Is it dangerous to have a public WHOIS?
Yes, a public WHOIS can carry some risks. Anyone accessing domain ownership information can find out who owns the domain, who administers it and who the technical contact is — including names and email addresses. Additionally, domain information such as status, registration date and expiry date is visible.
With this information, cybercriminals can carry out phishing attacks, send spam or even attempt to transfer or steal the domain. There have been cases of criminals using WHOIS data to obtain personal information about domain owners.
Could someone steal my domain just by knowing my public WHOIS data?
No — in general, transferring a domain requires more than just knowing the owner's details. However, it's fair to say that a domain with private WHOIS offers an additional layer of security.
To transfer a domain, you need the transfer code, the domain must be in "active" status, and the transfer must be accepted — all processes managed exclusively by the domain administrator. Some registrars may also require additional identity verification before processing a transfer request.
That said, having public WHOIS data available online can make it easier for cybercriminals to obtain personal information, which could be used in identity theft attempts.
That's why, if you're concerned about the privacy and security of your personal data, we recommend signing up for the private WHOIS service.
Should I sign up for the private WHOIS service?
This is a personal decision that depends on each client's needs and preferences. Some clients may consider it essential for protecting their personal data, while others may not see the need. By keeping contact and ownership data private, you reduce the risk of malicious third parties obtaining personal information.
Note that the private WHOIS service may have an additional cost. At Bacan, we offer the option to sign up for private WHOIS to keep your personal data hidden from public records.
Will my domain still work normally after enabling private WHOIS?
Yes — once you activate private WHOIS, your domain will continue to work normally. There will be no change in how the domain is managed or administered, and you will still be the owner and responsible for everything that happens with it.
The private WHOIS service only hides your personal data in the public WHOIS and does not affect the domain's functionality or any associated hosting services.
How do I sign up for the private WHOIS service?
If you already have a domain registered with Bacan, you can sign up from Private WHOIS.
If your domain is not yet registered with Bacan, you would first need to transfer it, and then you can sign up for the private WHOIS service.