Registry Lock Services

Registry Lock Services

Server-level protection for your domain names and hosts

What is Registry Lock?

The Blacknight Registry Lock Service allows domain holders to request registry-level protection for their domain names and / or hosts. Registry Lock sets specific status codes on domain names and / or hosts, to prevent malicious or inadvertent modifications, deletions and transfers. It’s like locking your doors and windows before going to bed at night. Your domain is one of the most valuable business assets you own – protect it from fraud with Registry Lock from Blacknight.

How Much Does Registry Lock Cost?

The cost varies based on the domain name extension. Prices start at €99 per year, per domain depending on the domain extension.

What Does Domain Registry Locking Prevent?

Registry/Domain lock prevents DNS hijacking, unauthorised transfers, deletions, contact info changes, or any major change to the registration of an internet top-level domain.

Here's a full list of what Registry Lock Does:

  • Domain Holder changes
  • Billing Contact changes
  • Technical Contact changes
  • Administrative Contact changes
  • Voluntary deletion of the domain
  • DNS Record (Name Servers) changes
  • Modifications to the domain registration by our staff

How do I request the Registry Lock Service?

The process requires written and verbal authorisation, please contact our sales team

Also Available - Secure Your Brand With DPML

The Domains Protected Marks List is a service on offer from Identity Digital, the registry behind 250+ generic top-level domain names (gTLDs). By signing up, you prevent your trademarked brand name from being registered across the entire portfolio of Identity Digital domain names. Blacknight can help you protect your domain across hundreds of domains.


More Information on DPML

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How is Registry Lock Different from Domain Locking?

    Registry Locking is a procedure that requires communication and authorisation to set up and then alter in the future (for transfers, updates and various other changes). Usually, registries that offer free domain locking have a self-service method that is inherently insecure – anyone who gets access to your account can turn the locking off. With Registry Lock, this cannot happen.

  • Can I Set It Up For Myself?

    No, setting up registry lock is a multi-step process that puts in place written and verbal safeguards between you and Blacknight to prevent any unauthorised domain changes. While it can be a bit of a complicated process to set up, we will guide you through the whole process and make it as smooth as possible.

  • How Long Does it Take to Enable Registry Lock?

    Once the process is initiated and all the procedures are followed, we can have your domain locked within a few hours (some domains might require a couple of days to work with the registrar).

  • How Do You Tell if a Domain is Locked?

    Anyone can see if they look up the WHOIS records for your domain name. Most domains that are locked have these additional statuses (except for .IE for example):

    • clientDeleteProhibited
    • clientUpdateProhibited
    • serverDeleteProhibited
    • serverUpdateProhibited
  • Do Other Registrars Offer This For Free?

    No. Some registrars offer domain locking that is self-service but can easily be circumvented by bad actors. Registry Lock is much more secure because we must actually talk to you to make any changes. The registries charge for this and it’s a resource-intensive service.

  • Does Registry Lock Protect My Website?

    Registry lock provides domain level protection. To ensure your website remains safe, you will have to make sure your website is completely secure and all software updates are current (we recommend using two-factor authentication on all logins related to your website).

  • How Do I Make Changes to a Registry Locked Domain?

    Because the domain is locked at every level, you will have to contact a member of the Blacknight sales team and follow the unlocking procedures to make any changes to your domain. You will have to provide the correct security phrase to initiate any changes.

  • What is the Registry Lock Procedure?

    The following steps need to be followed when requesting Registry Lock Services:

    Blacknight will provide the account holder with a form to complete and return to us. The form will require the following details:

    • The named Blacknight account holder will nominate a minimum of 2 authorised personnel from their company.
    • The named individuals will then provide a security phrase that will be specific to them.

    Blacknight will then place the domain(s) under the Registry Lock Service and confirm this via email to the authorized person who initiated the request.

    Note: Once a Registry Lock is put into place, any changes to that domain/host must be made through the same secure authentication process.