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Your Domain Name Registration May Not Be As Secure As You Think

The security of domain name registrations is an increasing concern for domain name registrants and registrars such as Network Solutions. However, there are steps you can take to increase the security of your domain name registrations.

Domain Name Security Topics

How Could My Domain Name Registration Be at Risk?
With common dot-com names in short supply, hijackers and slammers actively seek out domain names and come up with new schemes to “steal” domain name registrations all the time. Some opportunistic people also make a practice of picking up a domain name at the moment it is deleted in order to direct traffic to a new site. This practice most often occurs when a domain name holder inadvertently neglects to renew the domain name.

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What Are Unauthorized Transfers?
Domain names can be switched or transferred from one registrar to another without the knowledge or consent of the domain name holder. This practice is sometimes known as slamming. In some cases, companies that are not domain name registrars have falsely represented themselves as Network Solutions. Customers who respond to the instructions may reveal credit card information or unintentionally transfer the domain name.

In other cases, disgruntled or former employees who have access to your account through your User ID and password may transfer your domain name registration without your knowledge.

As of November 2004, ICANN has adopted a new policy on domain name transfers that many believe may have the effect of increasing unauthorized transfers of domain names. Under the new policy, domain name registrations may be transferred away without confirmation from your current registrar.

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What Is Domain Name Hijacking?
Hijacking involves the unauthorized transfer of a valid domain name from the current registrant. Domain name hijacking is accomplished through a variety of methods. Some unscrupulous people falsify their identity in an effort to portray themselves as legitimate registrants of the domain name(s) they intend to steal. This false information is used to request that the registrar transfer the domain name. Once the domain name is transferred, it can be used to traffic spam, set up pornographic Web sites, or support criminal activities.

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What Network Solutions Is Doing

Actions You Can Take

What is Network Solutions Doing to Protect My Domain Name Registration?

Network Solutions offers security and control services such as the ability to revoke or assign passwords, Domain Protect and Auto Renew to help protect your domain name registration from unauthorized transfers.

Domain Security Feature - Revoke and Assign Passwords
You may need other employees or outside contractors to have access to your domain name account. Now you no longer need to worry about sharing passwords, or recovering them if an employee leaves the company.

Network Solutions' online Account Manager makes it easy to set up a single User ID for each individual, whether they are the Account holder or simply an Account Administrative or Account Technical Contact. Each user has a unique password and you can revoke or assign administrative or technical rights for any individual, easily automatically and instantly.

Now, Account Holders can delegate aspects of domain name management while maintaining control over key account and billing functions. To assign User IDs and passwords, you must login into your account.

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Domain Name Security Feature — Domain Protect
The Domain Protect feature is available to all Network Solutions customers free of charge, and is turned on automatically for all new domain name registrations. This service prevents your domain name from being transferred away from your Network Solutions account unless you first securely log in to turn off Domain Protect and allow the transfer.

Managing the Domain Protect feature is easy. Should you wish to turn it off (or on again) at any time, simply log into Account Manager with your User ID and Password.

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Domain Name Auto-Renewal Feature
You can help protect domain names and simplify the renewal process by setting your domain registration services to Auto Renew. When turned on, Network Solutions will automatically renew your domain name registration and annual services 45 days prior to their expiration dates. Network Solutions sends an e-mail message to the Account Holder or Primary Contact before the account is charged.

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Participant in the Uniform Dispute Resolution Process
Network Solutions participates in the Uniform Dispute Resolution Process (UDRP), which enables customers to resolve cyber squatting disputes online at www.DomainMagistrate.com. The site focuses on solving problems (using ICANN's Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy) and provides summaries of recent domain name disputes, administrative panel decisions, docket listings, sample pleadings, and more.

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Actions You Can Take to Protect Your Domain Name Registration

Keep Domain Protect Turned On
When a new domain name is registered with Network Solutions, the Domain Protect feature is automatically turned on . This service helps prevent unauthorized transfers. If you need to authorize a transfer, you can easily turn Domain Protect off by logging into Network Solutions online Account Manager.

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Renew Early and Use Auto Renew Feature
Renew your domain name registrations for longer terms to minimize the possibility of a domain name hijacking incident. You can also use Auto Renew, as another layer of protection, to prevent an unintended renewal lapse should you miss a renewal deadline. Print these easy instructions and log in to your Network Solutions account to turn on Auto Renew.

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Secure your Next Registration Rights
Add an extra layer of security to safeguard your domain name registration. The Network Solutions Next Registration Rights service will automatically re-register your requested domain name should you fail to renew it for any reason. For additional information on Next Registration Rights, click here.

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Set Up Separate User IDs and Passwords for All Domain Contacts
Network Solutions is the only domain name provider that lets you revoke or assign domain name privileges to a particular individual without sharing your password. Remember to log in to Account Manager to protect your domain name by modifying user privileges when employees are no longer with your company.

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Ensure Contact Information Is Accurate
Keep your Account contact information current so that any critical information about your domain name registration can be communicated to you and to reduce the chance of unauthorized modifications or transfers. Your contact information includes e-mail address, postal address, and telephone number.

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Carefully Review Information About Your Domain Services
Examine all information you receive about your domain name registration. If you receive suspicious e-mail or renewal notices that are not from Network Solutions, or if you notice that your WHOIS information has been altered, immediately contact Network Solutions.

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