Keys to Website Admin Superstardom: Domain Management

Don't Lose Your Digital Doorstep: Own Your Domain!

Imagine your website as your online storefront. Just like a physical store needs a permanent address, your website needs a domain name to be found online. This domain name is yours to own, not just rent, but it does require periodic and timely renewal to maintain ownership.

Beware of Renewal Scams!

Most domain registrars will send you renewal notices before your domain expires. However, there are also scam attempts designed to trick you into paying for unnecessary services. Don't panic! Here's how to tell the difference:

• Legitimate Renewal Notices: These will typically come from your registered domain registrar and provide clear information about your domain and renewal cost.
• Red Flags for Scams: Look out for overly urgent language, generic sender addresses, or pressure tactics.
• Traditional Mail: Most domain renewal scams use traditional mail and arrive as a letter looking for immediate payment.

Understanding Your Domain Renewal:

Before renewing, it's helpful to verify the information. Here's a handy tool:

• Whois Lookup: This free online service allows you to see the current owner and registrar for any domain name.

Let's use DomainTools Whois Lookup to check our own domain, shine.coop, and see what details it reveals.

 After performing a lookup, you will receive a long list of helpful information.

Let's focus on what the most important pieces are...

Demystifying Your Whois Lookup Results:

We looked up our domain, shine.coop, using a Whois Lookup tool. Let's break down the key information you'll find:

1. Registrar: This is the company you purchased your domain name through. In our case, it's Ascio Technologies. We find that most of our members use registrars like GoDaddy, Network Solutions, or Domains.coop to make domain purchases.

2. Expires On: This is the critical date! Make sure any renewal notices you receive match this expiry date to avoid scams. Always check this date before renewing your domain.

3. Updated On: This shows the last time your domain's configuration was modified. It can help identify potential issues:

   • Website Launch: If this date coincides with your website launch, it likely reflects the initial setup.
   • Offline Website: If your site goes down and this date is recent, it might indicate an accidental DNS record change by your team or even a malicious actor.

4. Name Servers: These tell you where your domain's configuration (DNS records) are stored. These records are crucial for email, website functionality, and other online services.

In our example above, the name servers point to Hover.com, which is a reputable .coop domain reseller we used (though the registrar is Ascio Technologies). The Name Server information helped us figure out who the real domain registrar is in this case.

Taking Action:

Knowing your expiry date and registrar (Hover.com in our case) allows you to confidently manage your domain renewal. Log in to your registrar's account to verify renewal details and ensure your website's continued operation.

Remember, if your domain expires, it may go offline and display a generic "for sale" page. Luckily, you can usually regain control by logging in to your registrar and renewing the payment.

By understanding your Whois Lookup results, you can effectively manage your domain name and avoid scams or website downtime.

Don't Stop Yet. Secure Your Domain!

An SSL certificate encrypts data between your website and visitors, protecting sensitive information. Make sure your website has HTTPS:// at all times to protect your member data!

With SHiNE, you don't have to worry about managing SSL certificates or web application security. We handle it for you:

• Automatic SSL Certificates: All SHiNE websites benefit from automatic SSL certificate assignment and renewal.
• Custom Co-op WAF: Our built-in Web Application Firewall protects your website from cyberattacks without requiring domain record or DNS control. Your IT team retains full control over your domain, while SHiNE provides an additional security layer.
• High Rated Certificate Security: All SHiNE websites receive A+ rated SSL configuration and security.

Protecting your website with the SHiNE platform is a win-win! Secure your domain and website with SHiNE's comprehensive security features today.

Have Questions?

Our support team is happy to answer any questions you have about domain registration, renewal, or management. Feel free to reach out anytime! We're here to help.

Contact Our Team