among them phishing. Malicious attacks like these can lead to data breaches, financial loss and damage to your business or personal brand.
Secure your perfect domain in just a few clicks with Wix. Get everything you need in one place: business email, reliable hosting, SSL protection and full privacy. With 24/7 support and no hidden fees, getting your site live is simple and worry-free.
TL;DR: How to secure your domain name
Domain hijacking is rare but devastating. The basics are simple: turn on two-factor authentication for your registrar account, enable registrar lock, use a separate email address for registrar logins, keep WHOIS info accurate but private, monitor expiration and watch for phishing emails pretending to be your registrar. A few minutes of setup prevents most attacks.
You’ll learn:
Why domain security matters more than people realize
How to enable two-factor authentication for your registrar
What registrar lock does and how to turn it on
Why a dedicated email for registrar access matters
How to spot phishing attempts targeting your domain
What to do if your domain is hijacked
6 steps to securing your domain name
01. Choose a reliable domain registrar
Selecting a trustworthy domain registrar is the first and most important step in securing your domain name. A reputable registrar not only provides the necessary tools for managing your domain but also plays a vital role in maintaining its security from day to day.
Learn more about the best domain registrars out there.
Registrars are ultimately the ones responsible for registering and managing your domain name. They ensure that your domain is protected against unauthorized transfers and other security threats.
Registrars like Wix, are well-known for their reliability and comprehensive security features. These should include SSL/TSSL certificates, privacy protection services and a registrar lock.
Learn more:
When it comes to registering a domain, choosing a reliable, reputable and trusted domain registrar is absolutely essential.
02. Enable two-factor authentication
Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security for both your domain and website by requiring a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your mobile device. This makes it significantly harder for attackers to gain access to your domain account.
With Wix you can enable two-factor authentication by adding an authenticator app to your website. Learn more about Wix’s enterprise grade enterprise website security.
03. Regularly update and maintain your registrar contact information
Your registrar uses your contact info to send important alerts about your domain. This includes renewal reminders, security warnings or notifications if someone tries to transfer your domain without permission. If your email or phone number is outdated, you could miss these alerts and risk losing control of your domain.
Keeping your information current also makes it easier to prove ownership if a dispute ever arises. Registrars can quickly verify you are the rightful owner and block unauthorized changes.
Up-to-date contact details also help protect against identity theft. Attackers often target domains with old or public info to impersonate the owner. Regularly reviewing and updating your contact info keeps you in control and your domain secure.
Read more: Why do I need a domain name?
04. Use SSL certificates
SSL certificates protect the information visitors send to your website like passwords, forms and payment details. This data is scrambled so hackers can’t read it. When SSL is active, your site uses https and shows a padlock in the browser. Visitors instantly see that your website is secure which builds trust.
SSL also stops attackers from altering your website data or redirecting visitors to fake sites. Without it, sensitive information can be stolen, emails intercepted or transactions hijacked. Using SSL is a simple but essential step to keep your website and your visitors safe.
If you make a website with Wix, an SSL certificate is included (look for the https at the start of your domain name, before the www.) They also implement data encryption using HTTPS, TLS 1.2 and above, and SSL.
According to Prof. Dr. Dennis-Kenji Kipker, scientific director of the cyberintelligence.institute in Frankfurt am Main:
“SSL stands for 'Secure Sockets Layer.' It sounds complicated at first, but basically, it just means that a secure connection is established between your browser and a website.”
While SSL secures your website data, domain security protects ownership and access to your domain account. Both are essential for complete protection.
Learn more:
05. Enable auto-renewal
Auto-renewing your domain means your registration automatically extends before it expires. This stops accidental lapses in ownership, which could let someone else claim your domain and potentially hurt your brand or business.
Auto-renewal also prevents website downtime. When a domain expires your site can go offline, emails might stop working and visitors could see error messages instead of your content.
Most domain registrars including Wix let you enable auto-renewal with a few clicks. You can link it to a payment method for seamless processing. Regularly checking your auto-renewal settings ensures your billing info is current and helps avoid failed renewals that could jeopardize your domain.
06. Use domain privacy protection
Domain privacy protection, also known as WHOIS privacy, hides your personal contact info from the public. Without it, anyone can see your name, email address, phone number and mailing address. This makes you an easy target for spammers, scammers or cybercriminals. It's worth running a WHOIS lookup on your own domain to see exactly what contact details are publicly exposed before deciding what to hide.
Enabling privacy protection reduces the risk of unsolicited emails, phone calls and targeted attacks aimed at taking control of your domain. It also protects your identity and keeps your personal information separate from your online business presence.
Most registrars including Wix offer privacy protection as part of their domain services. Activating it is simple and works in the background, giving you an added layer of security without affecting your website’s performance or accessibility.
Ready to get started? Learn how to build your own website from scratch with this easy guide.
