The process of hijacking a website really doesn’t require a lot of knowledge or even effort.  There are various methods hackers use to hijack domains such as launching Trojan viruses, illegitimately acquiring login information or utilizing software to hack into a web hosting account to reconfigure ownership information.  Once hackers gain access to the targeted web server’s control panel, the chaos and headaches begins for website owners.

While most domain hijacking attacks are illicit, large companies take advantage of their branding leverage citing copyright infringements.   By doing so allows more established companies to legally “hijack” specific domains.  Unfortunately, small companies simply don’t have the necessary resources to defend their domains when toppled by a larger company with the same resources readily available to combat legal battles.

Locking the Hijacking Tool Shed

The truth is hijacking of a domain doesn’t take an arsenal of tools to access an authorized account.  The two basic items needed to hijack a domain is the target domain’s registrar name and the administrative e-mail address for the target domain.  Upon accessing these two essential items, hackers can easily hijack a domain without the knowledge of the authorized owner.  Website owners often don’t realize that this information is available online for the public to view by visiting www.whois.com.  A simple search can reveal the imperative information needed to hijack a domain, however, it’s possible to thwart hacking attempt by opting for a private domain registration.

A private domain registration allows website owners to hide vital information such as personal details including name and administrative e-mail address.  So, when a potential hacker looks up the domain on WHOIS, the information is hidden from public view.  It’s strongly recommended that website owners take the proactive security measures and choose to hide such details to thwart hijacking attempts.

Additionally, website owners should always inquire about the respective registrar’s security policy.  Also, ask about domain locking options as most registrars provide the feature to prevent unauthorized security breaches.

An Ounce of Prevention

Perhaps the best way to protect a domain name from being hijacked, aside from the above suggestions, is to opt for a reliable and trust-worthy provider.  Remember that usually you get what you pay for, so if a proven legit provider costs a few dollars more, it’s worth the extra cost to protect your domain name from hijacking attempts.  The initial proactive security costs are a well-worth investment, especially when compared to trying to undo the chaos created by a successful hacking mission.

Related posts:

• What is Reverse Domain Name Hijacking?
• Shielding Your Online Identity from Domain Name Thieves
• Reverse Domain Name Hijacking on the Rise
• The In’s and Out’s of Domain Names
• Top 10 Domain Registrars
• NameCheap vs. GoDaddy
• What the New User can Learn from the GoDaddy Account Hack
• Picking up Expired Domains – Not Always Fun, but There’s a Way
• Common Web Hosting Terms And What They Mean
• Keep Your Site Safe – Learn What Not to Do

How ‘Reverse Domain Name Hijacking’ Works

In the case of ‘reverse domain name hijacking’ the offending party will typically file a report in conjunction with the UDRP  (Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy), which claims that the current domain owner registered the domain in violation of trademark rights. The goal in filing this report is to have the current domain ownership rights revoked and handed over to the offender.  Unfortunately, even though in many cases the larger companies are overstepping their trademark rights, most small companies do not have the funds or knowledge needed to defend themselves through any type of opposition.

Why Do People ‘Reverse Hijack’ Domain Names?

Although many large companies have the financial resources to legitimately acquire virtually any domain name, it is often more desirable and affordable for them to simply seize a domain from a smaller company by abusing their pre-established trademark rights. The fact is, it is easier and cheaper to contract the assistance of a lawyer and have ‘professional’ documents sent to the deciding panel that will ultimately award the domain to the larger company.

Not only is it a more viable solution for larger companies, it is also a very safe way to steal a domain name. The worst that can happen to the offending party is that they would lose the dispute. As long as a small window for success remains, and there are no legal repercussions associated with ‘reverse domain name hijacking’, you can be assured that companies will continue to file fraudulent and unjust UDRP claims against rightful domain owners.

How to Reclaim the Domain Name After it Has Been ‘Reverse Hijacked’

If you have the financial and legal resources, it is possible to file an action in court against the offending party, which states that your registration of the domain was lawful and in accordance with the Anticybersquatting Consumer Protection Act (ACPA). The ACPA is basically a law that serves to protect domain registrants from the outreaching and unjust claims of trademark owners, which could potentially lead to illegal monopolization in certain markets.

Sadly, even if the court case is ruled in your favor, you will not receive monetary compensation, as the ACPA is only intended to provide injunctive relief (which simply means you’ll be given back ownership of the domain). Larger companies know that most people will not take them to court, and if they do, the only thing that can happen is that the domain is given back to the original registrant, which is not enough to deter most companies from going after a desirable domain name. Until there are stricter penalties for ‘reverse domain name hijacking’, it is very likely that this trend will continue to grow.

Related posts:

• Reverse Domain Name Hijacking on the Rise
• How to Prevent Domain Hijacking
• Shielding Your Online Identity from Domain Name Thieves
• The In’s and Out’s of Domain Names

Shady Business Partners

More and more, we are seeing business professionals lose ownership of their domain name to a partner or co owner.  In many cases, the name is initially registered in one person’s name and with access to the account, the other partner redirects the domain to another website, a move that essentially puts the original company out of business.  More often than not, the co owner demands money or other type of collateral in exchange for the domain, using it as leverage to get something in return for something that could not be obtained in the context of a partnership.  Surprisingly enough, this is one of the most common examples of theft as domain names are stolen in this manner at a staggering rate of about 25%.

Disgruntled Employees

It is very rare for management figures to be involved in the domain name registration process.  This part is typically handled by a member of the IT department but may also be designated to lower level employees.  When this occurs, domain name theft becomes a much more probable crime.  Should an employee leave the company on bad terms, they just might take that valuable information with them.  This could lead to a nasty dispute between the ex employee and their former employer.  While there is a possibility of getting the domain back, retrieving it is quite difficult when the important registration details have been stolen.

Third-Party Partners

There have been cases involving developers supplying their own information when registering domain names for customers.  Some have even gone as far as to list the name of their company as the legitimate registrant of the customer’s trademark.  Should there ever be a billing dispute down the road, the developer then leverages the domain you thought was registered in your name to get their demands met.  More common is the vendor that registers a domain name on behalf of the customer only to go out of business, leaving the customer with no idea of how to renew the name or regain control of it in any form.  These are two very crucial examples because if the vendor folds or the developer becomes irrate, you could find yourself in the middle of web-based extortion and fighting an uphill battle for your online identity.

Domain theft is on the rise and occurring far more frequently than one would expect.   As an online business owner, you must keep in mind that your domain name is a piece of intellectual property and secure this vital intangible just as you would tangible assets.  Fortunately, this is pretty easy to do.  Do business with a reliable registrar, obtain the necessary security features, maintain control of your account details and you will be much less susceptible to domain theft.

Related posts:

• Top 10 Domain Registrars
• How to Prevent Domain Hijacking
• The Difference Between Private and Business Domain Registrations
• Should You Buy Domains in Bulk?
• Acquiring the Domain You Want Through Back-Ordering
• What Do You Get with a Cheap Domain Name?
• Six Important Considerations for Domain Name Registration
• How to Choose a Good Domain Name
• Finding a Domain for Your Business
• Someone Registered My Domain – What Now?