Peter Lamantia, CEO of Authentic Web
Hi, I’m Peter Lamantia, CEO of Authentic Web.
Today, I’m going to talk about a global IT security risk that’s compromising the domains and external DNS of large enterprises. In just a few minutes, you’ll understand the threat, why it continues to persist, and how a modern unified digital control system can protect your organization and your customers.
IT security is complex, so let’s start with a clear definition of scope.
IT security teams are experts at hardening internal network perimeters. They spend heavily and dedicate significant human resources to securing what’s inside.
But at the same time, external DNS—the space where your business interacts with registrars, DNS providers, certificate authorities, and cloud services—often remains unmanaged. This is also where your customers connect with you and trust that they’re safe.
Every one of these external systems is an attack vector.
Bad actors understand this. They’re smart, organized, and resourceful. They know that attacking your hardened network perimeter directly is difficult. Instead, they look for weaker points within your external DNS, compromising systems and data in transit to collect credentials, proprietary data, and network access.
No matter how much you spend on perimeter security, if you don’t secure your external DNS, you’re exposed.
And this isn’t theory.
In 2018, global incidents of phishing and DNS hijacking exploded. The attacks have only grown in scale and sophistication since, with governments and cybersecurity agencies issuing warnings and internal directives around DNS protection.
This is a serious and ongoing threat.
Let’s look closer at why it happens and what can be done.
Domains and DNS are highly vulnerable to compromise because the external environment is complex and interconnected. Attackers exploit weak links within this chain—first breaching less-protected systems or users, then using harvested data or credentials to target the next layer.
The core problem? It’s extremely difficult for IT teams to gain and maintain control of domains and external DNS.
Manual processes dominate. Visibility is poor, and oversight is limited.
Who has access?
What changes were made?
Were they reviewed or approved?
Were they correct?
And how do you know?
Ask yourself—can your team easily set, enforce, and maintain comprehensive DNS security policies like DNSSEC, SPF, or full TLS coverage? For most organizations, the honest answer is no.
Attackers know this. They understand that IT teams are focused on the internal perimeter—so they exploit the weaker, overlooked external perimeter instead.
Unfortunately, many companies still manage their domains and DNS using processes that haven’t evolved since the late 1990s—legacy tools and disconnected workflows across different departments. That’s no longer sufficient.
At Authentic Web, we address this problem with a Unified Digital Control System.
We bring together all the tools you need to manage domains, DNS security, and TLS certificates in one integrated platform. It includes change management, audit trails, digest alerts, and full visibility.
Our unified control system gives your teams complete control and transparency, eliminating manual workflows and disconnected systems. You can lock down your DNS network, protect your customers, and enhance both security and operational performance.
And there’s another major advantage—it’s cost-efficient.
Over the years, the total cost of domain and DNS ownership has only gone up.
Most security improvements require additional budget, but this approach actually saves money.
Organizations that adopt our system typically report 30–50% reductions in their total cost of DNS ownership. Automation, visibility, and streamlined change management don’t just improve security—they drive measurable efficiency.
For teams that need additional support, we also offer managed services. Our experts can consolidate your domains and DNS, lock down your configurations, and provide ongoing DNS security support, freeing your team to focus on higher-value work.
In summary, the risk of compromise through domains and external DNS is very real and growing. Regulatory frameworks such as GDPR make it mandatory to safeguard your customers’ data and trust.
Now is the time to act.
Authentic Web can help with a technical DNS audit to identify exposures, followed by a demonstration of our unified control system.
We’ll show you how to enhance protection, reduce costs, and give your organization peace of mind.
Reach out to our team—let’s modernize your DNS security and safeguard your brand, your data, and your customers.
Thank you.
