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 to register for Google One AI Premium for free for 1 month

Instructions to register for Google One AI Premium for free for 1 month

Google One AI Premium is offering a 1-month free trial for users to sign up and experience many upgraded features such as the Gemini Advanced assistant.

How to turn off recent searches on Safari

How to turn off recent searches on Safari

Starting with iOS 18.4, Apple allows users to decide whether to show recent searches in Safari.

Sports Data Analytics Creates New Business Revenue Opportunities

Sports Data Analytics Creates New Business Revenue Opportunities

Discover how professional sports teams use data analytics to boost revenue, improve performance, and create innovative income streams in modern athletics.

Instructions for editing screen recording videos on Snipping Tool

Instructions for editing screen recording videos on Snipping Tool

Windows 11 has integrated the Clipchamp video editor on Snipping Tool so that users can edit videos as they want, without having to use other applications.

How to create funnel chart in PowerPoint

How to create funnel chart in PowerPoint

Funnel charts typically depict how different stages merge into a smaller output. Here's how to create a funnel chart in PowerPoint.

How to clear clipboard on iPhone

How to clear clipboard on iPhone

The Clipboard tool on iPhone will store images or data. However, when you save too much information, it can affect your privacy. If so, you can set a shortcut to clear the clipboard.

Instructions for creating an Apple ID account for children

Instructions for creating an Apple ID account for children

To ensure children's safety when using the phone, parents can create an Apple ID account for their children through the Family Sharing feature on iPhone.

How to Recall Instagram Messages

How to Recall Instagram Messages

When chatting via direct message on Instagram, sometimes we accidentally send the wrong message, we can recall the Instagram message before the other person reads the content so that no one knows.

How to hide ads on Safari without an app

How to hide ads on Safari without an app

When you update to iOS 18 beta 5, you will be able to use the feature of hiding ads in Safari to avoid distraction when reading web content.

Gemini chat sharing guide

Gemini chat sharing guide

Google Gemini now allows users to share their conversations with others via a public link similar to sharing chats on ChatGPT.

Instructions for earning Microsoft Rewards points to receive offers

Instructions for earning Microsoft Rewards points to receive offers

The Microsoft Rewards program rewards users with points they earn for offers from brands they partner with. Here's one way you can earn Microsoft Rewards points.

Instructions on how to play and equip Aya season S1 2023

Instructions on how to play and equip Aya season S1 2023

Aya is a support champion with a rather annoying playstyle and is often banned in ranked matches. However, if you have the opportunity to bring Aya into ranked matches, this article will help you grasp the formula for playing Aya effectively.

Instructions for using Metro HCMC to look up Metro routes

Instructions for using Metro HCMC to look up Metro routes

To make it easier to find information on Metro Line 1, users should install the Metro HCMC application to get information about the stations they need to go to and ticket prices for each route.

Cydia User Guide for iPhone Owners

Cydia User Guide for iPhone Owners

Cydia has become very familiar to users of jailbroken iOS devices. It is a third-party application store that provides users with applications (free and paid) that deeply intervene in the system so that iOS devices can be used more flexibly according to the user's preferences.

Instructions for sending email with file attachments on iPhone

Instructions for sending email with file attachments on iPhone

Just like the Gmail app, the Appe Mail app also has the option to send emails with file attachments to support users in the email sending process.