MakeUseOf.com, a well-known tech blog, had their domain name not only stolen, but held for ransom today.

While the domain name is now back under the rightful owners control, they had a lengthy and draining battle to get it back after GoDaddy, a major web registar, transferred the title far faster than they should have.  All of the details of what exactly happened still are not 100% clear, but MakeUseOf kept their readers updated with a temporary blog of the happenings as the information rolled in.  This should be considered essential reading by anyone who owns domain names.

Until it is fully known what exactly happened, it’s difficult to tell you how to protect yourself from something similar happening, but if something like this does happen:

• Do not panic.
• Do not pay the ransom.
• Contact the company you registered the domain with immediately.
• Follow their instructions to the letter.

Domain names are your identity on the web, and having yours held hostage can probably feel as bad as having a loved one taken from you.  Stay calm and try to follow all of the domain registars instructions as best you can.