News Alert

http://www.icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-2-21may09-en.htm

Plan for Enhanced Internet Security, Stability and Resiliency

21 May 2009

ICANN has developed a plan to enhance the security, stability and resiliency of the Internet's naming and addressing systems as called for in its Strategic Plan and in accordance within its bylaws.

The plan notes how the Internet has thrived by engaging many stakeholders who collaborate to foster communication, creativity and commerce in a global commons. The interoperability of the global commons depends on the operation and coordination of the Internet's unique identifier systems. ICANN and the operators of these systems acknowledge that maintaining and enhancing the security, stability and resiliency of these systems is a core element of their collaborative relationship. The plan notes the growing risks to the security, stability and resiliency of the unique identifier systems and the need to collaboratively address these risks.

The plan delineates ICANN's specific programs that will address security, stability and resiliency. It also details planned activities that will enhance its contributions through the next operational year. This first version of the plan is intended as a foundation for ICANN and its community to establish a framework for organizing its security, stability and resiliency efforts. The plan does not envision major new roles or programs for ICANN in this area.

The programs and initiatives in which ICANN plans to engage during the 2009-2010 operating year include:

• Improving root zone management through automation; improve authentication of communications with TLD managers and support implementation of DNS Security Extensions (DNSSec)
• Ensure the maturation of the gTLD registry continuity plan and test the data escrow system
• Build on the collaborative efforts of the Internet security community efforts to effectively respond to malicious abuses of the Domain Name System (DNS).

This Plan is posted for a 30-day public comment and will also be the subject of a public comment forum at the Sydney meeting.

The entire ICANN Plan for Enhancing Internet Security, Stability and Resiliency can be reviewed here [PDF, 1,930K].