DNSSEC Implementation Guide: DNSSEC Setup & Best Practices

Your go-to DNSSEC implementation guide: What you need to know. 

Ever wish you could trust every website you visit? Implementing DNSSEC (Domain Name System Security Extensions) (DNSSEC) makes this possible by authenticating DNS response data to ensure the website you’re accessing is legitimate. Likewise, when you implement DNSSEC, you prevent attackers from redirecting you to counterfeit sites that mimic the real ones.  

“Implementing DNSSEC is part of a vital business strategy. With data security and integrity so paramount, DNSSEC helps ensure that every digital interaction is authenticated and secure. With it, you’re protected from the devastating consequences of cyber threats,” said the Vercara Team.  

Additionally, DNSSEC’s utility stretches far beyond just web browsing. Its applications permeate various internet services, playing a crucial role in securing email communications, instant messaging, and even VoIP services.  

This DNSSEC implementation guide will help you understand how DNSSEC works, why it’s important, and how to enable DNSSEC for your domain. We’ll cover the elements of DNSSEC you need to know about, DNSSEC best practices, and how you can sidestep the stress of implementing DNSSEC.  

To learn more about DNSSEC, check out our blog, Understanding DNSSEC in the Modern Security Landscape.

What you need to know about DNSSEC. 

As we’ve already covered, DNSSEC adds a layer of protection to your website’s DNS, ensuring your visitors reach the authentic website—not a spoofed one. To implement DNSSEC, it’s essential to understand key concepts like the Zone-Signing Key (ZSK) and the Key-Signing Key (KSK). These form the foundation of DNSSEC’s encryption methods, ensuring that your domain’s DNS responses are secure.  Here are the elements of DNSSEC you need to know more about.  

Zone-Signing Key (ZSK) pair: This key is crucial in signing each Resource Record Set (RRset) in your zone. The private key signs the RRset, while the public key is stored in a DNSKEY record. This process ensures the authenticity of your website’s data.  

Key-Signing Key (KSK) pair: The KSK pair has a specific role in signing DNSKEY records. Like the ZSK, the private key signs and the public key is stored in a DNSKEY record. However, there are two DNSKEY records in your zone, one for the ZSK public key and one for the KSK public key. This distinction is important for a layered security approach.  

Delegation Signer (DS) record: The DS record is based on the KSK. It’s essential for authenticating your zone to resolvers, which are systems that convert domain names into IP addresses. The DS record establishes a chain of trust from your domain to the parent zone, ensuring a secure pathway for data.  

Registrar implementation: For complete DNSSEC protection, you must add the DS record at your domain registrar (like GoDaddy or Network Solutions). This step completes the chain of trust. Importantly, there’s no risk to your domain’s resolution process until the DS record is installed at the registrar.  

Implementing DNSSEC effectively shields your online presence from certain cyber threats, particularly DNS spoofing attacks. While it might seem technical, your IT team or hosting provider can assist in setting it up.  

Now, let’s take a look at the chain of trust in DNSSEC and its role in cybersecurity.  

The importance of the chain of trust in DNSSEC.  

 When configuring DNSSEC, each layer builds a chain of trust from the root zone to your domain, ensuring DNS validation at every level.  

Finally, how do you implement DNSSEC? Let’s find out below. 

How to implement DNSSEC. 

When configuring your domain, you must add DNSSEC at the registrar level. Follow these steps to add DNSSEC to your domain, including choosing the right encryption algorithm and setting up key rollovers. 

Accessing domain settings 

1. Navigate to the domains table: Find your domain in the Domains table. 
2. Edit domain: Click on the domain row and select EDIT from the toolbar. 
3. DNSSEC options: A new window will open, showing options for DNSSEC. 
4. Enable option: Check the “Enable DNSSEC Signing” box to view configurable options. 

