DNSSEC is a security protocol that provides additional authentication to the DNS (Domain Name System). It helps protect the Internet from attackers by ensuring that the websites you visit are actually the ones you intended to visit. We can imagine a DNS as the internet’s address book, which translates website names (e.g., time4vps.com) into IP addresses that computers understand. Without DNSSEC, this address book is vulnerable, and hackers could potentially compromise it, directing users to malicious websites even when they enter the correct address.
What does DNSSEC do?
It adds digital signatures to existing DNS records. These digital signatures are stored in DNS nameservers together with common DNS records and allow your computer to verify that the DNS information it receives is authentic and has not been altered en route.
Why is this important?
Prevents DNS Spoofing: It makes it much harder for attackers to redirect users to fake websites for phishing or malware distribution.
Ensures Data Integrity: You can be sure that the DNS records have not been tampered with during their path across the Internet.
Builds Trust: DNSSEC helps create a more secure and trustworthy online environment by validating the authenticity of DNS information.
In essence, DNSSEC creates a cryptographic chain from the root zone down to individual domains. Each level signs the level below it, allowing a validating resolver to follow the chain and verify the integrity and authenticity of the DNS data it receives. Suppose any link in the chain is broken (e.g., a signature does not match). In that case, the resolver knows the data cannot be trusted and will typically return an error, preventing the user from being directed to a potentially malicious site.