Transferring a domain from one company to another usually involves the use of a unique domain authorization code, which different registrar companies call an EPP authentication code, a domain name password or an AuthInfo code. This code can be used as a protection mechanism against unsolicited transfers with all gTLD and with most ccTLD extensions. It can be obtained only by the owner of the specific domain and is provided by the current registrar. It must be given to the new registrar because the transfer process cannot be started without it. The code is case-sensitive and often contains digits and special characters, so as to hinder unauthenticated individuals from hijacking it. Certain companies even alter the codes of domains registered through them after a particular period of time for even greater safety.