What Is Domain Hijacking and How to Protect Your Domain

Most people think of stolen passwords or hacked servers when they hear about online security. But even something as simple as a domain name can decide if your business stays online or vanishes overnight. It might sound dramatic, but losing your domain can cause chaos. One minute, everything works. Next, your website redirects to a place you never intended, and your email stops working.

A recent study by Infoblox highlights the seriousness of this risk. They watched about 800,000 domains with weak security. In only three months, hackers hijacked nearly 70,000 of those domains. The number of hijacked domains is concerning because it highlights how quickly attackers can take over when owners overlook basic protections.

The problem with a hijacked domain is that it affects everything at once. Customers cannot find you. Your email becomes unreliable. People might even land on a fake website that pretends to be yours. Cleaning up after that is exhausting and usually takes longer than anyone expects.

This guide will help you understand what domain hijacking looks like and why it remains a persistent threat. The goal is simple. If you control something as crucial as your domain name, you should also feel confident that someone else cannot quietly take it away from you.

What Is Domain Hijacking?

Domain hijacking refers to the unauthorized takeover of a domain name. An attacker gains control of the domain by manipulating account credentials, registrar settings, or DNS records and then uses that access to redirect traffic, lock out the owner, or transfer the domain to another registrar.

Domain hijacking differs from a website breach because a hacked site affects the content hosted on a server, whereas domain hijacking affects the ownership of the domain itself. Once control of the domain changes hands, the attacker can modify its DNS settings, intercept emails, or impersonate the business that owns it.

The term domain theft is often used in the same context. Both describe situations where ownership or control of a domain is taken without permission. The impact is immediate because the attacker holds the authority to change critical records that support a company’s online identity.

In simple terms, domain hijacking refers to the unauthorized access that results in the loss of control over a domain. It is a targeted action that disrupts visibility, communication, and trust by shifting domain-level authority away from the rightful owner.

How a Domain Hijacking Attack Works?

A domain hijacking attack usually follows a precise sequence of actions. Each step brings the attacker closer to replacing the legitimate owner with themselves.

Step 1. The attacker looks for a weak point

This often involves targeting the email account used for domain management, the registrar login, or any place where domain-related credentials are stored. Phishing, reused passwords, and unprotected recovery accounts are common entry points.

Step 2. The attacker gains access to a domain-related account

Once the attacker obtains access to the registrar account or the email linked to ownership verification, they can trigger changes that appear authentic. The attacker may also attempt social engineering on the registrar’s support team to bypass security checks.

Step 3. The attacker edits the domain settings

With access in place, the attacker changes DNS records, contact details, or account information. These edits can redirect website traffic, disrupt email services, or block the owner from recovering control.

Step 4. The attacker initiates a domain transfer

In more aggressive attacks, the domain is moved to a different registrar. This transfer makes recovery harder because the original registrar no longer controls the domain.

Step 5. The attacker locks the owner out

To maintain control, the attacker updates verification emails, resets passwords, and enables restrictions that prevent the owner from undoing the changes.

Step 6. The attacker uses the domain for malicious activity

Once control is secure, the attacker can impersonate the brand, run phishing pages, spread malware, or sell the stolen domain to someone else.

Warning Signs Your Domain Is Being Hijacked

There are several early clues that your domain may be slipping out of your control. These signs often appear before the attacker completes the takeover, so noticing them quickly can limit the damage.

Unexpected DNS changes

If your website suddenly redirects to a new location or your DNS records show unauthorized edits, this is one of the strongest early indicators of tampering.

Login issues with your registrar account

Repeated login failures, password reset notices you did not request, or locked accounts suggest someone else is trying to gain access.

Changes to domain contact information

Altered administrative or technical contact details usually mean an attacker is preparing to cut off recovery options.

Unexplained name server updates

If your domain starts using name servers you do not recognize, an attacker may be redirecting traffic to a server they control.

Email problems linked to your domain

Missing messages, sudden delivery failures, or customer reports of being unable to reach you can indicate that your email routing has been altered.

