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 does the DNS/DHCP Infrastructure Audit Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 30 inspection items across 6 sections: DNS Server Security Configuration, DNSSEC Implementation, DNS Availability and Redundancy, DHCP Security Configuration, DNS Zone Hygiene, Audit Findings and Remediation. It is designed for telecommunications & it operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed quarterly. Each completion takes approximately 1-2 hours.
Who should use this DNS/DHCP Infrastructure Audit Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Network Administrator / Infrastructure Engineer professionals in the telecommunications & it industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.