With no inherent security, Domain Name System (DNS) servers at a host of organisations have been repeatedly compromised to enable a host of malicious endeavours, including cache poisoning, redirecting phone calls, man-in-the-middle attacks to steal passwords, re-routing email, denial of service attacks and more.
Domain Name Systems Security Extensions (DNSSEC) secures the DNS server hierarchy by digitally signing DNS records in order to ensure that the messages received are the same as those that were sent.
DNS Server Security Requires Strong Key Security
DNSSEC essentially implements public key infrastructures (PKI) to provide a method of secure communication between DNS servers. As a PKI, DNSSEC requires some new procedures such as key generation, signing and key management. But, for all the potential benefits of DNSSEC, the intended gains aren’t guaranteed because the resource records introduced by DNSSEC are kept in an unencrypted file.
It is only when the entire DNSSEC infrastructure is fully and comprehensively secured that organisations can begin to fully enjoy DNSSEC’s benefits. To do so, they need capabilities to do the following:
- Secure digital signatures. DNS messages need to be digitally signed in order to ensure the validity of DNS services.
- Control access. Organisations need to ensure only authorised customers and internal staff can access sensitive applications and data.
- Maintain application integrity. All associated application code and processes need to be secured to ensure integrity and prohibit unauthorised application execution.
- Scale to accommodate high volume processing. Since DNS updates are very frequent, DNSSEC infrastructures need to deliver the performance and scalability required to ensure timely processing at all times.
DNS Server Security with Hardware Security Modules
To ensure the validity of DNS services, DNSSEC employs public key cryptography to digitally sign DNS messages. To realise the security required, robust protection of private signing keys is vital. If the keys and their corresponding digital certificates are compromised, the chain of trust in the DNS hierarchy is broken, rendering the entire system obsolete. This is where Hardware Security Modules (HSMs) come into play.
HSMs are dedicated systems that physically and logically secure the cryptographic keys and cryptographic processing that are at the heart of digital signatures. HSMs support the following functions:
- Life-cycle management, including key generation, distribution, rotation, storage, termination and archival.
- Cryptographic processing, which produces the dual benefits of isolating and offloading cryptographic processing from application servers.
By storing cryptographic keys in a centralised, hardened device, HSMs can eliminate the risks associated with having these assets housed on disparate, poorly secured platforms. In addition, this centralisation can significantly streamline security administration.
Thales HSMs for DNSSEC:
- Support DNSSEC Anchor Trust systems
- Key security for root and entire DNS hierarchy-ZSK and KSK
- Powerful cryptographic engine offloads cryptographic burden from DNS server
- Broad array of HSMs fits multiple DNSSEC requirements
- Standard APIs including PKCS#11, Java, MS CAPI
- FIPS validated and Common Criteria certified models available
- Integrates with leading DNS platforms such as OpenDNSSEC, BIND 9.7, FreeBSD
Risk Management Strategies for Digital Processes with HSMs - White Paper
An Anchor of Trust in a Digital WorldBusiness and governmental entities recognize their growing exposure to, and the potential ramifications of, information incidents, such as:Failed regulatory auditsFinesLitigationBreach notification costsMarket set-backsBrand injuryAnd even...