Summary
Experts, marketers, and documentation agree that emailing DNS records is generally safe because this information is publicly accessible. However, a strong consensus exists regarding the risk of including sensitive information, such as DKIM private keys, credentials, or API keys, in such emails. Using secure channels is highly recommended, even for DNS records, due to the possibility of eavesdropping and the potential increase in the attack surface. If only standard DNS records are shared, the risk is considered low, but caution and secure practices should always be prioritized.
Key findings
- DNS Records Public: DNS records are designed for public accessibility and distribution.
- Low Risk for Records Alone: Emailing only DNS record values presents a minimal security risk.
- High Risk with Sensitive Data: Including private keys, credentials, or API keys significantly increases the risk of data interception and misuse.
- Attack Surface Increase: Sending data over email, even public data, slightly increases the potential attack surface.
- Eavesdropping Possible: Email communication is susceptible to eavesdropping, regardless of the data's public nature.
Key considerations
- Prioritize Secure Channels: Always opt for secure communication methods when sharing DNS information.
- Exclude Sensitive Data: Ensure emails only contain DNS records and explicitly exclude private keys, credentials, and API keys.
- Encryption if Possible: Consider using encryption for email communications containing DNS records for added security.
- Confirm Recipient: Verify the recipient's identity and the necessity of providing them with the information.
What email marketers say
9 marketer opinions
The consensus is that emailing DNS records themselves poses a low risk, as they are inherently public information. However, transmitting credentials, private keys, or any sensitive data required to manage DNS zones via email is strongly discouraged due to the risk of interception and potential misuse. Secure communication channels are always preferable, and caution should be exercised even when emailing DNS records to ensure no sensitive information is inadvertently included.
Key opinions
- Public Availability: DNS records are designed to be publicly accessible.
- Low Risk: Emailing DNS records themselves presents a minimal risk.
- Credential Security: Sending DNS management credentials via email is a significant security risk.
- Attack Surface: Sending information over email slightly increases the attack surface.
Key considerations
- Secure Channels: Prefer secure communication channels for transmitting DNS information.
- Sensitive Data: Ensure emails do not contain passwords, private keys, or other sensitive data.
- Encryption: Consider using encryption when emailing DNS records for added security.
- Recipient Confirmation: Confirm the recipient's identity and need for the information.
Marketer view
Email marketer from InformationSecurity.StackExchange.com states that if the data being emailed is strictly DNS record data that has no passwords or keys it is low-risk, sending authentication keys would be a major risk.
14 Jul 2024 - InformationSecurity.StackExchange.com
Marketer view
Email marketer from TechForums.com says that there isn't significant risk in sending DNS records via email but advises caution. Suggests confirming the recipient and using encryption if possible.
6 Nov 2023 - TechForums.com
What the experts say
3 expert opinions
Experts generally agree that emailing DNS records themselves is relatively safe, as this information is typically public or close to it. However, there's a strong caution against including any sensitive information like DKIM private keys, credentials, or API keys in those emails. Using a secure channel is always the best practice, but if only the standard DNS records are being shared, the risk is considered low.
Key opinions
- DNS Records are Public: Most DNS record information is either public or nearly public.
- DKIM Keys are Private: DKIM private keys should never be emailed.
- Sensitive Data Risk: Emailing credentials or API keys alongside DNS records is risky.
Key considerations
- Secure Channels: Use secure methods to share DNS information whenever possible.
- Avoid Sensitive Info: Ensure emails only contain the DNS records themselves and no sensitive information.
Expert view
Expert from Email Geeks advises to not email your DKIM private key, but anything else is public already.
23 Feb 2023 - Email Geeks
Expert view
Expert from Word to the Wise explains that sending DNS records via email carries some risk, especially if those records include credentials or API keys. It's better to share the DNS information through a secure channel, but if you are sending the records themselves, it is relatively safe.
26 Sep 2022 - Word to the Wise
What the documentation says
6 technical articles
The documentation consistently states that while DNS records themselves are designed to be public and emailing them poses a minimal risk, it is critical to avoid transmitting sensitive information, such as credentials, private keys, or API keys, via email. Secure channels are always the recommended method for sharing DNS configuration details.
Key findings
- DNS Records are Public: DNS records are inherently designed for public distribution.
- Low Risk for Records: Emailing DNS record values alone introduces minimal risk.
- High Risk for Credentials: Transmitting credentials or sensitive data via email is a major security risk.
- Eavesdropping Risk: Even with public data, there's always a risk of eavesdropping on email communication.
Key considerations
- Use Secure Channels: Always prefer secure channels for sharing DNS configuration information.
- Avoid Sensitive Data: Ensure that emails containing DNS information do not include any private keys, credentials, or API keys.
Technical article
Documentation from NIST advises that while DNS data is generally public, transferring it via secure channels is always preferable. Avoid sending sensitive DNS management information via email to prevent interception.
8 Feb 2025 - NIST.gov
Technical article
Documentation from ICANN outlines that DNS records are designed to be publicly available and distributed. While emailing them directly doesn't introduce major risk, avoiding transmission of private keys or credentials via email is critical.
15 Mar 2022 - ICANN.org
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