Major Domain Hijacking Examples

The Hazy Hawk subdomain hijacking campaign in 2025

In May 2025, researchers uncovered an active campaign wherethe group known as Hazy Hawk took control of subdomains belonging to well-known organizations by exploiting weak DNS records and abandoned cloud services. Once the attackers gained control, they used these hijacked subdomains to host scams and malware. The investigation showed that even large organizations can lose control of parts of their domain when DNS maintenance is neglected.

The Sitting Ducks large scale domain takeover activity in late 2024

At the end of 2024, security analysts reported that attackers had taken control of tens of thousands of domains through a technique called “Sitting Ducks.” The attackers relied on DNS misconfigurations and outdated hosting links rather than credential theft. It became one of the clearest examples of how modern domain hijacking has shifted toward exploiting neglected DNS infrastructure.

The SubdoMailing hijacks affecting more than eight thousand domains in 2024

In early 2024, investigators discovered that attackers had seized control of thousands of legitimate subdomains belonging to prominent companies and institutions. These hijacked subdomains were then used for large spam and phishing operations that appeared credible because they came from trusted domains. The scale of this incident made it one of the most significant domain abuse events reported that year.

Domain takeovers involving recently migrated Google Domains accounts in mid 2024

After Google Domains was acquired by Squarespace in 2024, several domain owners reported that attackers had taken over their domains because old accounts were left unverified or unsecured. The attackers were able to claim control by abusing weak or incomplete migration settings. This incident demonstrated how changes in domain ownership and neglected registrar accounts can create opportunities for hijackers.

Impact of a Successful Domain Hijacking Attack

A successful domain hijacking incident has consequences that extend to every aspect of an organization’s online presence. Once control is lost, the effects unfold quickly and often in multiple areas simultaneously.

Loss of Website Access and Traffic

When attackers redirect your domain, visitors land on pages you do not control. This interrupts normal operations and reduces traffic. Even after recovery, it may take time for search engines and users to regain trust in the domain.

Email Disruption and Interception

Email services rely on accurate DNS records. Any unauthorized change can lead to failed delivery or allow attackers to intercept sensitive communication. This disrupts internal coordination and puts confidential information at risk.

Direct Financial Loss

Businesses that depend on online activity often see the financial impact immediately. Customers who encounter errors, fake pages, or inaccessible services are unlikely to complete purchases or submit inquiries.

Damage to Brand Reputation

A hijacked domain may also be used to host scams or misleading content. Customers who encounter suspicious material associated with your brand may lose confidence, and rebuilding that trust can take time and effort.

Search Engine and Browser Warnings

If harmful content is served through your domain, browsers and search engines may label it unsafe. These warnings create additional barriers for visitors and can keep traffic low even after the domain is restored.

Administrative and Legal Delays

Recovering control usually requires registrar verification and documentation. More complex cases may involve formal dispute processes. These steps extend the timeline for recovery and increase overall operational strain.

How to Prevent Domain Hijacking

Preventing domain hijacking starts with strengthening the controls around your registrar account, your DNS settings, and the systems that authenticate ownership. Most attacks succeed because one of these areas is left unprotected, so adding the right safeguards makes a significant difference.

Use strong authentication for your registrar account

Your domain account is the first point of control, so it must be protected with careful security practices. Use a strong and unique password along with multifactor authentication. This reduces the likelihood that attackers can exploit compromised credentials.

Enable domain-level security features.

Most registrars offer protective tools such as account locks, transfer locks, and restricted update permissions. These features prevent unauthorized changes to DNS records or ownership information. Keeping these controls active creates an additional layer of defense against silent modifications.

Protect the email accounts tied to domain ownership

Attackers often target the email address used for registrar verification. If they gain control of that inbox, they can approve changes without needing to access your registrar account directly. Secure these email accounts with strong passwords, multifactor authentication, and regular reviews of recovery options.

Monitor DNS records and name server activity.

Regular monitoring helps you detect unauthorized changes before the attacker completes the takeover. Any unexpected shift in DNS records, name servers, or contact details should be treated as a serious warning. Automated monitoring tools can also alert you in real time.