Configuring your DNSSEC 

1. Default algorithm: 
   • Choose algorithm: Select between a 256-bit or 512-bit algorithm. 
   • Consistency: Ensure that the KSK (Key Signing Key) and ZSK (Zone Signing Key) use the same algorithm. 
2. Key Signing Key (KSK): 
   • The KSK generates a digital signature for the ZSK and signs the public ZSK, creating an RRSIG for the DNSKEY record. 
   • The public KSK is published for DNSSEC resolver validation. 
3. Default key size: 
   • Various sizes are available, but the KSK and ZSK sizes must be the same. 
   • Larger keys slightly increase resolution time. 
4. Default rollover period: 
   • Set the duration for key validity. 
   • Balance: Longer periods mean less frequent updates but a higher risk of compromise. 
   • Range: Options typically range from 1 to 2 years or can be set to infinite (0). 
5. Zone Signing Key (ZSK): 
   • A ZSK is required for each zone or domain. 
   • The private key signs the RRset, and the public key verifies the signature. 
6. ZSK settings: 
   • Same size as the KSK. 
   • Rollover period: Automated rollovers are recommended between 90 and 180 days, resetting with zone changes. 

Finalize and implement your DNSSEC. 

1. After setting up your configuration, click SAVE. 
2. Review: Your settings will be reviewed by Network Operations Center (NOC) engineers. 
3. DS record: A Delegation Signer (DS) record will be emailed to you for implementation at your registrar. 

Implementing DNSSEC might seem technical, but it’s a significant step toward protecting your online presence from DNS spoofing attacks. If you’re not comfortable with these steps, consider consulting with an IT professional or your hosting provider.  

Best practices for DNSSEC. 

DNSSEC implementation best practices include regular key rollovers and ensuring physical security during key generation. Here are more DNSSEC implementation best practices to keep in mind. 

1. Physical security. 

It’s essential to use offline, network-isolated systems for the generation of long-term keys. This practice significantly diminishes the risk of key exposure in a digital environment. Additionally, the physical security measures at the site of key generation and storage should be on par with the stringent standards set for data and service security.  

2. Key rollovers.

Regarding key rollovers, it’s advisable to maintain two sets of Key Signing Keys (KSKs) and Zone Signing Keys (ZSKs), with one set in active use for signing and the other in a ready state.   

For KSKs, the introduction time should be 45 days in accordance with RFC 5011 or one week if the parent zone is already signed. KSK retirement should occur over four weeks, while ZSKs should be introduced over four days and retired within two weeks.  

3. Performance capabilities. 

In terms of performance issues, it’s critical to consider the capabilities of both the signing system and the authoritative name servers. Efficient bandwidth and delivery time management for zones can help in maintaining optimal performance. For resource efficiency, you could reuse signatures that are not close to expiring.   

Employing incremental zone updates can improve the overall efficiency of your DNSSEC implementation, keeping both security and performance optimally balanced. 

Take the stress out of setting up DNSSEC with UltraDNS. 

Implementing DNSSEC can seem daunting, but UltraDNS makes this process stress-free with its advanced and dynamic signing methodology. UltraDNS fully supports DNSSEC in line with RFC standards, making sure your website’s DNS security is up-to-date and reliable.   

UltraDNS uses an on-the-fly (inline, on-demand) signing method. This means that RRSIG and NSEC records are created as and when needed. This approach is particularly beneficial for websites with frequently changing DNS records. 

UltraDNS is particularly suitable for zones that require advanced traffic management. It supports dynamic record pools with DNSSEC capabilities, ensuring that even the most complex domains are secure and performant. 

UltraDNS also employs the ECDSA, an asymmetric DNSSEC encryption algorithm based on elliptic curves. This modern algorithm has a lower computational cost compared to older algorithms and provides shorter keys while maintaining equal security. Specifically, ECDSA 256 bits (curve P-256) offer security equivalent to RSA 3,072 bits. 

It is important to note that DNSSEC needs to be implemented on both the primary and secondary DNS servers. The good news is that Vercara offers UltraDNS² to cover you.  

Interested in learning more about UltraDNS, UltraDNS², and DNSSEC implementation? Get in touch with us today.