4 reasons why using third-party DNS servers is more secure

Changing the DNS provider is a less common but extremely effective computer security method that you should apply if you have to work, online transactions daily.

4 reasons why using third-party DNS servers is more secure

Most regular computer users are well versed in the common ways of improving online security such as installing anti-virus software , using password management tools , tweaking the operating system's privacy settings, etc. This way, you can apply less common but more effective security enhancements, especially changing DNS providers.

Why is changing DNS a good idea? What security benefits does it have? This article will help you find the answer.

What is DNS?

Before explaining why, let's clarify the concept of DNS. If you already know what it is, you can skip this part.

DNS stands for Domain Name System. It is like an Internet directory. It is a technology that translates easy-to-remember web URLs (www. [Name] .com) into IP addresses. The network will rely on the IP address to identify the device, computer and service are running.

Internet service providers (ISPs) will automatically route customer traffic through their DNS servers. However, you still have many third party services to choose from. From a security standpoint, the third party option is usually better than the ISP's DNS server.

1. DNSSEC

Fraud and denial of service (DoS) attacks are the two most damaging threats to DNS technology.

The goal of phishing attacks is to redirect users from legitimate websites to malicious code. They "inject poison" into the cache memory; put corrupted data in the DNS resolver cache and you will be continuously redirected to the wrong IP address.

Newspapers, media regularly monitor and report on DoS attacks to help people better understand them. Hackers or hackers use them to directly drive large amounts of traffic to the web using their fake source IP addresses. Those pages are always inaccessible.

DNSSEC is a practical solution to this scary threat - but the vendor has not implemented it widely. At the time of writing, most ISPs do not provide DNSSEC on their DNS servers. But many third-party services, including Google and OpenDNS , offer it.

This technology really helps prevent your computer from being caught in phishing attacks or DoS; ensure private symbols cannot be tampered with. The DNS resolver will deny access to incorrect keys and passwords.

2. DNS-over-HTTPS

Third-party DNS servers have also begun to introduce DNS-over-HTTPS technology.

Most DNS queries are sent using unencrypted UDP or TCP connections. Obviously, this is related to security: You will be susceptible to eavesdropping, getting involved in scams, fake ..., especially when receiving frequent responses from recursive DNS resolvers.

In contrast, DNS-over-HTTPS allows DNS query resolution using an HTTPS encrypted connection. It works with DNSSEC to bring verified end-to-end DNS information. Therefore, the security between the client and recursive resolution is greatly enhanced.

Google's DNS servers have been using this technology since 4/2016.

3. Protection against fraud

You should be familiar with signs and phishing scams. In short, they are cyber criminals who try to trick you into revealing extremely sensitive information. Typically, an email or website will pretend to be a legitimate business address and ask you to enter your bank information, address or personal data.

Some third-party DNS servers - including OpenDNS - offer phishing protection. In addition, in fact, most modern browsers now have this service built-in. The OpenDNS feature is useful if you have to look up data on an old browser on an office network or run Windows XP and can't use a browser other than Internet Explorer 6.

Note that features like phishing protection are a trade-off: the more additional DNS services it has, the slower it will run.

4. Managing children (Parent Control)

The Parent Control feature is available in Windows long after Microsoft released Windows 10 and on the Mac, it is still a great feature without question.

However, they all depend on the management of the user. If your child starts using the computer with an adult account, they may accidentally see obscene content.

Some DNS servers provide a solution to this unfortunate accident. For example, OpenDNS allows you to configure black or white list pages from its web. You can even block entire categories of pages to keep your kids away from social media when they do homework.

Best of all, OpenDNS allows you to set up parental rights or supervise children at the network level. It will protect your entire phone, laptop, tablet and gaming console.

How to change DNS

How to change the DNS server depends on the operating system being used. This article will guide you to change DNS on Windows and Mac. Alternatively, you can also edit DNS settings on the router.

Change DNS on Windows

If you're running Windows, you need to go to the Network and Sharing Center , then right-click the wifi icon in the toolbar and select Open Network and Sharing Center . Next, click on the wifi network name.

4 reasons why using third-party DNS servers is more secure

In the new window, click Properties .