Keep domain-related information up to date

Outdated contact details, inactive email accounts, or old registrar logins can create opportunities for attackers. Review your ownership information on a regular schedule to make sure it reflects current and accurate data.

Use DNSSEC where available

DNSSEC adds a layer of cryptographic validation that prevents certain types of DNS manipulation. While it does not eliminate every threat, it increases the difficulty for attackers who attempt to alter DNS responses or redirect traffic without authorization.

Maintain control of all connected cloud resources

Many recent hijacking incidents occurred because old cloud buckets, unused subdomains, or abandoned hosting links were left active. Clean up unused records and remove any DNS entries that no longer point to live services.

How to Recover a Hijacked Domain

Regaining control of a hijacked domain requires quick and organized action. The longer an attacker holds power, the more difficult it becomes to recover. A structured response helps reduce damage and speeds up the restoration process.

Step 1. Secure every account linked to your domain

Start by resetting passwords and enabling multifactor authentication on your registrar account, hosting account, and any email address used for domain verification. This prevents the attacker from making further changes while you work through the recovery process.

Step 2. Contact your registrar immediately

Notify your registrar that the domain has been transferred to a new owner. Most registrars have dedicated procedures for urgent cases. Provide proof of ownership, such as past invoices, account details, or verification emails. The registrar can freeze changes and begin reversing unauthorized updates.

Step 3. Review DNS records and name servers

Ask the registrar to show all recent modifications. Identify which records were altered and request that they be restored to known good values. Quick restoration of DNS helps limit the impact on website traffic and email services.

Step 4. Block any ongoing transfer attempts

If the attacker initiated a domain transfer, ask the registrar to stop the process. Transfers require approval and can sometimes be reversed if caught early. Once a transfer is complete, recovery becomes more complex.

Step 5. Restore ownership information

Attackers often replace administrative and technical contact details to prevent recovery. Update this information with accurate data once the registrar confirms your control. This step re-establishes your authority over the domain.

Step 6. Request a full audit of recent activity

Registrars can provide logs that show how the hijack occurred. Reviewing this activity helps you identify compromised accounts, outdated email addresses, or weak security settings that contributed to the takeover.

Step 7. Reenable security features

Activate domain locks, DNSSEC, and registrar-level protections. These safeguards help prevent another attempt during or after the recovery process.

Step 8. Monitor the domain for unusual behavior

Even after recovery, continue to monitor DNS records, traffic patterns, and account access notifications closely. This helps ensure that no remnants of the attack remain in place.

Step 9. Notify affected users or customers

If your domain was used for phishing or hosted harmful content during the hijack, inform your users. Early communication helps protect them from ongoing threats and preserves trust in your brand.

Domain Theft vs Domain Hijacking: Key Differences

Aspect	Domain Hijacking	Domain Theft
Core idea	An attacker gains control of the domain without officially changing ownership	An attacker transfers ownership of the domain to themselves or another unauthorized party
How it happens	Unauthorized access to registrar accounts, DNS manipulation, or verification email compromise	Manipulation of ownership records, unauthorized transfer approvals, or fraudulent domain transfer requests
Main intent	Temporary control to redirect traffic, intercept communication, or misuse brand identity	Permanent possession of the domain for resale, long-term abuse, or identity fraud
Visibility	Changes may go unnoticed at first because ownership records remain intact	Ownership records clearly show a transfer, which makes the loss official
Recovery process	Often resolved by working directly with the registrar and reversing unauthorized changes	Usually requires a formal dispute process, such as filing with a recognized resolution body
Impact severity	Significant disruption but generally reversible once control is restored	More serious because the attacker appears to be the legal owner

Conclusion

Domain hijacking is not just another technical problem. It is a direct threat to the identity and reliability of any online presence. When a domain is compromised, the effects spread quickly across websites, email systems, customer interactions, and search visibility. This is why securing a domain must be treated with the same seriousness as securing any other critical asset.

Understanding how these attacks work is the first step toward preventing them. Most incidents begin with minor weaknesses such as outdated DNS settings, unprotected email accounts, or neglected registrar controls. Strengthening these areas and monitoring them regularly reduces the chances of an attacker slipping through unnoticed.

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