← Back to Home

10 DNS Settings That Actually Stop Hijackers

10 DNS Settings That Actually Stop Hijackers

Posted by NetworkWhois on

DNS Security: How We Stop Hijackers Cold

Last month, a client's domain got hijacked. $50k in damages later, we implemented these 10 settings. Save yourself the heartburn.

Warning: If you're not using at least 7 of these, your domain is basically wearing a "Steal Me" sign.

1. Registry Lock (The Nuclear Option)

What it does: Prevents all DNS changes without manual verification by your registrar.

Why it works: Even with stolen credentials, attackers can't modify your nameservers.

Pro Tip: Turn this on for your root domain and primary email domain. The extra hassle is worth it.

2. DNSSEC - Not Just for Paranoiacs

What it does: Cryptographically signs your DNS records to prevent poisoning.

Implementation:

  1. Enable at your registrar
  2. Generate DS records
  3. Verify with our DNS checker
Gotcha: Cloudflare and some registrars require extra steps. Don't assume it's fully enabled just because you checked a box.

3. Two-Factor on EVERYTHING

Not just your registrar account:

  • Domain registrar
  • DNS hosting provider
  • Associated email accounts
  • Recovery addresses

4. Restricted API Access

Most hijackings happen through:

  • Compromised API keys
  • Overprivileged IAM users
  • Forgotten test credentials

Fix: Use IP-restricted API tokens with minimal permissions.

5. Nameserver Verification

Check daily (automate this):

dig +short NS yourdomain.com
whois yourdomain.com | grep "Name Server"

Compare against your known-good nameservers.

6. Email Separation

Never use the same email for:

  • Domain registration
  • DNS management
  • General website admin
Critical: Use a dedicated, obscure email alias just for domain ops that isn't tied to your public domain.

7. Hidden WHOIS (But Only Partially)

Privacy protection is good, but:

  • Keep admin email visible to receive abuse reports
  • Use a unique address just for WHOIS
  • Verify monthly with our WHOIS tool

8. Monitoring with Teeth

Don't just monitor - act on:

  • Nameserver changes
  • DNS record modifications
  • WHOIS updates
Our Stack: Custom scripts that text us AND revoke API keys on unauthorized changes.

9. Backup DNS Records

Because sometimes the cure is worse than the disease:

  1. Export zone files weekly
  2. Store offline with timestamps
  3. Test restoration process quarterly

10. The 24-Hour Rule

For any critical changes:

  • Implement during business hours
  • Wait 24 hours before finalizing
  • Verify at multiple global DNS locations
Real Story: A client almost lost their domain because a "quick" nameserver change at 5pm Friday propagated incorrectly.

Implementation Checklist

Task Priority Tools Needed
Enable registry lock 🚨 Critical Registrar account
Deploy DNSSEC High DNS Checker
Separate admin emails High New email accounts
Audit API access Medium Cloud provider consoles
Set up monitoring 🚨 Critical Scripting knowledge
Audit Your DNS Now

Got a hijacking horror story? Email me - I'll add it to our hall of shame (anonymously).