Most individuals don't give the DNS the thought it deserves or worry about spending money on DNS-layer security. Ultimately, the capacity of DNS servers to connect users to websites or internet-enabled applications accurately and quickly is what makes them so recognizable as operating DNS servers. There is a catch to this invisibility, though. The bad news is that because of the neglect of organizations to protect the layer between them and hackers, this weakness is used frequently by cybercriminals to stage their attacks.
In this blog, we'll go deep into DNS security, explaining what it is, how it functions, and how upgrading to DNS-layer security can improve network security.
What Is DNS Security?
Network attacks are increasingly targeting DNS. Since DNS is one of the most vulnerable and widely used protocols on the current internet, it is a prime target for attackers because nearly all other services and protocols use it. Further, it is one of the most used protocols. But, implementing a firewall rule won't be enough to prevent attacks.
Before talking about how to prevent these attacks, it is helpful to understand how they operate. DNS attacks generally fall into two categories: "reds" and "whites," much like wine. Authoritative attacks and Caching Recursive attacks are the two main categories of DNS attacks. DDoS attacks, amplification attacks, and reflection attacks are a few examples of authoritative attacks. Attacks that recursively cache data, like DNS hijacking and cache poisoning. Similar to wine, there are certain anomalies as well, including DNS tunneling attacks. But the majority of DNS attacks are either Caching, Recursive or Authoritative.
Unlike most other protocols, DNS' primary function is to publish information and permit clients to access it, which makes DNS security a challenging task. Therefore, the strategies we employ to protect DNS must frequently refrain from using traditional, straightforward blocking approaches.
Common DNS Attacks
Because DNS security systems affect every user on a network, hackers constantly look for new vulnerabilities in them. The most typical DNS attacks are as follows:
Cache poisoning: In a DNS cache poisoning attack, the hacker replaces the IP addresses of trustworthy websites with malicious IP addresses that are then sent to users when they make DNS requests in the future.
Domain lock-up DDoS: These are kinds of attacks that exploit the DNS protocol by flooding reputable DNS servers with slow TCP connections, too many requests, records that don't exist, etc.
DNS spoofing: Act of impersonating a legitimate site to obtain passwords, infect users with malware, or carry out other attacks. This attack frequently takes advantage of effectively executed DNS poisoning attacks, which cause cached DNS queries to be redirected to the DNS spoof website.
DNS hijacking: The queries are redirected to a fake DNS server by replacing the real DNS record through a virus operating on a network or through a hacked registrar account.
DNS tunneling: DNS tunneling is used as a mechanism for delivering malware and executing botnets called DNS Beaconing and for exfiltration of data through DNS communication in trusted but violated domains that use DNS protocols such as port 53 or via TCP, SSH, and HTTP protocols.
The Importance of DNS Security
Both residential and business networks can benefit from DNS security. In addition to offering extra advantages, a secure DNS solution may be utilized to enhance BYOD policies by protecting data both inside and outside the business. An encrypted DNS security is important in the following ways;
Helps in filtering content
There is so much unwanted content on websites. But DNS security could go a long way in blocking those adult websites and other undesirable content. Luckily, it doesn't require any software to be installed on computers or other devices, as it operates via the DNS. The possibility that an employee may go to an unwanted site, which could result in a harmful attack, can be greatly decreased with content filtering.
Blocks malware
Blocking malware and phishing attempts is one way to keep websites free of potentially harmful or malicious information, such as viruses and fraud. For many people, spotting phishing attempts is quite challenging. A content filtering measure that can block off known phishing efforts can lessen the likelihood of falling for this kind of attack. Unfortunately, only blocking is not sufficient to defend against more sophisticated phishing attempts.
Botnet protection
Botnets are becoming an increasingly serious threat as IoT devices gain traction. In order to safeguard your device, botnet protection through DNS will take steps to prevent connectivity with known botnet servers.
Helps block unwanted advertisements
It's possible for advertisements to contain dangerous software or to try to gather information from workers. Advertisements can negatively impact system performance and decrease employee productivity, even in cases where they are not malevolent. Through DNS security, they can be easily blocked for a safe working environment.
Increased speed
Through DNS security, the output and efficiency can be greatly improved. Secure DNS servers frequently offer faster lookup speeds than DNS servers offered by ISPs. Increased dependability can also be achieved with secure DNS servers. Since DNS resolution is performed numerous times during the internet connection process, even a small improvement might result in much higher performance levels.
As we all know, the internet was made possible by DNS. If domain names weren't required for people to remember, how much do you think they would have evolved? Most people who use the internet define the websites they want to visit with their domain names. On the other hand, computers use IP addresses to route traffic across the internet and differentiate between different internet-connected equipment. The Domain Name System acts as the backbone and functional foundation of the internet by permitting the usage of domain names.
Conclusion
Organizations should take steps to secure their DNS servers and communications right away because there are so many choices available that fit a variety of needs and budgets. Every day, attackers are on the lookout for weak DNS systems to take advantage of. Basic DNS security can be enhanced with a small time commitment, and risk can be significantly decreased with more substantial investments. Since the majority of operations these days interact with the internet, a secure DNS solution may help protect email, endpoints, remote users, and more against threats that go beyond DNS activities.
About Us: CubixTech Integration is a managed security service provider for cybersecurity, network & infra security, and cloud security. With its headquarters in Pune, it serves India at large and also globally. Our clientele includes 70% of the Fortune 100 biggest firms. We have deployed to over 17 countries worldwide. We have partnered with F5 USA’s company as a top implementation and professional services provider
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