4 reasons why using third-party DNS servers is more secure

Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP / IPv4) > click Properties .

4 reasons why using third-party DNS servers is more secure

Finally, check the box next to Use the Following DNS Server Addresses and enter the provider of choice. If you want to add more than two services, click Advanced .

Change DNS on Mac

The process of changing DNS on Mac is a little different.

To get started, open the Apple menu and click System Preferences .

4 reasons why using third-party DNS servers is more secure

Next, go to Network> Advanced> DNS .

4 reasons why using third-party DNS servers is more secure

Finally, click the + icon located under the left hand column and enter your new DNS server address.

Have you changed your DNS provider?

Hopefully, this article helps you understand what DNS server is, its benefits and how to change it. If you have any other online security questions or suggestions, feel free to share them with us.

Sign up and earn $1000 a day ⋙

Leave a Comment

Instructions for creating green ticks for Facebook

Instructions for creating green ticks for Facebook

Step-by-step guide on how to create a green tick for Facebook. Learn how to verify your account and gain credibility with the green verification mark.

How to download Torrent files on Mozilla Firefox

How to download Torrent files on Mozilla Firefox

Learn how to download torrent files directly using the Firefox web browser with the Torrent Tornado add-on. Simple steps for effective torrent downloading.

How To View Someone Else’s TikTok Followers

How To View Someone Else’s TikTok Followers

Learn how to view someone else’s TikTok followers, both on public and private accounts. Discover effective methods to access follower counts and improve your TikTok strategy.

Instructions to login to Facebook by Email

Instructions to login to Facebook by Email

Learn how to login to Facebook using your email, phone number, or even QR Code authentication without entering a password.

How To Stop An Echo In Parsec

How To Stop An Echo In Parsec

Learn how to stop echo during your Parsec streaming sessions with effective solutions. Echo is a common issue that disrupts communication in games, and we provide proven methods to eliminate it.

How to change your avatar and cover photo Zalo

How to change your avatar and cover photo Zalo

Discover how to change your avatar and cover photo on Zalo to express your personality. Follow our easy guide and optimize your Zalo profile image.

How to mark close friends on Zalo

How to mark close friends on Zalo

Learn how to manage your relationships on Zalo by marking close friends, similar to Instagram. This feature allows easy access to frequently contacted individuals.

Send screenshots super fast via Viber on Windows

Send screenshots super fast via Viber on Windows

Learn how to send screenshots via Viber quickly and without saving them. This guide provides step-by-step instructions to enhance your messaging experience.

Instructions to restore deleted messages on Zalo

Instructions to restore deleted messages on Zalo

Learn how to easily restore deleted messages on Zalo with our step-by-step instructions. Quickly recover your important chats on this popular messaging app.

Instructions to install background music for your personal page on Zalo

Instructions to install background music for your personal page on Zalo

Discover how to easily add background music to your personal Zalo page with our comprehensive guide on using Zalo for Android and iOS devices.

How To Find The Last Raider In Minecraft

How To Find The Last Raider In Minecraft

If you’ve ever found yourself at the end of a Minecraft raid, searching for the last raider to eliminate, you’re not alone. Many players have faced this challenge.

How to completely remove Coc Coc browser on your computer

How to completely remove Coc Coc browser on your computer

Learn how to uninstall Coc Coc browser completely from your computer, ensuring all data is removed. Follow these simple steps for an effective uninstallation.

How to use the Toshiba AW-A800SV washing machine control panel

How to use the Toshiba AW-A800SV washing machine control panel

Discover how to effectively use the Toshiba AW-A800SV washing machine control panel with our detailed guide!

How to use the emergency feature on Samsung Galaxy Watch and other smartwatches

How to use the emergency feature on Samsung Galaxy Watch and other smartwatches

Discover how to effectively use emergency features on Samsung Galaxy Watch and other smartwatches, including SOS alerts, fall detection, and health records.

Share personal QR code on Zalo

Share personal QR code on Zalo

Discover how to effectively <strong>share QR code on Zalo</strong>. QR codes enhance connectivity, enabling easy friend requests and more on Zalo.