+++++++++++++++
Client story:
A convincing postal mailed solicitation in a mailbox.
“…your domain name needs registration!”
Logged on to the site indicated on the printed sheet, and registered domain name.
Mission accomplished, effectively switching domain name hosting providers, at a greater cost.
It never occurred that they switched providers until they ran into a problem and until they logged into their existing domain name provider months down the road and the domain name was not there.
Where did it go? Do a search. Found out it’s hosted elsewhere. Then search for the true host. The recover login credentials. Eventually switched out and back.
+++++++++++++++
In other words:
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Respond to domain name registration solicitations in the mail at your own risk.
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Make sure your domain name is “locked”. Log into your account at your domain name provider to verify.
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Enable “2FA” in your logins.
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Keep passwords complicated – use a password encryption tool such as SplashID.
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Lock your domain name(s).
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Encrypt your operating systems.
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Use a firewall.
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Create system with live and/or easy & fast recovery.
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Perform reliable and redundant data backups.
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Backup your email.
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Backup your sites.
Don’t say we didn’t inform you. 

