DNSSEC: Simple guide for beginners

DNSSEC is an absolutely beneficial approach because its primary goal is security. In other words, it’s a DNS protocol Security Extension. So if you want to learn more about it and how it works, you are in the right place. So let’s start.

DNSSEC – meaning

DNSSEC stands for Domain Name Security Extensions. It is an excellent technique to give your domains an extra degree of security. DNSSEC service is an advanced DNS feature that associates digital signature (DS) records with DNS data. As a result, the legitimacy of the original domain name may be established.

Get DNSSEC to protect your domain

It was created with the goal of protecting Internet users from forged DNS data. A false or malicious address, rather than the actual address you wanted to visit, is an example of such a scenario.

How does it work?

DNSSEC is a trust chain that runs from the root level down, securing each step along the way.

TLD is the key for the level below the root. The domain name’s TLD, and the subdomain’s domain name’s TLD.

It employs cryptography to sign each zone with a private key which is decrypted with a public key. The private key should not be shared, and the public key will be contained within DNS records in the zone for the purpose of unlocking that zone.

A recursive DNS server will receive DNS data as well as the public key when it requests it. It will use it to validate the data and unlock the DNS records. If it is unable to do so for some reason, the user will receive an error notice.

Why is DNSSEC beneficial?

Domain Name Security Extensions could be really advantageous. It has two main reasons why you need to implement it – data integrity and data authentication.

  • Data integrity – The DNSSEC technique allows recursive DNS servers to validate DNS data and determine if it is from the correct origin. They have the ability to display the data to the DNS client. If it isn’t, they can abandon it.
  • Data authentication – It’s critical to verify that the zone data comes from the correct authoritative name server. DNSSEC prevents rogue name servers from being redirected.

How can you get it?

DNSSEC is not automatically configured. However, it is simple to set up. It is a standard feature of the majority of DNS hosting firms.

A significant proportion of domains are unable to use DNSSEC at all. Their total value, however, is insignificant. It can be used by well-known generic top-level domains (gTLDs) and country-code top-level domains (ccTLDs).

To get started, simply log into your DNS hosting provider’s control panel and activate it. Then, for each DNS zone you wish, find DNSSEC and click “enable.” After that, you’ll have a DS (Delegation Signer) record, which you should put where your domain is registered.

Recommended article: What is a Private DNS server and why to use it?

Conclusion

We infer that DNSSEC could be really advantageous. Why? Because it gives you additional protection. If you are a DNS administrator, you should implement this extra security feature. It will increase network security and may assist you in avoiding various problems associated with faked servers. So, don’t waste time and take it!

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