Cyber Attacks, Domain Hijacking or Security Holes – .de Registry Lock Protects Your Online Presence

DENICSecurityTech

DENIC-RedaktionApr 26, 2024 2 min read

Attempts to attack digital infrastructure have become commonplace. Additional protection thus is highly advisable, and ever more holders of .de domains become aware of this. A few years ago, we have introduced the security feature ".de Registry Lock". It protects domains against unwanted manipulation and more and more holders are taking advantage of this added security. In this article, we explain why .de Registry Lock is so valuable and how to establish it.

.de Registry Lock - What is it?

.de Registry Lock is a security feature that protects domains against unwanted manipulation, both due to external attacks and to accidental misconfiguration. It gives the domain holder full control over changes to their domain data, be it holder data like the address or the recorded name servers that provide access to the content of the website or the provider that administers the domain. Such changes may occur anytime, for instance because the holder has moved, or the domain is transferred to another provider.

The important thing is to be in control of such changes. Loss of control over your domain can have far-reaching consequences, for your private internet or e-mail presence but in particular for that of a company. Suddenly your business can no longer be reached, or products are offered on your website which you do not sell and perhaps do not even want to be associated with. .de Registry Lock offers added security for such cases.

How does it work?

.de Registry Lock is requested by the domain holder via their provider. The provider makes available all the necessary forms and forwards the request to DENIC. The domain holder can name themselves or another person to be the so-called "Lock Contact", who will deal with all actions related to the specific domain. The Lock Contact is the verified contact of the provider and of DENIC. The Lock Contact must confirm any request for a change to the domain data, e.g. in case of a move or a change of provider, for them to become effective. DENIC will check the request and have it confirmed by the Lock Contact, who will receive a release token from DENIC at their mobile number and an e-mail to the related e-mail address. This way, the Lock Contact can confirm the request easily and safely. Only when DENIC has received a confirmation, the changes are carried out. This ensures that no unauthorised party can submit a request to change your domain data. The domain data are stored like in a safe, so to speak, and only the Lock Contact has the "key".

You find a detailed description of the individual steps of this process on our website.

Numerous .de domains already benefit from the .de Registry Lock security feature. We are convinced their number will grow quickly - because security on the internet is key to mutual confidence.