DNSSEC (Domain Name System Security Extensions)

DNSSEC (RFC 4033-4035) adds origin authentication and integrity to DNS responses using chained public-key signatures (DNSKEY, RRSIG, DS). It protects operator-facing infrastructure — NRF discovery FQDNs, SEPP N32 endpoints, IMS I-CSCF/P-CSCF lookup, ENUM — from cache-poisoning and off-path spoofing attacks. Does not provide confidentiality.

Categories: Radio Access NetworkCore NetworkSignaling

DNSSEC in context

The radio access network is the layer where mobile devices attach to the operator's infrastructure. Attacks in this layer include IMSI catching, rogue base stations, downgrade attacks and jamming, and defenses hinge on mutual authentication, integrity-protected signaling and Open RAN supply-chain hygiene.

The mobile core is where subscriber sessions, mobility and policy live. In 4G it is the EPC (MME, HSS, S/PGW); in 5G it is the Service-Based Architecture with AMF, SMF, UPF, AUSF, UDM and the NRF. Core exposure is the difference between a single-subscriber leak and a fleet-wide breach.

To place DNSSEC in the wider telecom-security picture, review Base Station (BS), AMF, CSCF, Diameter, Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) and Massive MIMO.

Related terms

Related topic hubs

  • 5G Security 5G SBA, SEPP, SUCI, 5G-AKA, N32 and service-based interface security.
  • VoLTE Security IMS/VoLTE signaling risk: SIP, IMS-AKA, media plane attacks.
  • SEPP Security N32-c/N32-f, PRINS, JWE and OAuth 2.0 at the 5G roaming edge.
  • Diameter Attacks S6a IDR/PUR/CLR abuse, subscriber tracking, LTE signaling attacks.

More from the TelcoSec Glossary

Browse the full TelcoSec Glossary, the Ultimate Guide to Mobile Network Security, or the P1 Arsenal of telecom-security tools.