- Rebecca Tomasis
- 3 days ago
- 6 min read
The perfect domain is just a click away: claim your domain→
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.
Learn more: What is a domain?
Your domain is more than just a web address; it’s the first impression of your online brand. With Wix, finding the perfect domain name is easy. Wix helps you secure the name for your business, blog, portfolio or any online presence, so you can focus on bringing your project to life. Ready to claim yours?
4 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.
When it comes to registering a domain, choosing a reliable, reputable and trusted domain registrar is absolutely essential.
Ready to get started? Learn how to build a website with this easy guide.
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
Keeping your registrar contact information up-to-date means you receive critical notifications about your domain. This can prevent unauthorized changes and help you respond quickly to any security issues. It can also help reduce identity theft and hacking.
04. Use SSL certificates
SSL Certificates encrypt the data exchanged between users and your website, safeguarding sensitive information from the start. Displaying an SSL certificate on your site reassures visitors that their data is secure, enhancing their trust in your business.
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.”
Learn more: Best SSL providers
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.
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.
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.
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