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What is DNSSEC Multi-Signer?

Multi-Signer DNSSEC is a method that allows multiple entities to work together in signing a DNS zone to boost security. DNSSEC is a collection of cryptographic techniques. It offers an extra layer of protection to the DNS. In other words, it improves the accuracy and integrity of DNS data.

In a typical DNSSEC setup, a single entity, like the domain owner or DNS administrator, is responsible for signing the DNS zone using a private key. The corresponding public key is then made available in the DNS records. However, with Multi-Signer DNSSEC, the signing responsibility is shared among several entities, each with its own set of private and public keys.

How Multi-Signer DNSSEC Works

Let’s take a closer look at the process of Multi-Signer DNSSEC:

1. Each entity generates its own private key and public key pair. The private key is securely kept by the entity, while the public key is available in the DNS records.
2. One of the entities takes the first step in signing the DNS zone using its private key. This initial signer also publishes its public key in the DNS records.
3. Other entities can also generate their own key pairs and share their public keys with the initial signer.
4. The initial signer and additional signers come together to create signatures for the DNS zone. This involves sharing the zone’s unsigned DNS records between the signers. Furthermore, each signer uses their private key to sign a portion of the records. The signatures are then combined into a single set of signatures for the entire DNS zone.
5. Each signer makes their public key available in the DNS records. This allows validators to verify the signatures created by multiple signers.
6. The complete signed DNS zone, including the consolidated set of signatures from all the signers, is published in the DNS for general use.
7. When a client or resolver performs a DNS query, it retrieves the signed DNS records and uses the public keys of the signers to validate.

As seen here, Multi-Signer DNSSEC distributes the signing responsibility among multiple entities. This reduces the risk of a single point of failure. It also offers flexibility in key management. In other words, entities can rotate their keys independently without disrupting the DNSSEC signing process.

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Conclusion

To conclude, our Support Techs introduced us to DNSSEC Multi-Signer and it works.