Domain locking is a method of automatically rejecting transfer requests on a domain from another registrar, and hence having the domain transferred (possible out of your control) without your consent.
Below is a summary of the three main types of domains which exist and how locking works with them, as well as a guide on how to lock/unlock a domain in ModernBill.
Pull-type Domains
Some domains, such as .com, .net and .org use a pull system when transferring. When a domain set to be transferred at a new registrar, they will put in a request at the old registrar and pull the domain into their control.
In theory, this can allow anyone to grab your domain. So, by locking your domain at the current registrar you can prevent anyone from transferring the domain out without your permission.
Push-type Domains
Some other domains (most notably .uk domains with Nominet) use a push system.
When you want to transfer a domain, you must log onto (or contact) your current registrar and change the TAG for the domain (the TAG is the ID of the registrar responsible for the domain). This tells Nominet (the body responsible for .uk domains) that a new registrar will manage it and them pushes it into their ccontrol.
As you must initiate the transfer at the old registrar, there is no need for a locking mechanism with these types of domains - if a locking switch is available is may not actually do anything. With our registrar, you will see the message "Error processing your request!" if you try to enable the lock.
EPP-protected Domains
Newer domains, including .biz, still uses a pull system, but require a unique code (a sort of one-time use password) in order to initiate transfer the domain with the old registrar. This makes it much harder to transfer the domain without authorization, but not impossible. Locking is still usually available with these domains.
How to check the lock on the domain
By default, all domains registered with (or transfered to) us have their lock automatically enabled (where available) to prevent unwanted transfers. You should only need to follow these steps below if you want to check the domain is locked, unlock it or re-enable the lock.
If you want to just check, many extensions which support the locking method will including it as part of the WHOIS output of the domain. For example, a WHOIS on a .com address reveals:
If you want to run a WHOIS check on your domain, goto our Domain Check page and enter your domain. If the domain has already been registered, it will display the WHOIS results on the next page.
Registrar: NETWORK SOLUTIONS, LLC.
Whois Server: whois.networksolutions.com
Referral URL: http://www.networksolutions.com
Status: REGISTRAR-LOCK
Updated Date: 24-Mar-2004
Creation Date: 05-Jun-1997
Expiration Date: 10-Nov-2012
The Status line shows that the domain is locked and cannot be transferred.
How to lock or unlock a domain
Remember that your ModernBill login details can be found at the bottom of your last invoice from us. If you have not changed your details since signing up, you can also use your Account Details e-mail.
Also, we currently have two installations of ModernBill due to integration issues. If you are not sure which copy to use, please go to the Support page and click on the icon that is relevant to you, or Submit a Ticket to the Billing Team.
To update your details, please complete the following steps:
- Log onto ModernBill using your e-mail address and password.
- You will now see your account's Dashboard. This contains a brief overview of your account.
- From the menu, hover over My Sites & click on My Domains.
- You will now be shown a list of domains you have registered with us. Click on the name of the domain you want to (un)lock.
- The next few pages will take a little longer to load as our system will need to talk to our registrar to fetch and submit data.
- When loaded, click on Registrar Lock to the left-hand side.
- Select Yes or No from Lock this domain.
- Click Submit changes.
You have successfully (un)locked your domain name.
It is always recommended that you only unlock the domain if you are planning on transferred the domain away from us. If you leave it unlocked for a long period of time, you run the risk of someone taking (hijacking) the domain from us and out of your control. If this happens, it can be very difficult to get it back.
