Domain Name Security - Frequently Asked Questions

Do you provide a domain name lock facility?

Why would I need to lock my domains?

Should I be afraid someone will take my domain?

How does "TransferShield" registration lock work?

Is there a charge for the "TransferShield" service?

How can I unlock my domain?

What if I forget the security pass-phrase?

Who do I contact for additional assistance?

Do you provide a domain name lock facility?

Yes. DomainsNow4U® offers its members the ability to lock their domains, for their security, in order to prevent hijackings. A domain hijacking is when someone transfers your domain to another registrar without your approval. These fraudulent transfers are done in an attempt to gain ownership of your domain. Our security lock facility is called "TransferShield" and by default all your domains are automatically set to 'locked'. You can 'unlock' your domains at any time. 

More information about "TransferShield" Domain Lock service.

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Why would I need to lock my domains?

You may have read about other registrars who have have had customers lose domains. Here are a couple of examples of recurring scenarios:

One concerns a disgruntled employee who is the admin contact for one or more domains owned by his/her (ex-) employer. The admin contact can approve a transfer to another registrar. Once the transfer is complete, the domain's ownership can be changed.

Another common tactic is for unscrupulous domain name agents to send the admin contact a misleading email. The admin contact thinks they are renewing the domain, but in reality, they have just approved a transfer.

The issue of domain name security does not lie with our system. Partnered with Innerwise Inc., one of the largest ICANN-accredited registrars, DomainsNow4U's system meets and exceeds the standards for domain security.

However, as with any computer-driven system, there are always ways for fraudulent, unscrupulous agents to find loopholes as mentioned above. Just like viruses, as soon as one is defeated, hackers will try and create another way to beat the system.

Our "TransferShield" registration lock service therefore provides an additional layer of security -- a service which protects you from fraud. All domains at DomainsNow4U.com® are automatically equipped with "TransferShield".

More information about "TransferShield" Domain Lock service.

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Should I be afraid someone will take my domain?

No, our normal security procedures will keep your domain totally secure in most instances. "TransferShield" registration lock provides extra security. If your domains are very valuable, and/or you have employees with access to them, you might have a situation that is more risky. TransferShield can benefit you.

More information about "TransferShield" Domain Lock service.

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How does "TransferShield" registration lock work?

This extra security is not essential - our normal safeguards exceed the standards required by ICANN. Unfortunately, the industry standards are not enough to protect against these types of fraud. 

DomainsNow4U's "TransferShield" registration lock provides an extra layer of protection that is unmatched in the industry. With the TransferShield the potential for domain hijacking is drastically reduced since no changes can be made to your domains without disabling the lock.

On your first visit to the "TransferShield" section in your domain account, if you haven't already set up your question and answer, you'll be prompted to choose a security pass-phrase for your own protection. You must choose a question and provide the answer. You will be prompted for this answer every time you return to this section. Your options are: 1. Your pet's name; 2. Your mother's maiden name; 3. Your grandfather's first name; or 4. The last 4 digits of your Social Security number. These are items it is presumed that only you would know.

Important: If you later forget your security question you'll have to prove you're the owner of the domain in order to get access. So we highly recommend that you choose something memorable!

More information about "TransferShield" Domain Lock service.

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Is there a charge for your "TransferShield" registration lock service?

No, it is a FREE service.

More information about "TransferShield" Domain Lock service.

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How can I unlock my domain?

You need to unlock your domain before you can change its ownership or transfer it to another registrar. Login to the domain manager with your Username and Password, and go to the "TransferShield" section. Click the "Edit Lock" link. Put a checkmark next to the domain(s) you need to unlock, and then click Continue. On the next screen, choose "NO" in the drop-down box, and continue. Your domain will be unlocked, and you can perform your action.

You may return when you are done to re-lock your domain. You may unlock and lock your domain an unlimited number of times at no charge. Note however that for security reasons our system will automatically re-lock your domain about one week after you unlock. This is to protect you just in case you forget to reactivate the lock yourself.

More information about "TransferShield" Domain Lock service.

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What if I forget the security pass-phrase?

If you have forgotten the answer to the security question, you will have to prove you are the owner of the domain in order to get access.

If the domain is owned by an individual, a valid photo ID (passport, drivers license, etc.) is required.

If the domain is registered to a company or other corporate entity, we will need the notarized signatory page of the company's articles of incorporation, or equivalent document.

If you cannot provide this information, you will not be able to unlock the domain. Please Fax all information to our registrar partner, Innerwise / Tucows at (416) 352-0113. Please include your contact information (email and telephone), so that we can verify the information's validity.

If the domain is registered to an individual, you will have to contact us with a valid photo ID.  Or if the domain is registered to a company, the valid signatory page of the articles of incorporation.

More information about "TransferShield" Domain Lock service.

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