Setting up DNSSEC on Plesk for Maximum Email Deliverability and Maximum Security

by | Sep 14, 2025 | Misc | 0 comments

Setting up DNSSEC provides several important advantages, especially for email deliverability, as well as broader security and trust benefits:

Advantages of DNSSEC for Maximum Email Deliverability

  • Enhances Email Authentication Integrity:
    DNSSEC cryptographically signs DNS records (MX, SPF, DKIM, DMARC), ensuring these crucial email authentication records cannot be spoofed or tampered with. This leads to higher trust by recipient mail servers and better inbox placement.
  • Prevents DNS Spoofing and Cache Poisoning:
    Attackers often spoof DNS responses to redirect emails to malicious servers or to fake authentication records, undermining email security. DNSSEC prevents such attacks, maintaining reliable and secure email routing.
  • Supports DANE for Enforced TLS Security:
    DNSSEC enables DANE (DNS-based Authentication of Named Entities), which allows publishing of TLS certificates in DNS. This enforces encrypted SMTP connections and prevents downgrade attacks, improving secure email delivery and acceptability by providers.
  • Improves Domain Reputation and Trust:
    Domains using DNSSEC signal a commitment to security. Such domains are less likely to be flagged by spam filters or blacklists and more likely recognized positively by providers like Gmail, Yahoo, and Microsoft 365.

Other Advantages of DNSSEC Beyond Email

  • Data Integrity and Authenticity:
    DNSSEC ensures DNS responses are signed and validated, guaranteeing the client receives authentic, unmodified DNS data, which strengthens overall internet reliability.
  • Mitigates Phishing and Man-in-the-Middle Attacks:
    By verifying DNS data authenticity, DNSSEC protects users from being redirected to fake sites or malicious infrastructure, a key security enhancement.
  • Improves Business Continuity and Resilience:
    Protecting DNS prevents service disruptions caused by DNS attacks, helping maintain uptime and user trust.
  • Compliance and Regulatory Benefits:
    DNSSEC adoption supports compliance with security standards and regulations that recommend or require DNS security controls.
  • Future-Proofs Infrastructure:
    DNSSEC is foundational for modern security frameworks like DANE and helps prepare for evolving internet security requirements.

Summary

AdvantageImpact
Improved Email DeliverabilityProtects email routing and authentication integrity, improves inbox placement
DNS Data Integrity & AuthenticityEnsures DNS answers are unaltered & trustworthy
Protection from DNS AttacksMitigates spoofing, phishing, cache poisoning
Supports Encrypted Email (DANE)Enables enforcement of TLS for email, prevents downgrade attacks
Builds Domain Trust & ReputationReduces spam filtering and blacklisting risks
Business Continuity & ComplianceSafeguards online availability and regulatory compliance

DNSSEC is a key piece of a holistic email deliverability and internet security strategy.

Here is a step-by-step guide to set up DNSSEC (Domain Name System Security Extensions) using Plesk on Linux:

Step 1: Pre-Requisites

  • Ensure your Plesk installation includes the DNSSEC extension. This is included in Web Pro and Web Host editions by default but may require license purchase in Web Admin edition.
  • Your domain’s DNS zone should be managed by Plesk (Plesk is the authoritative DNS for your domain).
  • You will need access to your domain registrar (e.g., NameSilo) to update DS records at the parent zone.

Step 2: Enable DNSSEC in Plesk

  1. Log in to Plesk as Administrator.
  2. Go to Websites & Domains and select your domain to configure.
  3. Click on the DNSSEC tab or button.
  4. Click Sign the DNS Zone.
  5. If this is the first time signing, Plesk will prompt you to generate DNSSEC keys:
    • Key Signing Key (KSK) — longer key, longer rollover.
    • Zone Signing Key (ZSK) — shorter key, automatic rollover.
      Use default recommended settings or customize if needed.
  6. Confirm to sign the DNS zone.
  7. Once signed, Plesk will display DS (Delegation Signer) record(s) — these contain info about the keys used and must be added to the parent zone at your registrar.

Step 3: Update DS Records at Registrar (NameSilo)

  1. Log in to your Namesilo account.
  2. Go to your domain’s DNS management or DNSSEC section.
  3. Add the DS record exactly as provided by Plesk after signing your DNS zone:
    • Key Tag
    • Algorithm
    • Digest Type
    • Digest (hash)
  4. Save the DS records.

Step 4: Verify DNSSEC

Additional Tips

  • Keep your KSK rollover interval long (years) to reduce DS record updates.
  • The ZSK will rollover automatically by Plesk behind the scenes.
  • DNSSEC adds cryptographic signatures on your DNS records, helping protect from spoofing and cache poisoning attacks.

If a future need arises, DDNS can be added alongside but is a separate feature from DNSSEC.