ICANN Deploys Security Tool To Enhance Net Security
The nonprofit group that manages the Internet's address system said Wednesday that it was working with the Commerce Department and security provider VeriSign to deploy a new tool aimed at curbing Internet crime.
The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers announced it was deploying the Deployment of Domain Name System Security Extensions, or DNSSEC, at the Internet's root, the huge database of Internet addresses, or domain names. ICANN has an agreement with the Commerce Department to manage the technical infrastructure underlying the Internet's domain name system. VeriSign operates two of the world's 13 Internet root servers and has been working with ICANN and Commerce to deploy DNSSEC at the root zone.
ICANN said DNSSEC would help combat two types of Internet crimes aimed at deceiving Internet users. They involve "cache poisoning," which occurs when the saved Web site request of an Internet user is diverted to a fake Web site designed to look like the one the user was seeking, and "man-in-the-middle" attacks, which occur when a third-party intercepts a Web communication, such as one involving a customer and a bank, and pretends to be one of the parties involved.
ICANN said the DNSSEC would eventually allow Internet users to know "with certainty" that they have been directed to the Web site they sought.
"This upgrade will help disrupt the plans of criminals around the world who hope to exploit this crucial part of the Internet infrastructure to steal from unsuspecting people," ICANN President and CEO Rod Beckstrom said in a statement.
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