All generic TLD extensions and some country-code ones support a security lock functionality whose function is to block unauthorized transfers of existing domain names. Many registry operators that supervise country-code Top-Level Domains that don’t support this option are in the process of adopting it for the sake of safety and for the convenience of the domain name registrants. A domain can be transferred only on the condition that it is unlocked and only a registrant who has been granted access to the account with the current domain registrar can accomplish that. New domain names are registered with the lock option enabled deliberately, so as to block any unsolicited transfer attempts. The lock feature is one of the security measures for controlling the transfer of existing domains between registrar companies that have been introduced over the years.
