How does DNSSEC protect email authentication?

DNSSEC protection for email authentication:

Without DNSSEC:

Attacker could potentially forge DNS responses

Fake SPF record could authorize malicious IPs

Fake DKIM key could enable forged signatures

With DNSSEC:

DNS responses are cryptographically signed

Forged responses fail signature verification

Authentication records are trustworthy

Practical impact:

Receivers trusting DNSSEC can rely on authentication records

Adds confidence to DMARC policy enforcement

Part of a defense-in-depth strategy

DNSSEC is recommended but not universally required. Many receivers work fine without it.

Tamper-evident seals on credential documents. Recipients can verify authenticity.