diff --git a/applications/dns.nix b/applications/dns.nix
index c75d904..973b956 100644
--- a/applications/dns.nix
+++ b/applications/dns.nix
@@ -432,9 +432,14 @@ in {
     };
 
     # creates a folder in /etc for the dns to use
+    users.groups.named = {};
+
     users.users.named = {
       createHome = true;
       home = "/etc/skynet/dns";
+      group = "named";
+      # X11 is to ensure the directory can be traversed
+      homeMode = "711";
     };
   };
 }