Security
SecurityLow

CAA Record

Checks DNS for a CAA record — restricts which CAs can issue certs for your domain.

What this check measures

We query DNS CAA records. A CAA record says "only these CAs may issue for this domain". Without it, any compromised CA could issue a valid cert for your domain and anyone could MITM your users.

Why it matters

CAA is a belt-and-suspenders defense against CA compromise (rare but real — DigiNotar in 2011, WoSign in 2016). Setting it costs nothing and prevents entire classes of attack.

search

How our audit detects it

DNS CAA lookup on domain apex. Check for `0 issue "letsencrypt.org"` or similar constraint.

Typical findings

  • error_outlineNo CAA record — any CA worldwide may issue.
  • error_outlineCAA allows only an unused CA by mistake, blocking your real CA.

How to fix

Add a CAA record naming your CA: `0 issue "letsencrypt.org"` (adjust for your actual cert provider). Also add an `iodef` entry so CAs report attempted issuance.

Frequently asked questions

Can I list multiple CAs?expand_more
Yes — one CAA record per allowed CA. Common to list two (primary + backup).

Want this checked on your site?

Pantra runs the full audit (SEO, Security, GEO, Performance, Schema, Technical, Images) in 10 seconds and generates stack-specific fix prompts.

Scan my site

Related checks