Partner
Not many people question the value of domain names. Multi-million dollar domain names are nothing new. But as we grow more comfortable understanding the true value of domain names, the steps users take to secure those domain names is severally lacking.
This can lead to the stunning realization that a domain name has been transferred out of your possession. You didn’t feel it, you didn’t see it, and there is next to no evidence readily available to figure what happened. You are a victim of domain name theft. To read an example of this, check our the HuffPo article on the theft of MLA.com
Only Use Registrars That Offer Two-Factor Authentication
The best advice to preventing domain theft is using a registrar that requires two-factor authentication (2FA). As we previously discussed, registrars that do not use 2FA could be opening themselves up to liability. However, you should avoid the problem all together by ensuring your registrar requires two forms of authentication to alter a domain’s settings. This is especially important given the phishing scams arising from ICANN’s relatively new WHOIS accuracy program, explained below.
Beware of Phishing Attacks
Phishing is generally referred to the attempt to acquire information by masquerading as a trustworthy source.
ICANN’s “WHOIS Accuracy Data Specification” requirement, while well intended, has opened the door for these types of attacks. This requirement states that within 15 days after changes to a WHOIS record, the registrar must verify the changes. The registrar will attempt to verify this change by sending a confirmation email.
This gives enterprising hackers a wonderful option. If a hacker can determine that a site was recently updated, it can send a fake-verification email that could lead to any number of bad results.
If you have recently transferred a domain or changed a WHOIS record, take great care in responding to the registrar verification emails.
Use Private WHOIS Listings
Many times hackers gain access to a domain owner’s email account and use that to access the domain owner’s registrar account. Once inside the registrar account, the hacker can easily transfer out the domains to another registrar.
A simple way to prevent this is to prevent the public from seeing the email addresses associated with your domains by using a private WHOIS listing. Many domain privacy services exist and for a small fee, you can keep your information from prying eyes.
Revision Legal’s Internet attorneys help people recover stolen domains. If you find yourself in this position, contact us today.
In May 2025, as part of a settlement of litigation involving college football, a new entity was created called the College Sports Commission (“CSC” or “Commission”). See news media reports here and here. Among many other purposes, the CSC will monitor and approve name, image, and likeness (“NIL”) agreements for college athletes. As the term […]
Read more about Fairness Factors For Your College NIL Agreement
Trademarks are words, designs, symbols, logos, and other things that are used/associated with goods or services that identify the specific commercial source of the goods/services. COCA-COLA, APPLE, and GUCCI are just a few famous examples. If COCA-COLA is on the bottle, consumers know what to expect from the beverage in the bottle. The same for […]
Read more about Is a “Fanciful” Trademark the Best Type of Trademark?
Getting an endorsement deal as a social media influencer may be a seminal event financially and for the progress of your career. However, the question always has to be asked whether your endorsement deal is fair. In other words, are you getting paid what you are worth? There are a number of factors that can […]
Read more about Is Your Social Media Influencer Endorsement Deal Fair?