Since Jeb has dropped out of the race, viewers are now pointed to a page of sponsored links, a form of cybersquatting that we'll discuss in a future post. Stay tuned!
Don't Let This Happen to You
Politicians are not the only ones susceptible to this type of hostile domain takeover. Businesses and brands also need to be aware of the same pitfalls when managing online assets. If someone takes ownership of your domain you could be facing a lengthy legal battle and/or a large expense to get it back.
Understand the Process
When your domain is coming up for renewal, you'll begin to receive email notifications. Typically you'll receive three warning emails over a ninety day period leading up to the termination date. If you miss them, then your domain becomes an open target for your competition. Here are some ways you can help prevent your domain registration from lapsing.
- Keep your domain registration date on file and set up a calendar reminder.
- Be sure you know which email address will receive the notifications.
- Use an email address that won't become dormant. Your IT manager may some day leave the company meaning their inbox could go unchecked.
- Allow your web development agency to manage the process for you. Here at CC Communications, we provide this extra level of security as part of our ongoing web hosting services.
- Remember your registrar. Since your specific domain name renewal date and contact information are typically viewable by anyone online, you may receive fraudulent email messages from other parties claiming your domain name registration is about to expire and offering to renew the license on your behalf. Before responding, make sure that the organization sending you the message is in fact your designated registrar or service agent. Take care to avoid sending your domain name license registration login ID and password information to anyone via email. Your legitimate registrar or service agent should already have a record of this information. Also take care to avoid providing any credit card or other online payment authorization information to via email, which is not normally secure. Always make sure that the representative offering to assist with your renewal is in fact your actual registrar or service agent, and not someone who is attempting to steal your domain name license or credit card information.
