Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC) is a suite of specifications for securing certain information provided by the Domain Name System (DNS). It provides DNS resolvers with origin authentication of DNS data, authenticated denial of existence, and data integrity, but does not provide availability or confidentiality. DNSSEC uses digital signatures based on public-key cryptography to sign DNS records.
DNSSEC protects against DNS spoofing and cache poisoning attacks by ensuring that the data received from a nameserver matches the data published by the zone owner. Without DNSSEC, attackers can redirect users to malicious websites or intercept email traffic by providing false DNS responses.
DNSSEC is a necessary component of a secure infrastructure, but it introduces operational complexity. Mismanagement of cryptographic keys (KSK and ZSK) or incorrect DS records at the registrar can lead to total domain resolution failure. We recommend using automation for key rotation and monitoring the validity of your signatures. If your provider does not support automated DNSSEC management, the risk of human error during manual rotation must be addressed with strict procedures.