Imagine putting together the final touches on your perfect website: You negotiated a great deal for the domain name, had the perfect logo made, and a bit of sweat equity later (with some help from your tech team), all the elements are finally in place.

But what happens when your domain is left vulnerable to a cyber-attack?

Many underestimate the importance of securing their domains. But with an increasing number of cyber security concerns over the years, a few easy-to-follow steps can be the difference between maintaining a well-oiled machine and potentially losing your website, its contents, your brand, and your clients.

Here are 7 steps to help you secure your domain name:

1. Security starts with you. Use strong passwords that are hard to guess and don’t use the same password on two different websites/accounts.
2. Keep your account login, password, and credit card/billing information to yourself only. Your webmaster does not need this information and should not be given direct access to your domain name. After all, what happens if in a couple of years they don’t work for you anymore and you can’t reach them to renew your domain?
3. Add two-step verification where possible. This increases security by requiring an extra step each time a high-risk task is performed (such as changing your password).
4. Enable Domain Lock (or Registrar Lock) to prevent thieves from transferring your domain without your authorization.
5. Avoid phishing scams by keeping a close eye on suspicious looking emails. Be vigilant with emails from your registrar to ensure it is secure. Access your domain account from your registrar’s website, and never directly from your email.
6. Log in regularly and do not let your domain name expire to prevent it from being snagged by drop catchers. Consider auto-renewal if your registrar offers it, and renew your domain early. Renewing for a longer period of time may be a good option if you’re happy with your registrar. The listed registration information is the individual or entity that has legal rights to the domain – keep it correct and up to date. This includes your domain’s listed administrative email address and contact information, as this individual can authorize domain transfers.
7. Protect your website by using an SSL certificate. Choose a reliable registrar that is trustworthy, reputable, and offers features such as two-step verification, email notifications regarding any changes, and knowledgeable customer service agents who screen callers that attempt to impersonate a domain name owner. Select a host that is doing their part to prioritize your domain’s security.

The good news is, domain name theft or loss is very preventable and with these quick steps, you’ll be ready to hit the ground running and safeguard your website and your brand.