DNS Belgium works together with a number of security firms and browser developers to keep the .be domain sound and reliable. When they discover abuse at a certain .be domain name, we automatically send a message to the registrant and his registrar. It is the registrant’s task to remove the fraudulent pages.
The registrant is often not aware of any harm because he has been hacked. The domain name is used by third parties for fraudulent practices such as phishing , malware , etc.
When abuse is reported, it means in most cases that the website cannot be reached for quite a large number of internet users, because the website is blocked in most browsers or because it is made inaccessible via security programs, plug-ins or blacklists.
When you as a registrant note that your domain name is misused or your website is not accessible in the normal way, it is in your best interest to take action as rapidly as possible so that the competent authorities can in turn take appropriate measures.
Which steps can you take at once?
If you receive a message from us about a misuse of your domain name, you must remove the fraudulent pages from your website as promptly as possible.
If you do not manage your website, the hosting partner or registrar can help you further. If you do not know who your registrar is, you can look up his contact details below.
How do you protect your website against hacking?
There are several ways to protect your website against hacking:
- If you use a CMS to manage your website, make sure that the software is always up to date. Limit the number of plug-ins and modules that you use, and make sure that they are kept up to date.
- Make sure that the file and folder permissions are correct.
- Conduct sound account management.
- Opt for strong passwords for the management of your website and change the standard admin user name.
- Use the admin role only for people who actually have to be able to do everything.
- Create a limited role for users who can manage only content.
- Never let users share accounts by logging in with the same login data. Create a proprietary account per user.
- Make a back-up of the website regularly and ensure that you restore it.
- Conduct or have a security scan conducted.
The technical set up of your website is also decisive for its security. You should contact your hosting partner or registrar if you have questions about the security of your website.
With this article, we support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.