Domain Security: Proper .Gov Usage & DNSSEC
Why Domain Security Matters
Your domain is the foundation of your online presence. Without proper domain security, your agency is vulnerable to DNS spoofing, phishing attacks, and impersonation. These vulnerabilities expose you to liability.
.Gov Domain Requirements
The .gov top-level domain is reserved exclusively for U.S. government entities. CISA manages the .gov domain registry and sets strict requirements for its use.
Proper .Gov Usage
- Official Use Only: .gov domains must be used exclusively for official government business
- CISA Compliance: All .gov domains must comply with CISA security requirements
- Documentation: Proper documentation of domain ownership and usage is mandatory
- Regular Audits: CISA conducts audits to ensure compliance
DNSSEC: DNS Security Extensions
DNSSEC (DNS Security Extensions) is a critical security protocol that protects against DNS spoofing and cache poisoning attacks. Without DNSSEC, attackers can redirect your domain to malicious sites.
What Happens Without DNSSEC?
- Attackers can redirect your domain to fake websites
- Citizens can be tricked into providing sensitive information
- Email can be intercepted or spoofed
- Your agency faces liability for security failures
DNSSEC Requirements
- DNSKEY Records: Cryptographic keys must be properly configured
- RRSIG Records: Digital signatures for DNS records
- DS Records: Delegation Signer records at the parent domain
- Key Management: Regular key rotation and secure key storage
- Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of DNSSEC status
DNS Management Best Practices
- Secure DNS Servers: DNS servers must be properly secured and monitored
- Access Control: Strict access controls for DNS management
- Change Documentation: All DNS changes must be documented
- Backup DNS: Redundant DNS servers for availability
- Regular Audits: Regular audits of DNS configuration
Liability & Compliance
Failure to properly secure your domain exposes your agency to:
- Civil liability from citizens affected by attacks
- Criminal charges for negligence
- Insurance claim denials
- Federal sanctions and funding cuts
- Loss of public trust
YesGov Handles All Domain Security
We manage your .gov domain acquisition, DNSSEC configuration, DNS management, and ensure all CISA requirements are met. All documented for your protection.