What is DNS?
DNS (Domain Name System) translates human-readable domain names like yourstore.com into IP addresses that computers use to communicate. Think of it as the phone book of the internet—when a customer types your store URL, DNS tells their browser where to find your actual website.
Why DNS Security Matters for Shopify Merchants
Your domain is your brand identity online. Misconfigured DNS can allow attackers to:
- Redirect your customers to fake versions of your store
- Intercept emails meant for your business
- Create convincing phishing sites using your domain’s reputation
For Shopify merchants, this directly impacts revenue and customer trust.
Common DNS Risks
1. DNS Hijacking
Attackers redirect traffic from your legitimate domain to fake sites. Customers think they’re on your store but are actually giving payment info to criminals.
2. Subdomain Takeover
Abandoned subdomains (like old-campaign.yourstore.com) can be claimed by attackers if the underlying service is deleted but DNS records remain.
3. Missing SPF/DKIM
Without proper email authentication records, anyone can send emails pretending to be from your domain.
How to Check Your DNS Configuration
- Visit your domain registrar dashboard (GoDaddy, Namecheap, Cloudflare, etc.)
- Review your A, CNAME, MX, and TXT records
- Verify SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records exist and are correctly configured
- Check for any unused subdomains pointing to decommissioned services
How Recon Helps
Recon automatically audits your DNS configuration and alerts you to:
- Missing or misconfigured records
- Subdomain vulnerabilities
- Email authentication issues
- Changes to your DNS that you didn’t make
FAQ
Q: Do I need technical knowledge to fix DNS issues?
A: No. Recon provides step-by-step guidance for each issue, designed specifically for non-technical Shopify merchants. We tell you exactly what to change and where.
Q: How often should I check my DNS?
A: DNS changes are rare but critical. Recon monitors your configuration continuously and alerts you immediately if something changes unexpectedly.
Q: Can DNS issues affect my Shopify store’s performance?
A: Yes. Misconfigured DNS can cause slow load times, email delivery failures, and even complete outages. Proper configuration ensures customers always reach your store quickly.
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