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 printing double-sided paper in Word, PDF, Excel for printers that support 2-sided and 1-sided printing

Instructions for printing double-sided paper in Word, PDF, Excel for printers that support 2-sided and 1-sided printing

The need to print double-sided paper is now much more popular. However, not all printers can support double-sided printing, or with printers that allow double-sided printing, how to do it?

Instructions to enable Resume feature in Windows 11

Instructions to enable Resume feature in Windows 11

The Resume feature in Windows 11 lets you open a OneDrive file on your phone and continue working on your computer through your 1 Microsoft account.

How to turn off automatic slideshow in iPhone Photos

How to turn off automatic slideshow in iPhone Photos

Many things in the iPhone Photos app display a slideshow at the top to view all your photos as a movie. Here's how to turn off automatic slideshows in iPhone Photos.

How to Fix Outlook Error 0x800CCC0E

How to Fix Outlook Error 0x800CCC0E

Outlook also has its share of issues. One in particular, Outlook error 0x800CCC0E, can be frustrating and difficult to fix. Outlook error 0x800CCC0E is a common problem for Outlook users.

How to create folders in Canva

How to create folders in Canva

Creating folders in Canva helps us organize uploaded designs and files much more neatly and scientifically.

How to Save Songs from Instagram Reels to Spotify

How to Save Songs from Instagram Reels to Spotify

Now we can save songs from Instagram Reels to Spotify very simply without having to do too many manual operations, like finding songs on Spotify anymore.

How to create a shared reminder list on iPhone

How to create a shared reminder list on iPhone

When you create a list on the Reminders app, you can share it with others so they can read it together, such as sharing among family members.

Guide to participating in Dynamax & Max battles in Pokemon Go

Guide to participating in Dynamax & Max battles in Pokemon Go

The exciting new Dynamax feature is here in Pokémon GO. Here's what you need to know about how to Dynamax and Max in Pokémon Go.

Instructions for changing Weibo account name

Instructions for changing Weibo account name

Weibo social network also has the same setting options as other social networking applications such as changing Weibo account password or changing account name to a new name you like.

Instructions for creating and using BAT files on Windows

Instructions for creating and using BAT files on Windows

Batch files are a way for computer users to get work done. They can automate everyday tasks, shorten the time it takes to do something, and turn a complex process into something anyone can operate.

Instructions for downloading Minecraft for free on iPhone

Instructions for downloading Minecraft for free on iPhone

With the instructions in the article you can download and install Minecraft for free on iPhone/iPad

Instructions to change the default PDF reader on Windows 10

Instructions to change the default PDF reader on Windows 10

There are many different ways to change the default PDF reader on Windows 10, helping you get the PDF reader on your computer as you like through PDF reading software or even reading PDF files using a browser.

How to convert video to GIF on iPhone

How to convert video to GIF on iPhone

The Shortcuts app on iPhone has a shortcut to convert videos to GIFs with very simple operations.

Step by step guide to creating and interpreting numerology charts by name

Step by step guide to creating and interpreting numerology charts by name

Numerology reveals exactly what's in your name. From destiny to soul path, here's how to calculate your numerology chart based on your name.

How to choose video caller in WhatsApp group

How to choose video caller in WhatsApp group

WhatsApp has been updated with a new feature to select video callers in groups, no need to make a call with all members in the group. Here is a guide to select video callers in WhatsApp groups.