Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC) are a security feature added to the Domain Name System (DNS). They make sure that the responses to domain name searches are trustworthy. DNSSEC uses digital signatures to verify that the information about a domain name is correct and comes from a reliable source.  

When someone searches for a domain name, DNSSEC checks a series of linked, verified sources to confirm the data is safe. If the source is not verified, the response is rejected, which helps protect users from online attacks. 

If you own a domain, setting up DNSSEC is essential to protect your visitors from online threats like spoofing and poisoning attacks, where hackers try to trick them with fake websites or data. 

This article talks about domain name system security extensions in detail.  

Common Terms Used in DNSSEC 

It will be easier for you to understand how DNSSEC work once you understand the following terms. 

1. Domain Name System (DNS) 

Think of Domain Name System (DNS) like the Internet’s phone book. It translates domain names into IP addresses so that computers can easily identify them. For instance, when you type ‘JohnDoe.com’ into your browser, DNS converts this name into an IP address so that computers can find the website easily. 

2. Domain Zone  

The DNS is divided into different zones, called DNS or domain zones. A domain zone is a part of the DNS namespace. It is managed by an administrator or an organization. Each zone contains information about all the domain names within that portion, including their DNS records. 

3. Domain Resolver 

A domain resolver, also known as a resolver, translates human-friendly domain names into IP addresses. Every time you connect to a website (e.g., EternalSunshine.com), your computer needs to know that website’s IP address to redirect you to the right website. So, your computer employs domain resolvers to convert domain names into IP addresses. 

4. DNS Database 

A DNS database is a collection of database files that store information about domain names and their corresponding IP addresses. It also contains other DNS records, such as mail server addresses and domain aliasing information. 

What are Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC)? 

Domain name system security extensions are a set of extensions to the DNS protocol that add an extra layer of security to digitally signed DNS data. Its key role is to ensure that users are redirected to the right website and that there is no DNS spoofing or DNS cache poisoning in the DNS database.    

For the unversed, DNS spoofing or DNS cache poisoning is a type of cyberattack that intercepts DNS queries and sends back fake IP addresses, leading users to malicious websites. Such attacks can result in phishing, data theft, and unauthorized access to sensitive information. 

DNSSEC counters DNS spoofing by using digital signatures to confirm the legitimacy of DNS data. If the signature checks out, the data is trustworthy. If not, the response is rejected, preventing security breaches. 

How Does DNSSEC Work?

DNSECC uses public key cryptography and digital signatures to validate DNS data. Here is a simple breakdown of how DNSSEC works:  

  • Data Authentication: DNSSEC verifies that DNS data comes from a trusted source. 
  • Data Integrity: DNSSEC ensures that DNS data has not been altered during transit. 

Let us dive deep into understanding how DNSECC works:  

1. Initiating the DNS Query 

When you type a domain address in your web browser, your computer sends a query to the DNS resolver. The DNS resolver’s job is to match the domain name with its associated IP address. 

2. Checking the Digital Signature 

When the DNS resolver receives a query, it checks the attached digital signature to ensure the query is legitimate. This signature is created using public-key cryptography, which involves two mathematically connected keys. 

3. Using the Private Key 

The domain owner has a private key used to sign the DNS records for the domain. This signature is a crucial part of the verification process. 

4. Verifying with the Public Key 

A public key is added to the DNS records. Anyone can use this public key to verify the digital signature and ensure the data is authentic. 

5. Creating the Chain of Authority 

DNSSEC establishes a chain of authority by using digital signatures. This chain is used to verify that the domain name matches the DNS record stored at the authoritative DNS. 

6. Authenticating the DNS Record 

The authentication process begins with the root zone’s digital signature, which verifies the next level down, the top-level domain (TLD) zone. This verification continues down the DNS hierarchy until it reaches the authoritative DNS server for the queried domain. 

7. Final Verification 

If all the signatures in the chain of authority are valid, the DNS resolver knows the data can be trusted and proceeds to resolve the domain query. 

ALSO READ: What is DNS Forwarding? How does it work? 

Understanding Benefits and Challenges of DNSSEC

Now that you have followed the stepwise process of how DNSSEC works, let us investigate its benefits and challenges. 

Benefits of DNSSEC  

  • Authentication

One of the key benefits is that it ensures the information received from a DNS server is legitimate and has not been altered. This means when you access a website, you are connecting to the correct one. 

  • Security 

By protecting against attacks like DNS spoofing and cache poisoning, DNSSEC enhances internet security. It makes it much harder for hackers to trick users into visiting fake sites or tamper with DNS data. 

