What is DNSSEC?

DNSSEC stands for Domain Name System Security Extensions. It is a security feature that helps protect your domain’s DNS records from tampering, spoofing, and cache poisoning attacks.

DNSSEC adds digital signatures to DNS records so resolvers can verify that the DNS response is authentic and has not been modified.

Why DNSSEC Matters

Without DNSSEC, attackers may try to redirect visitors to fake websites by manipulating DNS responses.

With DNSSEC enabled:

• DNS responses can be validated

• Visitors are better protected from fake redirects

• Domain trust and security improve

• Risk of DNS spoofing is reduced

Simple Example

Without DNSSEC:

• User requests yourdomain.com

• Fake DNS response could send them elsewhere

With DNSSEC:

• Resolver checks the signature

• If invalid, the fake response is rejected

What DNSSEC Uses

DNSSEC commonly involves:

• DNSKEY – public keys for the zone

• RRSIG – digital signatures on records

• DS Record – connects domain to parent registry

• NSEC / NSEC3 – proof of non-existent records

These are usually handled automatically by your DNS provider.

How to Enable DNSSEC at Govaio

1. Log in to your Govaio client area

2. Go to Domains

3. Select your domain

4. Open DNSSEC Management (if available)

5. Enable DNSSEC or add DS records provided by your DNS host

6. Save changes

If Using External DNS Providers

If your DNS is hosted elsewhere (such as Cloudflare or another DNS provider):

1. Enable DNSSEC at that provider

2. Get the DS record details

3. Add DS record in your domain registrar panel at Govaio

Important Notes

• DNSSEC must be configured correctly or your domain may stop resolving

• If changing DNS providers, DNSSEC may need updates or removal first

• Some DNS hosts enable DNSSEC automatically

• Not all domain extensions support DNSSEC equally

How Long Does It Take?

DNSSEC changes may take:

• A few minutes to publish

• Up to 24 hours globally depending on registry/cache

Common Problems

Website Not Opening After Enabling DNSSEC

Possible reasons:

• Wrong DS record added

• DNS provider key mismatch

• Old DNSSEC data still cached

DNSSEC Validation Failed

Possible reasons:

• Incomplete setup

• Expired signatures

• Registrar and DNS host not synchronized

Best Practice

Use DNSSEC when available, especially for:

• Business websites

• Ecommerce stores

• Login portals

• High-traffic domains

• Brand protection

Need Help?

If you need help enabling DNSSEC, contact support@govaio.com with:

• Your domain name

• DNS provider name

• Whether you need to add DS records or enable managed DNSSEC

Govaio Support will help you configure it safely.