whois


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About whois

WHOIS is an online tool used to look up domain registration information, including the registrant name, contact details, and expiration date. With WHOIS, anyone can quickly access key contact information behind a specific domain name. This guide outlines the steps in using this tool and understanding its most important outputs.

Find the Right WHOIS Service.

The first step in using WHOIS is finding the right service. There are many different WHOIS services out there and they all come with differing features, capabilities, and accuracy levels. Be sure to select a reliable service that offers access to current domain information records.

Enter the Domain Name.

After you’ve selected a service, the next step is to enter the domain name that you want to know more about. Make sure that the spelling is correct and it exactly matches the string of characters associated with the domain. If needed, consult a domain registrar – they can provide information on the domains they have registered.

Read and Understand the Results.

After entering a domain name and clicking the search button, you’ll be able to view the results. Depending on your country’s regulations, some registrant information may remain private – meaning only limited information is available. Results will often include contact information associated with the domain (like phone numbers and email addresses), website hosting provider and location, as well as when registration began and when it will end.

Take Stock of Your IP Address and Contact Information.

The WHOIS tool is the perfect place to check the IP address and contact information associated with any website. By checking this regularly, you can ensure that potential competitors or malicious actors haven’t obtained access to your domain registration information and taken control of your domain. You should also look out for any discrepancies between the contact information as well as suspicious activities such as sudden changes in ownership or servers.

Keep Track of Domain Expiration Dates and Renewals.

To stay ahead of potential threats, it’s essential to keep track of when your domain will expire and consider renewing it before the expiration date. Set up reminders well in advance to set up automated renewal or manually renew from your account periodically. This can help you avoid any lapses in registration that could give malicious actors a chance to take control of your domain. Additionally, be sure to check your WHOIS information after each renewal to make sure that all of the contact information is up to date and accurate.