- SSAC prioritises engagement, transparency, and actionable advice
- New strategic goals focus on inclusivity and impactful recommendations
What happened: SSAC’s strategic direction for 2025
The Security and Stability Advisory Committee (SSAC) has outlined its vision for 2025, emphasising openness, engagement, and accessibility in its work to strengthen the security and stability of the Domain Name System (DNS). In 2024, the SSAC underwent a significant transformation, focusing on greater interaction with the ICANN community.
This shift was marked by increased collaboration through joint sessions with the ICANN Board, public working groups, and open microphone sessions, enhancing the relevance of SSAC reports. Notable publications included SAC124, SAC125, and SAC126, addressing critical issues such as name collisions, registrar nameserver management, and DNSSEC automation.
A new framework of “evergreen topics” was introduced to provide ongoing guidance in areas of expertise such as DNS abuse, DNSSEC, and alternative namespaces, reinforcing SSAC’s role in advising on complex DNS security issues. The committee also set strategic goals for 2025 to enhance advice quality, member engagement, and diversity within the committee.
Also read: ICANN publishes new DNSSEC trust anchor to prepare for 2026
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Why it’s important
The SSAC’s focus on improving transparency and engagement signals a broader shift towards more active collaboration within the ICANN community. By introducing the “evergreen topics” framework, the committee aims to ensure continuous relevance in addressing ongoing challenges such as DNS abuse and the adoption of DNSSEC, which are critical for maintaining a secure and resilient internet infrastructure.
These efforts help ensure that the committee’s advice remains timely and valuable to the global community. The new strategic goals further align SSAC’s work with evolving needs, focusing on timely advice, streamlined processes, and greater inclusion of diverse expertise.
By strengthening its internal structure and enhancing community engagement, SSAC aims to have a more substantial impact on the future of DNS security and governance. These improvements are essential for maintaining the trust and reliability of DNS systems as the internet landscape continues to grow and change.
