I suppose we sometimes take things for granted in that regard and once we are ready to sign up, we simply assume that the site is legitimate.

Your point just proved that we need to be more careful and the best way we can do this is with having different passwords that are complicated to crack.

Thank you for mentioning this.

A common way someone can get your username and password information is to gain your interest in a bogus service that requires registration. Many people without putting much thought to it will register for the bogus service using a username and password that is commonly used on many other services that require username/password entry.

From there the information is collected and the hacker can visit many of the most common sites that require access and attempt to log in. GoDaddy.com would be a great example. I own over 1000 domain names now and you would not believe the password I use for my account now.

I would suggest that people totally be careful with with sites that register to. Awesome post and thanks for sharing the story.

Hope these help somehow.

I can see though that being with a more personalized service and being looked after could be a bit like hitting the jackpot.

Your blog is interesting, I had a little peekaboo.

“that relationship thing with the domain registrar sounds great in theory, but how does it work in practice if they have millions of domains? I’m sure they wouldn’t be interested in hearing from me just checking in to say hello.”

Good question. It’s especially harder to even remotely achieve that when you only have one domain name with the registrar and you’re considered a “number”.

One reality is the big registrars like Go Daddy, eNom and Network Solutions give priority service to those who have numerous domain names with them, especially if they’re very long-time customers. It gets harder to manage the “smaller” customers like you and me.

You’ll definitely have an advantage, though, if you happen to know someone from the registrar and can almost contact that person anytime. That’s one way to establish a relationship, albeit it’s easier said than done if you don’t know who exactly to form that with.

Fortunately there are lesser-known registrars who are more capable of offering personalized service, yet do everything they can to help keep your domain name safe. Just gotta find that “one”, though.

On the side, I finally got my blog fully restored! Whew!

Maybe you could explain a little more what you meant with this?

I think it is suffice to say that we can do simple things to protect ourselves against hackers and crackers.

I’d have to agree with that comment. Even though it’s a reality that many domain registrants aren’t tech-savvy, it’ll surely surprise many to know it only takes a few steps to ensure your domain names are safe.

Two things I’ll add are never to take this thing for granted, and to try to form a “relationship” with your domain registrar. The latter is especially needed because only they can try to correct it if it’s reported promptly.

A thousand pardons, BTW, that my blog’s rather empty for now. I’m trying to rebuild it ASAP.

moneytalks: yes, being cautious does help.

David: Hey, it was a pleasure. Hearing about your ordeal really was very sad and annoying and I’m happy your got it all sorted now.

Take care and I also wish you the best of success.