Press Release: NTIA Seeks Public Comments for the Deployment of Security Technology Within the Internet Domain Name System

For Immediate Release: October 9, 2008
Media Contact: Todd Sedmak, (202) 482-7002 or press@ntia.doc.gov

WASHINGTON--Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) today issued a Notice of Inquiry seeking public comments regarding the deployment of Domain Name and Addressing System Security Extensions (DNSSEC) into the Internet’s DNS infrastructure, including the authoritative root zone.   Comments are due by November 24, 2008.  The Notice of Inquiry is available online at www.ntia.doc.gov.

"NTIA is committed to preserving the security and stability of the DNS," Acting NTIA Administrator Meredith Attwell Baker said. "In light of existing and emerging threats to the Internet DNS, the time is ripe to consider solutions such as DNSSEC.  As we consider deploying this technology in the root zone, it is critical that we get feedback from all the interested stakeholders."

Background

The DNS is a critical component of the Internet infrastructure, which is used by almost every application to associate domain names with the Web addresses required to deliver information on the Internet.  The accuracy, integrity, and availability of the information supplied by the DNS are essential to the operation of any system or service that uses the Internet. 

Over the years, a number of vulnerabilities have been identified in the DNS protocol that threaten the accuracy and integrity of the DNS data and undermine the trustworthiness of the system.  In particular, due to technical advances, vulnerabilities in the existing DNS have recently become easier to exploit.  Malicious parties may use these vulnerabilities to distribute false DNS information, and to improperly re-direct Internet users.

DNSSEC was developed to mitigate these vulnerabilities.  Accordingly, the Department is exploring the deployment of DNSSEC at the top level of the DNS hierarchy, known as the root zone.

NTIA is responsible for the development of the domestic and international telecommunications policy of the Executive Branch.

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