In this method, ​​Akamai​ generates a CNAME record that you copy to your DNS to automatically handle domain validation challenges and certificate renewal. You can use the same CNAME value to validate a default certificate and to prove domain ownership to ​​Akamai​. The DNS CNAME method is recommended in most cases.

Use this method when:

• You have direct control over your DNS records.
• You want to validate an exact HOST, a WILDCARD, or a DOMAIN.
• You are using a Default DV certificate, which lets you use a DNS CNAME record for both the certificate and domain validation.

Don't use this method when:

• You don’t have control over your DNS records.
• You are using multiple CDNs.
• You are not using a Default DV certificate.

How to

To validate a domain using DNS CNAME record, first submit your domain for validation in Domain Ownership Manager and then update your DNS configuration.

2. Update your DNS configuration

1. View the domain details.
2. In Domain validation details, navigate to the CNAME record tab and copy the challenge token values for Name and Target.
3. In your DNS provider:
   1. Add a CNAME record: \_acme-challenge.domainName. For a domain called example.com, the record should be \_acme-challenge.example.com.
   2. Paste the value you copied from the Domain Ownership Manager's UI as the target.

Check the domain status to monitor the validation progress. After it completes, your domain status changes to Validated.