I registered a domain name on a registrar site two months ago and delegated the DNS addresses to a hosting company. However, I didn't link the domain to my account on the hosting site, assuming I would do it later. Three months later, when I tried accessing the domain, I saw someone else's website in its place instead of an error message. I thought someone else had linked the domain to their account before me.
To investigate, I tried linking the domain to my account on the hosting site and was surprised when it worked without any issues. I was initially frustrated and believed the hosting site may have been using delegated but unlinked domains for their own purposes. When I contacted their support service, the operator couldn't immediately explain what was happening but suggested it might be a doorway issue. This is when some users register with us and link the domain at the dns level but don't have full support yet.
Sometimes, unexpected things can happen with domains and hosting, and it's essential to have a thorough understanding of how they work. It's also important to always link your domain to your account to avoid any confusion or misuse.
The majority of hosting providers offer automatic DNS zone configuration, which requires the domain owner to specify the web hosting DNS and link the domain in the hosting panel. By fulfilling these requirements, a zone file with records from the control panel on the DNS hosting is automatically created. However, if the second step is not completed, there is a risk that scammers or bad actors may link your domain to their hosting service.
To avoid this, it's important for domain owners to be cautious and consider specifying free DNS services, such as Yandex or a third-party service without zone auto-tuning. Keep in mind that scammers often use other people's domains in this way and may use bots or checkers to search for domains that have DNS but no zone.
I was in a similar situation too. A website whose domain I delegated to a hosting company was hacked. I had to figure it out through technical support. They helped me.
To determine the cause of a hack, it is important to gather all relevant information. This includes contacting former technical support and obtaining access_log and error_log logs, as well as FTP server logs. It's also crucial to dоcument any changes made to the site as a result of the hack, such as spam or antivirus cancellations. If the date and time of the hack are known, this information should also be provided. Before seeking technical support, it's a good idea to perform virus scans on all connected computers and change all passwords associated with the site, hosting and FTP.
It's also sensible to activate a backup copy in case of site shutdown or disable the website temporarily if there is unwanted content being displayed. After the site has been restored, it's important to strengthen security by updating plugins and modules and seeking assistance from specialists, if needed. All activity on the site and hosting should also be regularly monitored, with account access rights restricted where necessary.
Indeed, unexpected things can happen with domains and hosting. It's possible that there was a temporary issue or glitch that caused the domain to display someone else's website instead of an error message. However, once you linked the domain to your account on the hosting site, it started working without any problems.
It's always a good practice to link your domain to your hosting account as soon as possible to avoid any potential confusion or misuse. This ensures that you have full control over your website and its content. If you encounter any further issues or have concerns, it's best to reach out to the support service of your hosting provider for assistance. They should be able to help you troubleshoot and clarify any unusual behavior related to your domain and hosting setup.
To address the situation, you should take several steps:
1. Assess the Damage: Determine the extent of the hack and analyze what has been compromised. Look for any unauthorized or malicious content, changes to files, or potential data breaches.
2. Quarantine the Site: Take your website offline temporarily to prevent further harm. This can involve disabling the website or blocking access to specific files or directories.
3. Remove Malicious Content: Scan your website thoroughly to identify and remove any malicious code or files. This process may involve restoring from a clean backup or manually cleaning infected files.
4. Strengthen Security Measures: Update all software, plugins, and themes to their latest versions. Implement strong and unique passwords for all accounts associated with your website. Consider using security plugins, firewalls, and other security measures to enhance protection.
5. Monitor and Prevent Future Attacks: Regularly monitor your website for any suspicious activity. Install security plugins or services that provide real-time monitoring and protection. Stay informed about the latest security best practices and implement them on your site.