What is DNSSEC and Why Is It Important?
Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC) is a protocol that adds extra protection to the Domain Name System (DNS). It ensures that the information your website sends and receives is correct and hasn’t been changed or tampered with. In simple terms, it helps make sure that the data your visitors get is accurate and trustworthy.
As a website owner, it’s important to understand DNSSEC because it helps protect your site from attacks that could trick your visitors into going to fake websites or give out their personal information. By using DNSSEC, you make your website safer and help build trust with your visitors.
In this guide, we’ll explain how DNSSEC works, why it matters, and how you can use it to enhance your site’s security.
Why is DNSSEC important?
DNSSEC is important because it ensures the integrity of the information that directs users to your website. While DNS was designed to translate domain names into IP addresses, it wasn’t originally built with security in mind.
Without DNSSEC, attackers can intercept and alter DNS queries, which are the requests made when users try to visit your website. These attacks can redirect users to fake or malicious websites, steal sensitive data, or even block access to your site completely. Essentially, it opens the door for harmful actors to manipulate the information that users rely on to find your site.
By enabling DNSSEC, you’re protecting your site from these threats. You ensure that your visitors are being sent to the correct, trusted version of your site, which helps maintain your reputation and keep your users safe.
How does DNSSEC work?
DNSSEC operates within the DNS system as a protective layer for your website’s address. It works by attaching a digital “seal of approval” to your domain’s DNS information. This seal is created using two keys: a private key, used by your DNS servers to sign the data, and a public key, used by other servers to verify the information’s authenticity.
The system operates on a “chain of trust.” At the top of the chain are the DNS root zone servers, which help validate each level of DNS data down to your domain name. This process ensures that each step in the DNS lookup is verified by the one above it, maintaining the integrity of the information.
When a user tries to visit your site, DNSSEC checks the digital signature to confirm that the data is correct. If everything matches, the user is directed to the right site. If the data is altered, the system can block access to protect the user from potentially harmful sites.
DNSSEC vs DNS: What’s the difference?
DNSSEC and DNS security are both related to internet safety but focus on different aspects.
The Domain Name System (DNS) is like the internet’s phonebook. When you type a website address (like www.example.com) into your browser, the DNS translates it into a series of numbers called an IP address, which computers use to find and connect to each other. Each domain exists within a DNS zone, which is a specific segment of the DNS managed by an authoritative DNS server.
DNSSEC adds an extra layer of security to this system. It uses cryptography, a method of securing information by turning it into a code, to protect DNS data from being tampered with. This keeps the information accurate and ensures users aren’t misled.
In simple terms, DNS keeps the internet running smoothly, and DNSSEC ensures the information it provides is safe and trustworthy.
Key components of DNSSEC security
To ensure DNS data is trustworthy and protected, DNSSEC uses a few essential components. These elements work together to verify that the information directing users to your website hasn’t been altered.
Resource Record Signature (RRSIG)
RRSIG is a digital signature that’s attached to DNS records, like a security stamp. When you access a website, your computer checks the RRSIG to verify that it matches the signature stored on the authoritative server for that website. If the signatures don’t match, this indicates a potential security issue, such as tampering or forgery of the DNS record.
Domain Name System Key (DNSKEY)
DNSKEY acts like a key that checks the validity of the RRSIG signatures. It ensures the authenticity of the DNS records associated with a domain. If your computer doesn’t possess the correct DNSKEY, it can’t verify the RRSIG, which leaves you exposed to the risk of being misdirected to potentially harmful sites.
Delegation Signer Record (DS Record)
DS record links your domain to the next level in the DNS system, forming what’s known as the “chain of trust.” This record is critical because it verifies the legitimacy of the DNS information at every step, from the top DNS servers down to your website. Without this, there would be gaps in security that attackers could exploit.
Next Secure/Next Secure 3 (NSEC/NSEC3)
NSEC & NSEC3 records provide proof that certain domains do not exist, which prevents attackers from falsely claiming that a domain is missing when it isn’t.
RRSIG, DNSKEY, DS, and NSEC/NSEC3 work together to create a strong security system in DNSSEC. This system protects users from online threats and makes sure they are sent to real, trustworthy websites.
Common challenges when setting up DNSSEC
Implementing DNSSEC comes with its own set of challenges. Understanding these challenges will help you prepare better if you decide to enable DNSSEC for your domain.
Increased system load
DNSSEC adds extra steps to check and verify DNS data, which makes your DNS servers work harder. This means they need more processing power and bandwidth to handle requests.
The added security also makes DNS requests larger, which can put extra strain on servers, especially for websites with lots of traffic. To avoid slowdowns, busy websites may need stronger servers to handle the extra work.
Larger zone files
DNSSEC adds extra data to DNS records, like digital signatures and cryptographic keys. This makes the files much bigger, requiring more storage space. Larger files can also slow down important processes like loading and updating your DNS data.
Complex key management
DNSSEC uses special keys to keep your data secure. You need to regularly update these keys (a process called key rollover) to maintain security. Failing to do this properly could result in downtime or weakened security. Many domain owners find this step tricky without technical expertise or proper tools.
Compatibility issues
Not all systems that process DNS data support DNSSEC. If a system doesn’t recognize DNSSEC, users won’t benefit from its extra security. Older systems may also struggle to handle the larger data, which can cause connection problems.
Risk of misconfigurations
DNSSEC requires precise setup and maintenance. Even a tiny error, such as not updating a Delegation Signer (DS) record, can block access to your domain. Misconfigurations can also break the “chain of trust,” which DNSSEC security relies on.
Step-by-step guide to enabling DNSSEC
- Start by logging into your account with your domain registrar. Once you’re in, navigate to the dashboard where you can manage your domain settings.
- Locate the section for DNS settings. This is where you’ll find various options related to your domain’s configuration. Look for the option related to DNSSEC, which may be listed under advanced settings or security features.
- In the DNS settings section, look for the option to enable DNSSEC. Once activated, it adds a layer of security by creating digital keys that help protect your domain from attacks.
- After enabling DNSSEC, you’ll receive a DS record. This record connects your domain’s security setup to the global DNS system.
- Some registrars handle this step automatically, but if not, you may need to copy and paste the DS record into your DNS settings. Double-check to ensure this step is completed.
- To make sure everything is set up correctly, use a trusted DNS diagnostic tool to verify that DNSSEC is working properly. This will confirm that your domain is now better protected against potential threats.
Secure your domain with DNSSEC
DNSSEC is an essential step in protecting your domain from online threats. By adding digital signature to your DNS data, DNSSEC makes it far tougher for cybercriminals to hijack your traffic or redirect visitors to harmful sites.
For complete security, Domain.com offers Domain Privacy + Protection, SSL certificates, and SiteLock. These extra layers work together to give you and your visitors peace of mind. Secure your site today and build user trust.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
The Domain Name System (DNS) itself isn’t secure. Without additional safeguards, it’s exposed to risks like DNS spoofing or hijacking, where attackers manipulate DNS data to mislead users or compromise sensitive information.
DNS security protects the integrity of DNS lookups by preventing attacks like DNS spoofing. It works by verifying DNS responses to ensure they haven’t been altered.
DNS translates domain names into IP addresses, while DNSSEC adds a layer of security by verifying that DNS responses are authentic and haven’t been tampered with.
