Domain Monitoring

Created on 30 November, 2024 • Docs • 183 views • 3 minutes read

Domain monitoring feature allows customers to track domain registration and expiration dates, ensuring uninterrupted domain ownership.

Additionally, it helps detect potential security issues by monitoring the WHOIS update dates, which could indicate unauthorized changes.

Why Domain Name Monitoring Is Important

Key Benefits:

  1. Prevent Domain Expiry:
  2. Avoid the loss of domain ownership and potential downtime by receiving timely notifications before a domain expires.
  3. Enhance Security:
  4. Monitor WHOIS update dates to detect unauthorized modifications, such as changes to domain ownership or contact information.
  5. Centralized Domain Management:
  6. Easily track multiple domains in one place, ensuring seamless management for businesses and agencies.

Features of Domain Name Monitoring

1. Expiration Tracking

  1. View the domain expiration date directly in Pingtr (e.g., "Expiring on 15 February, 2025").
  2. Set up alerts to receive notifications before the domain expires.

2. WHOIS Update Tracking

  1. Monitor the "Last Updated" field in the WHOIS record to detect changes.
  2. Identify potential security threats if updates occur unexpectedly.

3. Custom Notifications

  1. Configure notifications to alert you at specific times (e.g., 90 days, 30 days, 7 days before expiration).
  2. Choose your preferred notification channels (e.g., email, Slack, Telegram).

Setting Up Domain Name Monitoring in Pingtr

Step 1: Create a Domain Name Check

  1. Visit the Domain Check Creation Page.
  2. Fill out the required details:
  3. Domain Name: Enter the domain you want to monitor (e.g., example.com).
  4. Check Type: Select "Domain Monitoring."
  5. Enable Notification Options:
  6. Expiration Notifications: Specify when you’d like to be alerted before the domain expires (e.g., 90 days, 30 days).
  7. WHOIS Update Notifications: Toggle on to monitor changes to the WHOIS record.
  8. Save the configuration.

Step 2: View Domain Insights

Once the check is active, Pingtr provides detailed domain information, including:

  1. Registration Date: When the domain was registered.
  2. Expiration Date: When the domain is set to expire.
  3. Last Updated: The date the WHOIS record was last modified.
  4. Registrar Details: The registrar managing the domain.

Step 3: Configure Notification Preferences

Customize how and when you receive alerts:

  1. Choose Notification Intervals:
  2. For example, receive notifications 90 days, 30 days, and 7 days before expiration.
  3. Select Notification Channels:
  4. Pingtr supports email, Slack, Telegram, and other integrated notification options.

Use Cases for Domain Name Monitoring

1. Prevent Domain Expiry

  1. Scenario: A SaaS company wants to ensure its domain doesn’t expire, causing service disruption.
  2. Implementation: Monitor example-saas.com and set notifications 90 days, 30 days, and 7 days before expiration.
  3. Benefit: Prevent downtime and loss of domain ownership.

2. Monitor for Unauthorized Changes

  1. Scenario: An e-commerce business wants to ensure its WHOIS record isn’t tampered with.
  2. Implementation: Monitor the WHOIS update date for shoponline.com and receive alerts for any unexpected changes.
  3. Benefit: Detect potential security threats early.

3. Manage Multiple Domains for Clients

  1. Scenario: A digital agency manages multiple client domains and needs centralized tracking.
  2. Implementation: Create domain checks for each client (e.g., client1.com, client2.com) with customized expiration notifications.
  3. Benefit: Ensure uninterrupted service and strengthen client relationships.

4. Track Competitive Domains

  1. Scenario: A business wants to keep an eye on competitor domain changes.
  2. Implementation: Set up domain monitoring for competitor domains to detect WHOIS updates.
  3. Benefit: Gain insights into competitor activities or changes in ownership.

Example Configuration for Domain Monitoring

Example 1: Track a Single Domain

  1. Domain Name: example.com
  2. Expiration Notifications: 90 days, 30 days, and 7 days before expiration.
  3. WHOIS Update Notifications: Enabled.

Example 2: Manage Multiple Domains

  1. Domain Names:
  2. client1.com
  3. client2.com
  4. client3.com
  5. Expiration Notifications: 60 days and 15 days before expiration.
  6. WHOIS Update Notifications: Enabled for all domains.

Tips for Effective Domain Monitoring

  1. Set Alerts Well in Advance:
  2. Allow sufficient time to renew your domain or address issues.
  3. Monitor WHOIS Updates Regularly:
  4. Unexpected updates might indicate unauthorized access or potential security threats.
  5. Consolidate Domain Management:
  6. Use Pingtr to monitor all your domains in one place for efficiency.
  7. Leverage Notification Channels:
  8. Configure multiple notification channels to ensure timely alerts.

By setting up domain name monitoring with Pingtr, you can safeguard your digital assets, prevent downtime, and maintain operational continuity.