Securing a domain - advanced protection strategies
If you’re looking to really bolster your domain security, advanced protection strategies offer additional layers of defense against sophisticated cyber threats.
PremiumDNS and DNSSEC
PremiumDNS services provide enhanced performance and security features, such as faster response times and increased resilience against DDoS attacks. DNSSEC (Domain Name System Security Extensions) adds a layer of authentication to DNS queries, preventing attackers from redirecting traffic to malicious sites.
Monitor name servers
Regularly monitoring your name servers ensures they are configured correctly and securely. Misconfigured name servers can lead to vulnerabilities that attackers might exploit.
Register look-alike domains
By registering domain names that are similar to your primary domain, you can prevent cybercriminals from creating look-alike sites designed to deceive your customers. This strategy helps protect your brand's reputation and reduces the risk of phishing attacks.
Learn more about choosing the right domain name with our guide.
Implementing these advanced strategies will provide comprehensive protection for your domain, safeguarding your business from potential threats and ensuring a secure online environment for you to operate within.
Learn more about smart domain name management strategies to keep your online presence strong.
How to respond to security threats against your domain
Being able to respond to threats against your domain is crucial. Here are some key strategies to address potential issues effectively.
If you suspect your domain has been hijacked, contact your registrar immediately. They can assist in regaining control and securing your domain.
Gather all necessary documentation that proves your ownership of the domain, this usually includes your registration details and payment records.
Once control is restored, review and update all security measures, such as passwords and 2FA settings, to prevent future incidents.
Conducting regular security audits helps identify potential vulnerabilities in your domain setup. This proactive approach allows you to address issues before they can be exploited by attackers. You should also check with your domain registrar to make sure this is part of their processes too.
Read more: ccTLD meaning
Firsthand domain insights from a travel entrepreneur
When Erica and Shanticleer launched Paper, Planes and Passports they knew securing their domain name early was essential. While Erica already had a large following on social media she knew they needed a website to promote their trips and be their “home base.” “Having a website has been non-negotiable for us,” she says. “It’s where we promote our trips, take payments and communicate. It’s also where we get a chance to understand our people and know what trips we should drop next.”
Registering their domain was one of the first steps they took to protect their business, establish credibility with clients and create a trusted home for their brand. Naturally the couple needed a travel business name. They’d already been tagging their personal travel photos with #paperplanesandpassports, so when they found that domain available the name was decided.
Expert tip from Ofir Gvili, domains PMM at Wix:
“A domain is often the first impression people get of your brand, and Wix makes sure that impression is strong. From setup to security, everything is handled for you, so you can focus on growing your business.”
Why trust Wix’s experts?
This article was created by Wix’s in-house domain experts, with years of experience helping people choose, register and secure the perfect domains for their businesses and online projects. The guidance, tips and best practices shared here come directly from real Wix projects, so you can be confident they’ll help you find a domain that represents your brand, stays secure and supports your long-term goals.
At Wix, we’ve guided millions of entrepreneurs, creators and small business owners in establishing a strong online presence. Our team keeps up with the latest in domain management, security and branding, making sure the advice you get is practical and backed by proven results.
Think of this article as your trusted resource for every stage of domain ownership, from finding your first custom domain to protecting and growing your online identity.
Domain registration with Wix
Wix offers more than 400 domain extensions, giving you flexibility to find a web address that fits your business, brand or target audience. As an ICANN-accredited domain registrar, Wix lets you search, register and manage domains ranging from classic options like .com and .net to newer industry-focused extensions, all in one place.
Beyond registration, Wix includes built-in tools for DNS management, domain security and private registration, along with a free SSL certificate to help protect your site and visitors. You can also create a custom business email, get a free one-year domain voucher with eligible annual plans and access 24/7 support whenever you need help managing your domain.
Ready to secure your domain? Search for your perfect name and register it in just a few clicks with Wix.
How to secure a domain FAQ
How to secure a domain for free?
You can get a free domain when you create a website with certain website builders or hosting plans. For example, Wix includes a free domain for the first year with select Premium plans. Free domains often come as subdomains (like yourname.wixsite.com) which is a simple way to get online quickly without paying for a custom name.
Why does it say my domain is not secure?
If you see a “not secure” warning next to your domain it usually means your site doesn’t have an SSL certificate. SSL encrypts data between your site and its visitors, keeping information private and building trust. On Wix, SSL protection is automatically included with every site, no setup needed.
What does it mean to secure a domain?
Securing a domain means protecting both your ownership and your visitors. It includes registering your domain with a trusted registrar, enabling SSL, using strong privacy settings and renewing it on time. Together these steps help you keep your domain safe, verified and trusted by search engines and users alike.
What is registrar lock and should I always have it on?
Registrar lock (sometimes called transfer lock or client transfer prohibited) blocks anyone from initiating a transfer of your domain to another registrar without first unlocking it from your account. Keeping it on by default is one of the most effective single steps you can take to prevent domain hijacking.
