Whois is a way to trace the ownership of a website. This is much like how house ownership is listed on various real estate sites. Just consider the real estate as the USA domain name and the seeker as spammers/hackers. You may wonder how spammers get Whois information even with Whois privacy. Read on to find out.
Know the security of your registration provider
Whois registration goes through the site. However, the security and privacy settings of the hosting can be maximized through most domain and web hosting services. Understanding what privacy settings are available with your registered domain services site is the first step in stopping spammers from gaining information. Although you may have the privacy settings blocking your information in Whois, if the domain and web hosting services you choose do not mask your information, spammers find out what is blocked on Whois.
Do not use your primary email address.
Email addresses are a quick way in which spammers and hackers gain information. While the personal information may not be available when the privacy settings are in place, an email address may be shown. If you use the same email address as your primary, you may find yourself receiving an abundance of spam. Why is this?
Email addresses have their information associated with them. Think of when you claimed your email address. What was required? Personal information and contact information. If you use your primary email for your domain and web hosting services and that email is listed on Whois, all a spammer has to do is look up any information associated with that email account.
For example, if you have a website called johndoe.com, do not have an email address which is support@johndoe.com, as this is obvious. Additionally, do not have johndoe.com list a contact email used anywhere but for that site. It is recommended that when you register a domain that you create a separate account just for the domain registration. This will keep your information secure and lower the risk of spammers and hackers on your accounts.
Avoid phishing ads
Scammers are getting more and more strategic in how they gain information. Avoid responding to any ads or posts which require you to input any information. Common questions are listed in the form of forums, and community blog posts such as "what was your favourite teacher growing up" or "do you remember your first phone number". In both examples, the spammer can take the information used and hack your account. How so? By answering the security questions which are more commonly associated with gaining access.
Host your site with a reputable company
Lowe-price hosting does not necessarily mean that it is the best solution for your needs. Private hosting companies pop up every day. Just because they offer hosting does not mean that the information is secure. Some private shared hosting sites will sell your information to third parties, which will then be resold and resold, leaving you with an abundance of spam.
The solution is to find a reputable company that allows for shared hosting and has a standard policy in place about your information. Be sure that you thoroughly read your site's terms and conditions to see what information is considered private and what information is considered part of the public domain. Additionally, see if any clauses allow the registration service to sell such information. The best domain and web hosting services will not only keep your information secure and free from sales to third parties but will have additional plug-ins and securities to ensure that your Whois information cannot be hacked and spammed.
Monitor your site's activity
The best way to avoid spammers is to keep a close eye on what is going on with your accounts. Anytime you see any irregularities, you should question why. It only takes a moment to reset passwords and update information. Keep your information safe and secure. Do not assume that your affordable WordPress hosting or your FTP hosting site is managing the security for you. While they should be, it is ultimately your responsibility to keep an eye on your domain's security.
Should you avoid the Whois registry?
The answer is no. If you take your domain out of the registry, you are no longer the official owner of the domain, and you have no right to sue over your domain. In a sense, if you are not listed as the owner, you are just using the name until someone registers it.
While it is unavoidable to have some spam, excessive spammers can be avoided by following these tips. If you suspect hacking or spamming of your domain and web hosting, contact your register as well as the proper law authorities.