DNS/DHCP Infrastructure Audit Checklist

This DNS/DHCP infrastructure audit checklist ensures compliance with NIST SP 800-81 Secure Domain Name System deployment guidelines, RFC 1035 DNS standards, CIS Benchmark security controls, and RFC 2131 DHCP protocol specifications. Designed for network administrators and infrastructure engineers to audit DNS/DHCP server configurations, validate security controls, and ensure availability. Complete all sections quarterly.

  • Industry: Telecommunications & IT
  • Frequency: Quarterly
  • Estimated Time: 1-2 hours
  • Role: Network Administrator / Infrastructure Engineer
  • Total Items: 30
  • Compliance: NIST SP 800-81 Secure DNS Deployment, RFC 1035 Domain Names - Implementation, CIS Benchmarks for DNS Servers, RFC 2131 DHCP Protocol, NIST SP 800-53 SC-20 Secure Name/Address Resolution

DNS Server Security Configuration

Core DNS server hardening per NIST SP 800-81.

  • DNS server OS hardened per CIS Benchmark?
  • DNS software version current with security patches?
  • Zone transfers restricted to authorized secondary servers only?
  • Recursive queries restricted to authorized clients?
  • DNS query logging enabled and monitored?

DNSSEC Implementation

DNSSEC signing and validation verification.

  • DNS zones signed with DNSSEC?
  • DNSSEC key rotation schedule current?
  • DS records published at parent zone?
  • DNSSEC validation enabled on recursive resolvers?
  • DNSSEC key expiration dates reviewed?

DNS Availability and Redundancy

DNS high availability and failover configuration.

  • Secondary DNS servers configured and replicating?
  • DNS servers geographically distributed?
  • TTL values appropriate for operational requirements?
  • DNS availability monitoring alerts configured?
  • Split-horizon DNS configured (internal vs. external views)?

DHCP Security Configuration

DHCP server security and scope management.

  • DHCP snooping enabled on network switches?
  • DHCP server authorized in Active Directory (if Windows)?
  • DHCP scope utilization < 80% on all scopes?
  • DHCP lease durations appropriate for network type?
  • Static DHCP reservations documented and current?

DNS Zone Hygiene

DNS record accuracy and cleanup.

  • Stale/orphaned DNS records identified and cleaned?
  • DNS scavenging enabled for dynamic records?
  • Reverse lookup (PTR) records accurate?
  • MX records correct and mail routing validated?
  • SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records configured and valid?

Audit Findings and Remediation

Document findings and plan remediation actions.

  • All audit findings documented with severity?
  • Critical findings escalated for immediate remediation?
  • Remediation plan with owners and due dates created?
  • Change requests raised for required configuration changes?
  • Audit Findings Summary

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Why Use This DNS/DHCP Infrastructure Audit Checklist?

This dns/dhcp infrastructure audit checklist helps telecommunications & it teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for network administrator / infrastructure engineer professionals, this checklist covers 30 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: quarterly.

Ensures compliance with NIST SP 800-81 Secure DNS Deployment, RFC 1035 Domain Names - Implementation, CIS Benchmarks for DNS Servers, RFC 2131 DHCP Protocol, NIST SP 800-53 SC-20 Secure Name/Address Resolution. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a DNS/DHCP Infrastructure Audit Checklist?

A DNS/DHCP Infrastructure Audit Checklist is a standardized inspection form used by network administrator / infrastructure engineer to ensure consistent telecommunications & it operations. It contains 35 inspection points organized into 6 sections. FREE DNS/DHCP infrastructure audit checklist PDF. NIST SP 800-81, RFC 1035, CIS Benchmarks compliance for network administrators. 30+ DNS/DHCP security checks. Download FREE template now.

How often should I use this telecommunications & it checklist?

This checklist is designed to be completed quarterly. Regular use ensures compliance with NIST SP 800-81 Secure DNS Deployment and RFC 1035 Domain Names - Implementation and helps identify issues before they become problems.

Can I download this DNS/DHCP Infrastructure Audit Checklist as a PDF?

Yes, you can download this checklist as a FREE PDF for printing or offline use. The checklist includes 35 fields across 6 sections and typically takes 1-2 hours to complete.

What compliance standards does this checklist cover?

This checklist helps ensure compliance with NIST SP 800-81 Secure DNS Deployment, RFC 1035 Domain Names - Implementation, CIS Benchmarks for DNS Servers, RFC 2131 DHCP Protocol, NIST SP 800-53 SC-20 Secure Name/Address Resolution. Following these standards protects your organization and ensures best practices.

How do I complete this telecommunications & it inspection checklist?

Begin by completing the header fields for Site/Environment Name, Audit Date, Auditor Name, DNS Platform, and Environment. Work through each of the 6 sections, marking items Yes or No as applicable. Add notes for any issues found. The entire process takes approximately 1 to 2 hours.

What are the key sections in this telecommunications & it checklist?

This telecommunications & it checklist is organized into 6 key sections: DNS Server Security Configuration, DNSSEC Implementation, DNS Availability and Redundancy, DHCP Security Configuration, DNS Zone Hygiene, Audit Findings and Remediation. Each section contains specific inspection points that network administrator / infrastructure engineer must verify. The structured layout ensures nothing is missed during telecommunications & it inspections and makes the process efficient, typically taking 1-2 hours to complete.

Who should use this DNS/DHCP Infrastructure Audit Checklist?

This checklist is primarily designed for network administrator / infrastructure engineer working in telecommunications & it operations. However, it is also valuable for quality assurance teams, safety officers, compliance managers, and supervisors who need to verify that telecommunications & it standards are being met. Organizations of all sizes can benefit from using this DNS/DHCP Infrastructure Audit Checklist to maintain consistency and accountability.

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