Keeping Your Digital Assets as Close to You as You Can

When you’re building a website, it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of design, content, and launch. But behind the scenes, there’s something far more important than the look and feel: who controls your digital assets. Domains, hosting accounts, and admin logins are the keys to your online identity. Hand them over too freely, and you may find yourself locked out of your own business.

The Hidden Risk: Developers Holding Domains Hostage

Many web developers or agencies offer to “take care of everything” by registering your domain or hosting under their own accounts. It sounds convenient, but it can quickly become a nightmare.

• Forum horror story #1: A small business owner shared how their developer registered the domain in the developer’s name. When the relationship soured, the developer refused to transfer it unless paid thousands in “release fees.” The business had to rebrand entirely because they couldn’t reclaim their domain.

• Forum horror story #2: Another user recounted how their hosting was bundled with a developer’s reseller account. When they wanted to move to a faster provider, the developer threatened to shut down the site unless they stayed.

These aren’t isolated incidents – they’re common enough that entire threads on tech forums warn newcomers: never let someone else own your domain.

Keep Control of Your Accounts

The safest way to protect yourself is simple: always register and pay for your domain and hosting directly, in your own name.

• Use a reputable registrar and hosting provider.

• Make sure billing and ownership details are tied to your business, not a third party.

• Keep login credentials secure, but don’t hand over full account access unless absolutely necessary.

• A strong password is also the key to protecting your identity, reinforced with 2FA wherever possible.

Don’t Give Away the Keys

Another common pitfall is giving developers full account access – including the ability to change ownership details.

• If a developer can change the account owner, they can lock you out permanently.

• Instead, provide limited access (e.g., technical or FTP credentials) so they can do the work without risking your ownership.

• Many platforms allow you to create sub‑accounts or delegate permissions safely. Use those features instead of handing over the master key.

Best Practices for Digital Asset Security

• Register domains yourself: Always keep them under your business name.

• Choose hosting wisely: Sign up directly with the provider, not through a middleman.

• Limit access: Give developers only the credentials they need.

• Audit regularly: Check that ownership details haven’t been changed.

• Document everything: Keep records of logins, invoices, and account contacts.

HostingRoo’s Take

At HostingRoo, we believe your digital assets should stay as close to you as possible. We’ve seen too many horror stories where businesses were held to ransom by third parties. By keeping ownership in your hands, you stay in control – and you’ll never have to worry about someone else dictating the future of your online presence.

Closing Thought

Your domain and hosting aren’t just technical details – they’re the foundation of your brand. Treat them like the keys to your shopfront. Hand them over carelessly, and you may find yourself locked out. Keep them close, and you’ll always be the one holding the door open.