Domain Audit Print

A domain audit is the process of systematically reviewing and analyzing all aspects of a domain name and its associated infrastructure to ensure it aligns with business goals, complies with best practices, and remains secure and operational. It is a critical part of domain management and helps identify potential issues, risks, or areas for improvement.

Key Objectives of a Domain Audit:

1. Verify Domain Ownership:

   • Ensure the domain is registered to the correct entity or individual.
   • Confirm administrative and technical contact details are accurate and up to date.

2. Review DNS Settings:

   • Audit DNS records (A, CNAME, MX, TXT, NS, etc.) to ensure they are correctly configured and optimized for performance.
   • Identify outdated or unused records.

3. Assess Security Measures:

   • Check for SSL/TLS certificate installation and expiration dates.
   • Verify domain lock settings to prevent unauthorized transfers.
   • Ensure WHOIS privacy protection is enabled, if desired.

4. Check Domain Expiration and Renewals:

   • Review the domain's expiration date and renewal status to avoid accidental lapses.
   • Evaluate if auto-renewal is enabled.

5. Evaluate Subdomains:

   • Identify all subdomains and review their configurations.
   • Ensure no unnecessary or misconfigured subdomains exist, as they could pose security risks.

6. Trademark and Brand Protection:

   • Check for potential cybersquatting or trademark infringement.
   • Monitor for unauthorized domains resembling the brand name.

7. Analyze Domain Portfolio (if applicable):

   • For businesses managing multiple domains, review the entire portfolio to ensure consistency, eliminate redundancy, and manage costs.

8. Examine Hosting and Email Settings:

   • Verify the hosting provider and email services linked to the domain.
   • Ensure SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records are properly set up for email authentication.

9. Compliance and Legal Considerations:

   • Confirm the domain complies with ICANN policies and local regulations.
   • Check if there are any pending disputes or legal issues associated with the domain.

10. Performance Monitoring:

    • Evaluate the domain's uptime and overall performance.
    • Assess load times and DNS query resolution times.

Benefits of a Domain Audit:

• Improved Security: Identifies vulnerabilities and enhances protections.
• Operational Continuity: Ensures domain and associated services remain functional.
• Cost Optimization: Highlights unnecessary domains or services that can be discontinued.
• Brand Integrity: Protects against misuse of your brand in the domain space.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensures adherence to ICANN and other domain-related policies.

Steps to Conduct a Domain Audit:

1. Gather domain information, including registrar, WHOIS data, and DNS configurations.
2. Analyze DNS records for accuracy and relevance.
3. Check security settings, including domain locks and SSL/TLS certificates.
4. Verify ownership and contact details.
5. Review subdomains and associated services.
6. Monitor for external threats like cybersquatting.
7. Document findings and implement changes to address identified issues.

A regular domain audit helps maintain a secure, functional, and professional online presence.