Defending against Domain Name System hijacking

One malicious online activity that organisations must guard against is Domain Name System (DNS) hijacking, commonly known as domain hijacking. This cyberattack involves unauthorised control over a domain name by manipulating registration details, posing a grave threat to the integrity of online entities.

At its core, domain hijacking disrupts the proper functioning of a domain by transferring its administration without the consent of its legitimate owner. Once control is taken away, attackers have the potential to cause danger, redirecting traffic to fraudulent sites, intercepting emails, and gaining unauthorised access to sensitive user data. The aftermath of such an attack can result in severe damage to an organisation’s reputation and lessen the trust of customers.

DNS hijacking incidents have plagued even major entities, highlighting the vulnerabilities inherent in online infrastructure.

In 2015, Google’s Vietnam domain, google[.]com[.]vn, fell victim to Lizard Squad’s Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attack, redirecting users to a site offering hacking tools. Despite Google’s prompt response, the breach stressed the far-reaching impact of DNS manipulation.

Similarly, in 2018, GoDaddy faced a significant breach from the Spammy Bear group, resulting in suspicious emails demanding ransom from US institutions. Exploiting DNS vulnerabilities, the group targeted dormant domains associated with renowned corporations like Mozilla and Mastercard. GoDaddy swiftly addressed the issue, attributing it to systemic weaknesses that were promptly resolved.

Another notable instance occurred in 2017 when Sea Turtle targeted the Microsoft Outlook Web access portal for the government of Cyprus. Utilising phishing emails, the hackers gained access to credentials, raising concerns about data security and the duration of unauthorised access.

 

Guard against domain name system hijacking with proactive cybersecurity measures.

 

To fortify against the looming threat of domain name system hijacking, organisations must adopt a proactive and comprehensive approach to cybersecurity. Implementing robust security measures is imperative, and one such measure is the use of registrar lock services. This feature prevents unauthorised changes to a domain’s registration details, acting as a crucial barrier against potential hijackers.

Furthermore, incorporating two-factor authentication (2FA) for domain management significantly bolsters the security posture. Implementing 2FA boosts security by requiring both a password and an extra verification step, like a unique code sent to a registered mobile device. This added layer complicates attackers’ efforts to manipulate domain registration details.

Vigilant monitoring of domain registration details is another crucial aspect of defence against DNS hijacking. Regularly reviewing and verifying these details can help identify any unauthorised changes promptly. Organisations should establish protocols for monitoring and responding to suspicious activity, ensuring a swift and effective response to potential threats.

In conclusion, safeguarding against domain name system hijacking is paramount. Organisations must prioritise cybersecurity measures to protect their online presence, reputation, and the trust of their customers.

By implementing registrar lock services, two-factor authentication, and diligent monitoring of domain registration details, businesses can fortify their defences and thwart the malicious intentions of cyber attackers. In a time where the digital landscape is an integral part of daily operations, being proactive in cybersecurity is not merely a necessity but a strategic imperative for achieving long-term success.