DNSSEC key generation is a critical step in securing your domain with cryptographic signatures. OpenDNSSEC provides a robust toolchain for this purpose, ensuring compliance with DNS standards and security best practices.

Key Generation Workflow

  1. Initialize Key Pair
    Use opendnssec-keygen to create a new key pair: 

    opendnssec-keygen -a HMAC-SHA256 -b 256 -n host <domain_name>

    🛠️ This generates a host key for DNSSEC validation.

  2. Create Zone Signing Key (ZSK)
    For zone signing: 

    opendnssec-keygen -a RSASHA256 -b 2048 -n zone <zone_name>

    🔐 ZSKs are used to sign DNS zone files.

  3. Generate Key File Structure

    • K<zone_name>.key: Private key file
    • K<zone_name>.private: Public key file
      📁 Example: Kexample.com.key and Kexample.com.private

Best Practices

  • 🔒 Always protect private key files with strict permissions (chmod 600)
  • 🔄 Regularly rotate ZSKs (recommended every 30-60 days)
  • 📈 Monitor key expiration dates in the ksk and zsk sections of the configuration

Reference Materials

For detailed configuration options:
OpenDNSSEC Configuration Guide

DNSSEC Key Workflow
Key File Structure