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Why DNS Protection is Essential

Security

Why DNS Protection is Essential

VIPRE announces major improvements to its endpoint security technology. The improved protection includes a new network stack including agent-based DNS, web access control, firewall, IDS, and web protection.

One of the most effective and underused cyber security solution available is the domain name system, or DNS. This tool is used to achieve top tier standards in network security and efficiency. Utilizing DNS protection can improve and accelerate your network performance, filter critical content, direct website traffic, and mitigate attempts at both malware and phishing. 

What is DNS?

At its simplest, think of DNS or the domain name system as the Internet’s phonebook. Without it, you’d have trouble finding your resources on the internet with the ease you do now. DNS acts as a translator between the IP address and the site name. This is useful and important so that we are writing VIPRE.com and not a series of numbers to stay logged on to our favorite sites. Where humans remember names better, computers store information numerically, so this translation is crucial to work efficiently. 

What is a DNS attack?

There are several types of DNS attack vectors which can occur against a system so it is crucial to include DNS protection in your security toolkit. Some of the types of DNS attacks include: 

  • Zero Day Attack – An attacker exploits an unknown vulnerability in the DNS protocol stack or DNS server software. Until the vulnerability is mitigated, hackers can exploit it, adversely affecting computer programs, data, additional computers or a network. 
  • DNS Poisoning – An attacker poisons the DNS server by replacing a legitimate IP address in the server’s cache with an illegitimate address to send users to malicious sites. Those malicious sites then collect data or move further in making more attacks. 
  • Fast-flux DNS – An attacker uses this technique to hide phishing and malware delivery sites behind an ever-changing network of compromised hosts acting as proxies. 

How do I stay protected?

  • Keep your resolver guarded – Be sure to restrict users to only those in your network to prevent poisoning by hackers outside of your control. 
  • Configure secured servers – Reduce as many poisoning attempts as possible by including variabilities to outgoing requests through means such as using a random source port, randomizing the query ID, or by randomizing case letters of the domain name which are sent out to be resolved. 

VIPRE Security recommends that all organizations utilize a layered security approach when implementing defensive measures. A top-rated endpoint security solution coupled with advanced email security and threat intelligence solutions will ensure that you are protected from malicious threats via multiple attack vectors.

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