- ICANN announces update to DNSSEC trust anchors, introducing new cryptographic key to strengthen Internet security until 2026.
- Internet operators urged to update systems as ICANN prepares for major DNS security upgrade to ensure uninterrupted and secure Internet access.
OUR TAKE
ICANN, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, recently announced an important update in the realm of internet security with the publication of a new DNSSEC (Domain Name System Security Extensions) trust anchor. This update is going to make the DNS, which is basically the internet’s address book, more secure. It’ll make sure that the data in domain names stays authentic and unaltered. As the internet continues to expand its role in global communication and commerce, ensuring the integrity of its core functions remains a top priority for bodies like ICANN and the global technical community.
–Heidi Luo, BTW reporter
What happened
ICANN has released a major update to the DNSSEC (Domain Name System Security Extensions) trust anchors, introducing a new set of cryptographic keys to enhance the security of the internet’s address book until 2026.
The update is important to strengthen the DNS against unauthorised changes and potential cyber security threats, and to protect the fundamental operation of internet communications around the world.
This strategic update requires careful planning and coordination with internet infrastructure operators to ensure seamless integration and maintain the stability of the Domain Name System (DNS).
Scheduled to begin on January 11, 2025, ICANN will pre-publish the new cryptographic key, beginning a nearly two-year readiness period before the official rollout in October 2026.
This timeline will allow software vendors and system operators sufficient time to update and test their systems with the new Trust Anchor, ensuring that DNSSEC continues to provide a secure method of verifying domain authenticity without interruption.
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Why it’s important
By announcing this update well in advance, ICANN aims to facilitate a smooth transition and maintain the high security standards necessary for the expanding digital landscape.
ICANN, or the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, established in 1998 as a nonprofit public benefit corporation, is responsible for coordinating and ensuring the stability, security, and consistent operation of the internet’s unique identifier systems.
This includes managing the distribution and operation of top-level domains and overseeing the IP address space. By ensuring that these identifiers are unique and universally resolvable, ICANN supports the continued functioning of the global internet, enabling digital communications to flow seamlessly across platforms and geographies.
