Marketplaces need to offer better security.
All reputable domain name registrars have added some sort of two-factor authentication to their security stack. It’s time for domain marketplaces to offer this added protection as well.
Two-factor authentication at registrars is important because people can steal domain names if they get into your account. A hacked account at a marketplace is less dangerous, but I still have concerns.
This is especially the case with Afternic and Sedo. Neither offer two-factor. Both offer some sort of instant-transfer system when domains sell. Once you opt-in at your registrar the domain prices can be managed at the marketplace level.
How long will it be before a criminal cracks into someone’s marketplace account, lowers the buy now prices on their inventory, and buys the domains through an automated transfer partner?
I’m sure there’s a way to claw these domains back but it will be a pain for everyone involved. Adding optional two-factor authentication is a good way to prevent an avoidable situation.
Mark Thorpe says
Two-factor authentication for domain marketplaces is a good idea.
xavier says
There are already random « hackers » that tries to list my domains on afternic. I receive emails with steps to follow to active instant transfer on domains I don’t have for sale there. ex: BrandBucket names which can’t be listed outside if their marketplace.
Jose Piparo says
Sedo will not add two factor authentication because Sedo is a company that does not do things.
It’s a good idea though