Security and IT teams are busy. In addition to keeping the organization’s digital infrastructure up and running, they also have to keep pace with ever-evolving security requirements—like certificate management.
TLS certificates validate the authenticity of websites, facilitate trusted connections between websites and users, and protect data in transit. Initially, TLS certificates had relatively long lifecycles of up to five years. However, industry leaders have pushed for shorter certificate lifecycles to minimize the risks associated with outdated or misused certificates.
The certificate request and renewal process is hardly a rubber stamp. To receive a digital certificate, organizations must first navigate the Domain Control Validation (DCV) process to verify ownership over a domain. DCV is a critical process in the certificate management lifecycle, ensuring that only authorized users can obtain certificates for a domain. Only after successfully completing the DCV process will a Certificate Authority (CA) issue new or updated digital certificates. Some certificates, such as Organization Validated (OV) and Extended Validation (EV), require additional checks beyond DCV.
As certificate lifecycles continue to shorten, organizations need a way to streamline the process. Thankfully, a DNS service can play a critical role in automating the recertification process, reducing the burden on internal teams, and ensuring good DNS hygiene.
For a deeper dive, check out How to Prepare for the Reduction in Certificate Lifespans.
What are the Most Common DCV Methods?
Validating control over your digital assets can be an involved process. Multiple DCV methods exist, and each organization must decide which method best fits within their existing workflows.
The most common DCV validation methods include:
Email Validation
This method requires no technical skills and is fairly straightforward. To use Email DCV, the Certificate Authority sends an approval email to a pre-approved domain-based email address, usually administrator@, admin@, postmaster@, hostmaster@, or webmaster@. The applicant will follow the instructions to complete the validation process.
DNS TXT or DNS CNAME DCV
Also called DNS-based DCV, both DNS TXT and DNS CNAME DCV work well for organizations with DNS management experience or that have a DNS service provider. To use either method, the applicant will add a DNS TXT record or DNS CNAME record with a randomly generated validation code number given to them by the CA to the domain’s settings. The CA will then check the record to confirm proof of ownership.
HTTP/HTTPS File Upload
HTTP Practical Demonstration DCV is used to demonstrate control over fully qualified domain names (FQDNs) exactly as named in the certificate request. The applicant uploads a validation file to their web server, and the CA will check the file to confirm domain ownership.
The more domains an organization has, the more complex the DCV process can become, especially for teams that manually update and replace records. In addition to managing the certificate lifecycles, organizations must avoid introducing DNS hygiene errors that could lead to misused certificates and even cyberattacks.
How Does DCV Relate to DNS Hygiene?
One of the lesser-known challenges in certificate lifecycle management is DNS hygiene errors. These errors can take many forms, but one of the most common is inactive or misconfigured DNS records, also called DNS “debt.” Over time, these entries can lead to security risks.
A buildup of inactive DNS records, particularly CNAMEs or A records pointing to decommissioned infrastructure, can create security vulnerabilities such as subdomain hijacking. For example, if a subdomain app.yourwebsite.com points to an old, unused hosting service, a malicious actor could claim that service and request an SSL certificate under that domain. However, DNS TXT records used for DCV are usually temporary and automatically expire or are removed after validation, reducing this specific risk.
Additionally, many free DNS services host multiple domains on shared name servers to minimize infrastructure costs. While this is cost-effective, it creates security risks for misconfigured DNS records, which a malicious actor could easily re-route to a domain they control. A potential risk associated with some DNS services, particularly those relying on shared infrastructure, is domain expiration or misconfiguration. Malicious actors often look for expired domains to purchase and redirect. If a domain expires and is registered by an unauthorized entity, they may attempt to impersonate the original business. However, reputable free DNS providers implement security measures to mitigate these risks.
DNS hygiene errors can also impact the certificate renewal process. If an incorrect DNS record is uploaded, the CA can deny the certificate request, resulting in expired certificates across all of the organization’s domains and subdomains. Expired certificates impact more than customer trust and brand reputation; for eCommerce sites, it impacts their ability to comply with PCI DSS, which in turn impacts the organization’s ability to process online transitions.
While maintaining strict DNS hygiene is important, it can be challenging. In many organizations, separate teams handle certificate lifecycles and DNS management, making it easy to introduce DNS hygiene errors. Incorporating DNS monitoring and periodic audits can help organizations eliminate lingering issues before they become security concerns; however, a more robust strategy that aligns with the rapid pace of certificate lifecycles involves using a purpose-built DNS service provider.
For more details on DNS Hygiene, click here.
What is the Overlap Between DNS Management and Certificate Management?
Many organizations have turned to DNS service providers to ensure consistent, uninterrupted service for their online presence and mitigate security risks. A DNS service provider can also streamline the DCV process. On a surface level, a DNS service provider helps facilitate the DCV process by ensuring that updated DNS records propagate quickly and reliably across the Internet.
However, for organizations that choose DNS-based DCV, a DNS service provider can serve as a centralized location for DNS records, automating the renewal process and reducing the likelihood of errors.
How Automation Improves DNS Certificate Management
Organizations need a secure, automated, and resilient approach to managing TLS certificates at a scale that also ensures DNS hygiene and security.
Many DNS service providers offer APIs to streamline the management of DNS records, helping to eliminate the risk of DNS debt. Some certificate lifecycle management (CLM) tools integrate with these APIs to perform basic tasks like adding DNS TXT or CNAME records or updating DNS records for renewals. While automation is helpful, teams should still implement periodic reviews of their DNS records as a best practice.
However, for a seamless certificate management experience, organizations can partner with a DNS service provider that offers advanced CLM functionalities, such as fully integrated DNS and certificate management functions, into one centralized platform. This way, organizations can manage both functions from one hub, creating automated workflows.
While some CAs send alerts before a certificate expires, this isn’t a set requirement. Organizations that implement automated workflows within their DNS management console can track expiration dates, notify personnel, and perform the necessary validations. Additionally, these automations can update DNS records every time a new certificate is issued, removing the risk of DNS debt and freeing up internal teams to focus on other tasks.
UltraDNS: Superior Support for Domain Control Validation
With over 20 years of experience, UltraDNS has a proven track record of supporting organizations with their DNS and certificate management needs.
UltraDNS enhances Domain Control Validation by providing a fast, reliable DNS infrastructure that supports quick validation record updates.
