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Why Strong Passwords Aren’t Enough to Protect Your Domains

On World Password Day, most security conversations understandably center on password hygiene—specifically, using unique credentials, enabling two-factor authentication, and avoiding reuse across accounts. And while these are important practices for individuals and businesses alike, they only go so far when it comes to protecting critical enterprise infrastructure.

One often overlooked but growing risk is domain name system (DNS) hijacking. This type of threat can occur when someone gains access to your registrar account—whether through stolen credentials, phishing, or social engineering—and changes DNS settings to redirect traffic, intercept emails, or take websites and applications offline. The impact is immediate and far reaching, affecting customer trust, internal operations, and even revenue.

For large organizations, especially those with a global footprint or high-value digital assets, strong credentials alone are not enough. Phishing attempts are constant, increasingly sophisticated, and often successful—making credential compromise a real and ongoing risk. Enterprises need additional layers of defense to prevent unauthorized changes—especially at the domain level.

Enter registry locks

A registry lock provides an added layer of security by operating at the registry level—beyond the protections already in place through your registrar account. Even with strong credentials, two-factor authentication, and hardened registrar security, the risk of DNS hijacking or administrative error remains. A registry lock helps mitigate that by preventing unauthorized changes to your domain, such as:

  • Modifying DNS records
  • Transferring domains to another registrar
  • Editing WHOIS data

Think of it as a failsafe that reinforces your existing security posture—not a replacement for registrar security, but a complement to it.

Taking it further with CSC MultiLock

While many registrars offer some version of a registry lock, CSC’s MultiLock is built specifically for enterprises that need stronger protections. It goes beyond the basics by:

  • Requiring multi-party authorization before changes can be made
  • Locking not just domains, but also DNS and WHOIS updates
  • Supporting emergency response protocols for rapid action if needed
  • Actively monitoring for suspicious activity or update attempts

This added control and visibility helps global organizations mitigate the risk of DNS hijacking, safeguards brand reputation, and maintains business continuity—even in the face of credential-based threats.

Want to learn more? Check out CSC’s enterprise-grade registry lock solution to see how MultiLock can protect your most valuable domains.