  • Trust

The trustworthiness of the DNS system is significantly improved because DNSSEC ensures that the domain name system is secured and verified. This builds confidence that users are connecting to the intended server. 

  • Privacy

Another advantage is that it helps safeguard user privacy. By preventing attackers from seeing which domain names are being queried, it keeps your browsing activities more private. 

Challenges of DNSSEC

  • Complex Implementation

Setting up DNSSEC can be tricky and takes a lot of time. It needs people with specific skills and the right tools to do it properly. 

  • Limited Compatibility

Not everyone uses DNSSEC yet, and some DNS servers and apps do not support it. This can cause problems when trying to use certain online services or software. 

  • Ongoing Management

After setting up DNSSEC, you cannot just forget about it. It needs regular care and updates to make sure it stays secure and works correctly. 

  • Potential Performance Impact

DNSSEC can slow down DNS queries a bit, which might slightly affect how quickly websites load. However, this delay is usually ridiculously small and not noticeable for most people. 

ALSO READ: What is DNS hijacking & How to Fix It? 

How to Verify the DNSSEC Status of Your Website

You will need to perform a few checks to ensure the DNSSEC signature is in place, the chain of authority is valid, and DNSSEC validation is functioning correctly. Here is how you can do this:  

1. Check Domain DNSSEC Status

You can use online DNSSEC checker tools or a DNS lookup tool that supports DNSSEC validation to check your domain’s DNSSEC status.  

Enter your domain name and check the DNSSEC status. A “Secure” status indicates DNSSEC is implemented, while “Not Secure,” “Insecure,” or “No DS records found” means DNSSEC is not enabled. 

2. Check DS Record at Parent Zone 

A Delegation Signer (DS) Record contains the digital signature information for your domain name’s DNS. Therefore, it is used to identify the DNSSEC signing key of a delegated zone. DS Records for your domain name can be managed from its Order Details view, within your Control Panel.  

You can use a DNSSEC checker or DNS lookup tool to verify that the DS records are configured at the parent zone. DS record on a parent zone contains a hash of the KSK in a child zone. A DNS resolver can verify the authenticity of the child zone by hashing its KSK record and comparing that to what is in the parent zone’s DS record. This can help in authenticating a DNSSEC.  

3. Validate the DNSSEC Chain of Trust 

As mentioned before, DNSSEC relies on a chain of trust of authority from the root zone to the domain’s DNSKEY records. You can use an online DNSSEC validation tool to validate this chain of trust. Ensure the DNSSEC validation passes, and the chain of trust is complete. 

4. Check DNSSEC Signature (RRSIG) Records 

RRSIG records contain the cryptographic signatures for DNSSEC-signed DNS records. You can verify your RRSIG records using a DNS lookup tool to ensure they are present and correspond to the respective DNS records.  

Note:  

  • After making DNSSEC changes, allow some time for them to take effect before re-verifying DNSSEC on your domain. 
  • DNSSEC is currently supported for these Top-Level Domain (TLD) extensions: ‘.com,’ ‘.in,’ ‘.org’, ‘.me’, ‘.net’. 

Conclusion

Domain name system security extensions are a valuable security measure to protect your website from DNS attacks. However, careful implementation is required to avoid potential side effects. If you have any questions about enabling DNSSEC, our support team is here to help!  

With BigRock’s hosting solutions, you can confidently implement DNSSEC, knowing that our experienced team is available to guide you through the process and ensure that your website remains secure. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

1. What does DNSSEC protect against? 

 DNSSEC is designed to prevent: 

  • DNS Cache Poisoning: Where attackers inject fake DNS data into a resolver’s cache. 
  • False Zones: Where attackers exploit DNS gaps to provide incorrect information about non-existent zones. 

 2. Why doesn’t everyone use DNSSEC?  

 Despite its benefits, DNSSEC adoption faces challenges because: 

  • Backward Compatibility: Integrating DNSSEC with existing systems can be difficult. 
  • Complexity: Setting up and managing DNSSEC can be complex. 
  • Deployment Issues: Implementing DNSSEC across different DNS servers and resolvers requires significant effort. 

3. What is the difference between DNS and DNSSEC? 

DNS (Domain Name System) is what allows users to connect to the correct IP address when they type in a URL on a search engine. It is the system that translates domain names into the numerical IP addresses that computers use to identify each other on the network. 

DNSSEC, however, is a specific set of extensions designed to secure DNS queries. 

4. How do I know if DNSSEC is working? 

Here are some ways to determine if your DNSSEC is working:  

  • Check the Root Zone (or WHOIS record) to verify signatures.   
  • Track DS record expiry dates.  
  • Using DNSSEC Validation Checkers.