Which of the following is a primary benefit of using DNSSEC?

The primary benefit of using DNSSEC (Domain Name System Security Extensions) is enhanced security against data manipulation. DNSSEC provides a way to ensure the integrity and authenticity of the data returned by DNS queries. It achieves this by digitally signing the DNS records, allowing a client to verify that the responses it receives have not been altered or spoofed during transmission. This is especially vital in preventing attacks such as cache poisoning, where malicious actors attempt to redirect users to harmful websites by tricking DNS resolvers into storing incorrect information.

The enhancement to security through DNSSEC is significant, as it builds trust in the information provided by the DNS system, which is foundational to the operation of the internet and critical for secure browsing, email communication, and various online transactions. Without this layer of security, users and organizations would be more vulnerable to various types of cyber threats that exploit the weaknesses inherent in the traditional DNS protocol.