Do I Need Domain Protection? (A Quick Guide To Domain Privacy)

Domain names act as the digital front doors to your website. But just like with your home address, you might not want to plaster your personal details all over the web. This is where domain privacy protection steps in.

But is it genuinely necessary for you? In the realm of domain privacy, it’s crystal clear why every website owner should have this issue front and center in their thoughts.

Let’s break down domain privacy. It’s like a secret shield protecting your digital space. I’ll explain what it means and how to get it. More importantly, I’ll also address whether you absolutely need it.

Introduction

Once known for its anonymity, the Internet is now a maze where your personal details can be a simple Google search away. Domain privacy protection is the cloak for your digital address that shields your website from prying eyes, spammers, and identity thieves.

What Does Domain Protection Mean, Exactly?

For starters, domain privacy protection conceals your personal information from the WHOIS database, the online directory that openly displays domain registrant details like contact information, making them accessible. Without domain privacy, it’s like having an address that’s a bit too public for comfort.

What Is the WHOIS Database?

WHOIS is the Internet’s version of “caller ID lookup,” except it checks a domain name’s ownership records. It keeps domain registration transparent and publicly available.

Domain registrars are required to maintain and update WHOIS records as changes are made.

How Does Domain Privacy Protection Work

When you purchase a domain, your registrar submits your contact information to the WHOIS database. But if you purchase domain privacy protection, the registrar’s information is substituted for yours.

So, instead of your real address, email, and phone number, the average nosy internet passersby and the spammer will only see generic, legally required, and less personal proxy details.

Note: Check out this free guide if you want to transfer your domain from GoDaddy to another registrar, such as Namehero.

Four Reasons Why You Need Domain Privacy Protection

Prevent Strangers From Accessing Your Personal Data

Your personal data is valuable and should be treated as such. By masking the WHOIS records, you control who can access your personal contact information. This level of control becomes even more critical if your business operates primarily online.

For instance, if I head to the WHOIS database and search for domain details behind apple.com, the screenshot below shows that I don’t get much information as Apple has set up domain privacy for its data.

Most fields, such as name, address, or contact details, show the phrase “redacted for privacy” instead of actual personal data. It’s a practice you need to set up for your domain right away!

Prevents Domain Theft / Hacking Attempts

Making your domain private is not just about making it hard to find; it’s about thwarting attempts on your digital property. By safely tucking away your personal email and number from the prying eyes of hackers, you significantly reduce the chance of online malicious attacks.

Reduce Unsolicited Sales and Spam Calls

Tired of unrelenting spam and sales pitches that fill up your inbox? The WHOIS database is a goldmine for unsolicited sales pitches.

Having domain privacy seriously cuts down on the amount of unwanted messages you receive, giving you a bit of peace in this crazy online world.

Prevent Unwanted Traffic

Public WHOIS records could attract visitors with less-than-honorable intentions. By anonymizing your domain, you’re directing your online traffic toward your genuine audience and shielding yourself from potential harassers or worse.

Domain privacy can prevent accidental or malicious traffic, freeing you from unwanted visitors.

How Much Does Domain Privacy Cost?

The cost of domain privacy varies greatly among different registrars. It’s often a yearly fee, sometimes worth almost as much as the domain.

For instance, I added the domain pearsandpeaches.com to the cart at NameHero’s domain registrar service. The domain privacy fee that shows up in the next step is $5.98/year.

In my opinion, something like $5 a year is the bare minimum investment for online businesses in the grand scheme of privacy breaches. It’s a bit like an insurance policy—it’s easy to see why you’d want it after a bad experience, but it’s far better to have had it in place all along.

Can You Add Domain Privacy Protection Later?

Yes, you can. If you didn’t opt for domain privacy when you purchased your domain, you’re not out of luck. You can add it anytime through your domain registrar or web host.

Log in to your domain registrar account page, select domain settings, and turn on domain privacy. Your registrar will then set up the domain privacy protection and bill you annually for it.

Note: Doing so might temporarily disrupt your website’s functionality, as the registrar will change the domain details you submitted to the WHOIS database.

Conclusion: Final Thoughts

I hope this guide helped you understand domain privacy and why you would benefit if you opt for it.

So, should you really purchase domain protection? While the decision ultimately rests with you, the peace of mind that comes with domain privacy protection is a huge benefit.

Your domain isn’t just your address; it’s your digital identity. With the threat of cyber-attacks, phishing, and stepped-up surveillance, domain privacy protection isn’t a luxury but a necessity.

Also, if you’re looking for a beginner’s guide to domain management, we wrote a free guide on the same topic here.

Domain Privacy at NameHero

NameHero understands the value of safeguarding your online identity. We offer top-notch domain privacy protection that goes above and beyond.

If you’re ready to safeguard your online presence, make sure to check out NameHero’s domain services.

Let’s be real: The online world can feel like a jungle. But there’s no need to tackle it solo. Consider domain privacy to be the virtual bouncer at your online club, maintaining the crowd even when you’re not looking.

Explore our domain services that are globally trusted by businesses — get the details here!