The registry lock provides additional protection for the domain for which it has been activated. This service is designed to reduce the risk of administrative and technical hijacking of domain names through specific authentication steps between the domain name registry and its registrar, in this case PlanetHoster.
In this article, we explain:
- some basic notions about registry lock;
- how to activate the registry lock;
- how to make a change request;
- how to disable locking.
Note: The PlanetHoster Glossary contains explanations on multiple topics and can be consulted to clarify certain terms.
Prerequisites
Enter the following address in your web browser: https://my.planethoster.com.
The Registry Lock in a Nutshell
The basic purpose of the registry lock is to secure the most critical domain names against hijacking.
Hijacking occurs when an attacker takes control of a strategic domain name in order to modify its information for his or her own benefit. By hijacking your domain names, cyber-criminals can divert Internet traffic to other addresses, causing major damage such as loss of user confidence, disruptions or information leaks, among other things.
To circumvent this form of piracy, the registry lock:
- blocks DNS server modifications;
- blocks domain name transfer;
- blocks contact modifications;
- blocks domain name deletion.
Note that even if a domain is locked, it is automatically renewed at the Registry to prevent unwanted deletion or expiration.
Once the registry lock is in place, any modification request triggers triple authentication:
- following the request, an authorized person at the registrar (PlanetHoster) must submit the request to the domain name registry to unlock it;
- the applicant is then contacted by telephone by the registry and asked to provide a security phrase of their own for the domain name to be unlocked.
Depending on the nature of the request, we promise to carry out the change within 72 working hours.
Of course, activating the registry lock removes some flexibility in domain management. However, for critical domains, this precaution is essential. That is why, first of all, you need to identify the critical domains for which you deem it essential to activate the registry lock. You can then proceed with the actual activation.
The registry lock is particularly useful for domains with high commercial value, critical infrastructures or those exposed to a higher risk of targeted attacks. For example, financial institutions, government organizations or large corporations often opt for registry locking to ensure maximum security for their domains. In addition, companies handling sensitive customer data or intellectual property may find registry locking essential to protecting their online presence.
Fees may apply when modifications are requested.
How to Activate the Registry Lock
The registry lock is activated via the domain management interface:
- Log in to the management interface of the domain in question (how).
- Click on the Request to activate the registry lock button:
- A confirmation is automatically displayed to inform you that technical support has received the request to deactivate the registry lock:
- Click on the More details button for direct access to the My support -> My Tickets interface, where you can view the request sent to technical support (how).
How to Make a Change Request
If you need to make a change for a locked domain, you have to contact the technical support by creating a ticket, in which you must explain the changes required (how).
Eventually, the interface will be adapted to facilitate the operation.
How to Disable Locking
To disable the registry lock, you have to contact the technical support by creating a ticket (how).
Eventually, the interface will be adapted to facilitate the operation.