Set Up DNS Security Extensions (DNSSEC)

The Domain Name System (DNS) translates domain names (e.g., example.com) into IP addresses. However, standard DNS is not secure, and attackers can manipulate DNS records to redirect users to malicious sites (a type of attack known as DNS spoofing or cache poisoning).

DNSSEC (DNS Security Extensions) prevents these attacks by digitally signing DNS records, ensuring their authenticity and integrity.

By enabling DNSSEC, you:
✅ Prevent DNS spoofing and cache poisoning attacks.
✅ Ensure that users reach the correct website instead of a fraudulent one.
✅ Strengthen your domain’s overall security posture.

How to Enable DNSSEC on BIND (Self-Managed DNS Server)

If you run your own BIND DNS server, you can enable DNSSEC validation to secure domain name resolution.

1. Open the BIND configuration file:

   sudo nano /etc/bind/named.conf.options
   

2. Enable DNSSEC by adding the following lines:

   dnssec-enable yes;
   dnssec-validation auto;
   

3. Restart the BIND service to apply changes:

   sudo systemctl restart bind9
   

4. Verify DNSSEC is working by querying a signed domain:

   dig +dnssec example.com
   

How to Enable DNSSEC on Cloud DNS Providers

Most cloud-based DNS services offer one-click DNSSEC activation in their dashboard.

✅ For AWS Route 53:

• Go to Route 53 Console → Hosted Zones

• Select your domain → Enable DNSSEC Signing

✅ For Cloudflare DNS:

• Navigate to DNS Settings

• Find the DNSSEC section → Click Enable

✅ For Google Cloud DNS:

• Go to Cloud Console → Cloud DNS

• Select your DNS zone → Click Enable DNSSEC

How to Test if DNSSEC is Enabled for Your Domain

1. Use the dig command to check DNSSEC records:

   dig +short DNSKEY example.com
   

   (If DNSSEC is enabled, it will return cryptographic keys.)

2. Check DNSSEC status using an online tool:

   • Verisign DNSSEC Debugger

   • Google Public DNS Check

Best Practices for DNS Security

✅ Always enable DNSSEC for all domains you own to prevent DNS hijacking.
✅ Use DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) or DNS-over-TLS (DoT) for encrypted DNS queries.
✅ Regularly rotate DNSSEC keys to maintain security.
✅ Monitor DNS logs for signs of tampering or suspicious activity.

By enabling DNSSEC, you secure your domain’s DNS records, protect users from phishing attacks, and ensure trustworthy domain resolution.