Use DNS to Protect Your Network

What is DNS?

DNS, or Domain Name System, is a hierarchical decentralized naming system that translates domain names into IP addresses. It acts as the phonebook of the internet, mapping human-readable domain names to machine-readable IP addresses. DNS plays a crucial role in the functioning of the internet by enabling users to access websites, send emails, and perform various online activities using domain names.

NOTE

For example, when you type a domain name like example.com into your web browser, the DNS system translates this domain name into an IP address 123.456.789.10, allowing your browser to connect to the web server hosting the website.

How does it help protect your network?

DNS can be used as a security tool to protect your network from various online threats and attacks. By leveraging DNS security features and best practices, you can enhance the security of your network and prevent malicious activities. Here are some ways DNS can help protect your network:

1. Malware Protection: DNS can be used to block access to malicious websites and prevent malware infections. By using DNS filtering services, you can block known malicious domains and prevent users from accessing harmful content.
2. Phishing Protection: DNS can help detect and block phishing attacks by identifying suspicious domain names and preventing users from accessing phishing websites. By using DNS-based security solutions, you can protect your network from phishing scams and data breaches.
3. Content Filtering: DNS can be used to filter and block unwanted content, such as adult websites, gambling sites, and social media platforms. By using DNS-based content filtering services, you can enforce internet usage policies and protect users from inappropriate content.
4. Data Loss Prevention: DNS can help prevent data leaks and protect sensitive information by blocking access to unauthorized websites and services. By using DNS security solutions, you can enforce data loss prevention policies and protect your network from data breaches.

TIP

Also by using a reliable DNS provider, you can ensure the availability and performance of your network services. DNS plays a critical role in ensuring the reliability and speed of internet connections, making it an essential component of network security!

How can you implement it? (Cloudflare DNS)

You just need to change the DNS server settings on your router or individual devices to use a secure and reliable DNS provider. Many DNS providers offer security features like malware protection, phishing detection, and content filtering to enhance the security of your network. For example the market leader Cloudflare offers fast and secure DNS:

• Standard (no security features)
  • Primary DNS: 1.1.1.1
  • Secondary DNS: 1.0.0.1
• Malware Protection
  • Primary DNS: 1.1.1.2
  • Secondary DNS: 1.0.0.2
• Malware and Adult Content Protection
  • Primary DNS: 1.1.1.3
  • Secondary DNS: 1.0.0.3

More information and setup instructions can be found on the Cloudflare website. There you can also find the ipv6 addresses if needed.

There are many other DNS providers available, each offering different features and security options. We just used Cloudflare as an example, but you can choose the one that best fits your needs and preferences.

Glue Record

Short Description

A Glue-record is an additional IP-address that is stored to the nameserver at the registry (.de - DENIC; .com - Verisign).

Overview

1. Avoids circular dependencies in context with subdomains.
2. Protection against DNS failures. The glue record provides the IP-address resolve even if the actual domain resolve failed (redundance).
3. Prevention of DNS spoofing. Glue records are managed by the domain registry (.com - Verisign; .de - DENIC), which is considered as a trustworthy source. This and the case that IP-addresses of the nameservers are stored in the parent zone prevents spoofing by attackers.
4. Glue records lead to higher performance through faster DNS resolve, since the IP-addresses of the nameservers are instant available.