Burkina Faso Officially Launches DNSSEC to Strengthen Security of National “.bf” Domain
The initiative is expected to make the “.bf” domain safer, more reliable, and more trustworthy for internet users.
Burkina Faso officially launched the Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC) for its national domain “.bf,” marking a significant advancement in the country’s cybersecurity infrastructure. The launch ceremony took place at the Hotel Bravia in Ouagadougou, attracting leading figures in domain names and cybersecurity from Burkina Faso and abroad. The initiative is expected to make the “.bf” domain safer, more reliable, and more trustworthy for internet users.
DNSSEC is a technology that adds digital signatures to domain name system information, ensuring the authenticity and integrity of DNS data. Its implementation guarantees that users visiting websites ending with “.bf” are directed to legitimate sites rather than malicious imitations. This protection helps prevent attacks such as traffic hijacking or falsification of domain information, enhancing overall online security for Burkinabe internet users.
The project was supported by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) through its Coalition for Digital Africa (CDA) initiative. Burkina Faso benefited from the CDA’s “DNSSEC Roadshow” program, which provided technical support and specialized training for local engineers. Under the supervision of technical expert Alain Aina, the “.bf” domain is now fully signed and globally trusted, placing Burkina Faso among African countries that have strengthened their domestic domain security.
The Regulatory Authority for Electronic Communications and Posts (ARCEP) played a strategic role throughout the project. ARCEP mobilized resources to modernize the “.bf” infrastructure, financed state-of-the-art equipment for security key management, supported the technical training of engineers, and coordinated the official launch. Collaboration with the Alliance Burkinabè des Internet Domains (ABDI), the technical operator, ensured the successful deployment of DNSSEC under optimal conditions.
The implementation of DNSSEC reinforces Burkina Faso’s digital sovereignty and strengthens user confidence in national online services. With the support of ARCEP and ICANN/CDA, the “.bf” domain now offers a higher level of security, providing internet users with a safer and more reliable online experience.
