NSEC record definition
NSEC record, or Next Secure record, is a security DNS record used in DNSSEC to prove the nonexistence of specific DNS records. DNSSEC includes related records like DS, NSEC3, and RRSIG, all of which ensure secure DNS resolution.
See also: LOC record, LP record, CERT record
NSEC record benefits
NSEC records are a critical part of DNSSEC designed to prevent spoofing and cache poisoning by cryptographically verifying DNS data. They list the existing DNS record types for a given domain and provide cryptographic proof that no other record types exist. This ensures the integrity and authenticity of DNS queries and responses, safeguarding domains from tampering or unauthorized modifications.
Other types of DNS records
While NSEC records serve as security mechanisms, other DNS record types offer various functionalities to support DNS operations:
- LOC record. An informational DNS record specifying the geographical location of a domain or server, providing additional metadata about domains and hosts.
- RP record. Another informational DNS record that provides contact information for the responsible person managing a domain.
- CERT record. A security-focused DNS record used to store certificates or public keys for authentication purposes, such as TLS or S/MIME.
- RRSIG record. Another DNSSEC record with a cryptographic signature verifying the authenticity of DNS data. Unlike NSEC, RRSIG provides proof of data validity, not record nonexistence.
