What is the primary function of DNSSEC?

The primary function of DNSSEC (Domain Name System Security Extensions) is to authenticate responses to DNS lookups. DNSSEC adds an additional layer of security to the DNS protocol by providing a way for DNS records to be verified for authenticity. This is accomplished through the use of digital signatures, which ensure that the responses returned to a DNS query have not been altered in transit and originate from a legitimate source.

When a DNS resolver queries a domain name, DNSSEC allows it to verify the integrity of the response by checking these digital signatures against a chain of trust established from the root zone down to the specific domain. This means that users can be assured they are getting correct data and not being misled by malicious actors attempting to spoof DNS responses.

By providing this authentication mechanism, DNSSEC protects users from a variety of threats, including cache poisoning and man-in-the-middle attacks. This makes DNSSEC an essential component for securing domain name resolution in the internet infrastructure.