Domain name system-layer protection is easy to overlook. This is because you’re using a DNS all the time, but you’re not seeing how it functions on its face. The readable web address you type into the computer alone isn’t enough to pull up a web page on your browser. Instead of URLs, your device depends on an internet protocol or (IP) address to connect you to the World Wide Web.
The current domain system was designed to simplify searches. It’s too cumbersome and impractical for computers to keep a running log of every organization with a presence on the internet and its website’s associated IP address. The domain name system layer is sort of like a phone book that connects users with the correct numerical identifiers of the websites they wish to visit.
One of the main issues with the DNS is that it wasn’t designed with cybersecurity in mind. Over the years, criminal hackers have learned how to exploit is inherent vulnerabilities before using social engineering tactics to divert users to spoofed websites where a range of misfortunate and often costly scenarios can play out.
Since the DNS comes with its fair share of security weaknesses, it should be a high priority for any business that needs to improve its cybersecurity protection this year. DNS security is a reliable starting point for protecting your business from external threats. Let’s start by exploring what DNS security is, and how you can implement this additional layer of security to safeguard your valuable business applications and data.
What is Domain Name System (DNS)?
Domain Name System (DNS) describes how the internet catalogs the virtually countless server internet protocol addresses and all their associated URLs. The typical URL is easier to read and remember than the string of decimals, letters, and numbers included in an IP address.
DNS does the work of translating readable web addresses into IP addresses so you can connect to the desired website. Each website has its own uniquely assigned IP address coming in two versions, IPv4 and IPv6. IPv4 includes 8 digits only. The IPv6 of the IP address uses both letters in the identifier and contains a maximum of 45 characters.
A DNS inquiry pairs IP addresses to the associated URL for you, giving you the appropriate pathway to complete the request. The server needs the IP address to respond and load the website onto the browser. This process is repeated hundreds, if not thousands of times in a typical worker’s day, every time a user conducts a new DNS search.
Why does DNS-layer security matter?
DNS is considered foundational to the internet. Its earliest history is traceable to the inception of the World Wide Web. Therefore, the network was devised without consideration given to the slough of criminal cyber threats that emerged later.
Among the primary challenges posed by DNS and its ostensible lack of security protection is that its activity monitoring has proven difficult. DNS security reduced vulnerabilities, however, by increasing insight visibility while filling in any gaps a potential hacker might attempt to exploit. Adopting the right approach to DNS security is one of the best strategies for combating spoof attempts and warding off potential cyberattacks before they take place.
How does DNS security prevent malware, phishing, and botnets?
Malware and phishing attacks start predominantly after a user navigates to risky websites. DNS protection can block access to these sites to prevent access and stop attacks like these from occurring in the first place. You use DNS to filter access to all websites irrelevant to your business while blocking ads originating from known malicious hosts.
Owing to their low-cost and convenient attributes, companies have been adopting Internet of Things (IoT) devices in increasing numbers to automate more core business functions and improve their general processes. The problem with IoT devices is, like DNS, many of them weren’t designed with security at the forefront.
IoT devices are, therefore, known security vulnerabilities by hackers and should be regarded as such by any company that uses them. Most IoT devices depend on the botnet, a network of devices that most frequently includes routers and is known to become infected by malware. Cybercriminals exploit the vulnerabilities present in IoT Bet to gain access to private networks and continue wreaking havoc as they carry out their attacks.
Secure DNS servers also perform better by providing faster lookup response times than ISP DSN servers. The filtering and security capabilities you’ll gain after adding a layer of security to your DNS can’t be replicated in the ISP server. Secured DNS servers provide faster connecting speeds which can enhance operational productivity in addition to providing a better user experience.
Thinking about DNS layer security to prevent cyber-attacks?
While DNS is one of the internet’s core elements, it didn’t anticipate the sophisticated attacks that are all too common in today’s business environment. A secure DNS is your first line of defense against developing cyberattacks and can stop the damage from ransomware and other malware that uses DNS as a transport before it starts.
Giving yourself a means of monitoring the DNS requests coming in and out of your organization and making the adjustments necessary to improve your security posture. Securing your DNS network gives you the added visibility to protect your network, allowing you to see the suspicious network activity that’s about to culminate in an attack.
PCH Technologies helps companies that support remote, off-network staff protect their business by providing solutions for blocking malicious websites and filtering out other harmful and inappropriate content at the DNS layer.
Find out more about how our approach helps small businesses like yours improve their security status by booking your free discovery call online or connecting with a senior technician now by dialing PCH Technologies at (856) 754-7500.