Domain Management and DNS Control

At HSJ HOST, we’ve been helping Australian businesses with web hosting, design, and development for years. And there’s one issue I see over and over again: businesses hand over control of their domain names and DNS to third-party agencies, marketers, or freelancers.

While it might seem convenient at first, this small decision can cause serious problems later.

What’s DNS, and Why It Matters

Your Domain Name System (DNS) is like the phonebook of the internet. It connects your domain name — yourbusiness.com.au — to the web server that hosts your website and your email services.

It’s not just a “marketing thing”; it’s a core part of your network infrastructure.

When someone controls your DNS, they effectively control where your website and emails live. If something goes wrong, or if relationships with agencies change (which happens often), recovering control can be a nightmare.

Common Mistakes Businesses Make

Here’s what I’ve seen too many times:

• Agencies registering a client’s domain name under their own account instead of the client’s.

• Marketing teams managing DNS records but not understanding how changes affect email delivery or security.

• No one keeping track of domain renewals, leading to expired domains or hijacked websites.

These mistakes can lead to downtime, data loss, or even security breaches.

Why Your IT Department Should Manage DNS

Your IT department or trusted internal tech contact should be the one managing your DNS. They understand the technical implications of changes, and they’re responsible for your business’s digital infrastructure.

It’s not about control for control’s sake it’s about security, accountability, and long-term stability.

DNS settings affect not only your website but also:

• Email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC)

• SSL certificates

• Firewalls and CDN configurations

• Subdomains for apps or client portals

When DNS is properly managed by IT, issues can be fixed faster and with less risk.

How to Take Back Control

If your DNS is currently managed by a third party:

1. Find out where your domain is registered (check your WHOIS information).

2. Transfer ownership to an account you control.

3. Keep login details secure — ideally in your IT department’s password manager.

4. Work with your hosting provider (like us at HSJ HOST) to ensure DNS records are set up correctly.

This small step can save you from major headaches later.

Final Thoughts

Your domain name is a critical digital asset as important as your business name or ABN. Don’t treat it as an afterthought or hand it off without care.

Make sure your IT department has ownership and manages your DNS with the same seriousness as your servers and network security.

At HSJ HOST, we always encourage our clients to retain full control of their domain and DNS, while we assist with configuration and hosting setup. It’s the smart, secure way to manage your online presence.