Being aware or not, each time you try to access a website, you use DNS servers. Domain Name System is a technique that is used for classifying IP addresses and matching them with website URL addresses.
People tend to use names rather than numbers. But it is vice versa for computers. This is why computers need the name to number translators for Internet connection.
Each device, server, and website have an IP address for Internet connection. Users browse website names, not IP addresses. This is where DNS shows up. The Domain Name System finds out the IP addresses that are concealed behind website names and functions as a guidebook by using tools, services, and protocols.
Domain Name Structure is essential for Domain Name Systems. Because it is crucial to construct IP addresses in an outspread network. Domain Name Structure helps in finding and regulating computer IP addresses. By using this, network administrators can handle their huge network management.
Network Security
After understanding DNS fundamentals, network security must be mentioned. Because, network security is a huge concern for many organizations, facilities, and enterprises. We live in an era of overuse of technology. Many enterprises switch their store systems to hybrid-cloud systems. Now organizations are more prone to cyber-attacks and data leakages. Because the more they store data online the bigger their risk surface becomes.
DNS facilitates Internet browsing for a long time. But, it also has downsides such as security vulnerability. Because, DNS prepares hacking, leakage, and phishing grounds for hackers. When using a DNS, you need to add an extra layer of security to your network. Domain Name Systems can be easily used for malicious purposes. To destroy or at least decrease the risk that is rooted in DNS vulnerability, you need to consider DNS security solutions. Total security can not be obtained without DNS security. So, as a business, you need to offer enterprise security from all angles.
First, we need to mention common risks that threaten DNS security. Because without knowing your enemy, you can not prepare yourself properly. So, let’s find out what is dns security in the context of network security.
DNS Security Definition
Cybercriminals can easily pervert Internet users to detrimental websites by using DNS. Even if the network meets other security requirements, it won’t be adequate for total safety. DNS Security is an extended method that provides various defending methods to avoid DNS vulnerability damage.
Popular DNS Associated Attacks
● NXDOMAIN Attack
The NXDOMAIN Attack sends overwhelming numbers of requests to the DNS server. As a type of DNS Flood Attack, it sends non-exist or inaccurate records. The server is exposed to quite a lot of requests and tries to handle them. As it struggles with non-exist requests, real requests are neglected. An authoritative server wastes its time for non-legitimate requests and it slows down and stops all requests.
● DNS Spoofing
In this attack, cybercriminals send unreal DNS information/data to the DNS cache. When DNS receives this fake data, it declares the wrong IP address. By giving the wrong IP address, the user is redirecting to the harmful website. Now the user has a noxious domain and is in danger. The malicious website poses a great risk for credentials and other vulnerable data.
● DNS Tunneling
DNS Tunneling is one of the most popular cyberattacks involving DNS. Because it is not complicated as it is thought. Even an unprofessional hacker can carry it out by using proper tools. DNS Tunneling is performed by using malware. This malware creates or uses wrong data and codes them to the DNS inquiries and replies. DNS can not use legitimate codes and IP addresses anymore. This causes malware to spread and data leakage.
What DNS Security Can Do?
Cyber security and also network security is among the prior concerns of the enterprises. In the early times, it did not matter if they had robust security or not. But today, almost every online activity creates another risk for cyber security. In this context, network security is another momentous concern. Domain Name Server is an amazing target for hackers. They are prone to attack DNS and try to take advantage of it. It costs organizations both reputational and financial.
Performing DNS security methods can prevent networks from destructive consequences. It averts malicious requests from the network and filters the content. Here are several methods to provide DNS security.
● Avoid Mistyping
Especially in urgency, we can misspell some words. Hackers use it as a trap. They detect the most common mistakes and create fake domains. For example, imagine a person who types Instgram instead of Instagram. Hackers set up mistyped domain addresses and hunt them at an ease. When the first person types Instgram and visits the wrong website, they start to perform their malware distribution activities.
To avoid your users from making these kinds of mistakes, you can install a typo correction method. Thanks to this solution, enterprises prevent their network from malicious activities. So, hackers can not achieve their noxious goals.
● Do not neglect On-site Backup
Backup your DNS operations and anything related to the DNS. Because, even if you think that you provide adequate protection, there could be a leakage in your network. You need to be prepared for undesirable consequences. Automating your backup and controlling it regularly promotes your on-site security. Construct a centralized backup solution that is inclusive.
● Use Up-to-date DNS Server
DNS is an ever-increasing prey for hackers. They use various trendy attacks. To protect your network from new attacks, you must keep your DNS server up-to-date. If organizations continue to use legacy methods, they become more vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Considering upgrades helps enterprises to simplify their adaptation. Up-to-date software means better DNS security and lesser risk.
● Provide an Effective Access Control
Controlling who has access to DNS servers provides high-quality security. Giving authorization to every user might not be a good idea. Because each access activity increases the risk of being hacked. Organizations can use multi-factor authentication to be sure about user credentials. So, only authenticated users can reach DNS servers, and the damage possibility diminishes.
Especially in business, user access controls pose great importance. Employees create internal threats but it is avoidable. Mitigating privileges and monitoring user activities also improve the enterprise’s accountability. From the DNS point of view, controlling credential authorizations adds another brick to your security wall.
Last Words
Network security is a continuous concern and so is DNS security too. Although DNS is a huge target for cybercriminals, DNS usage is inevitable. The best way to mitigate risks and improve DNS technology is to take measures such as up-to-date servers, authentication methods, and typing programs. DNS is not going anywhere, so it is a good idea to start using DNS security best practices.
