DNS Protection
Maximize Your DNS Protection: Expert Specialists Delivering Cutting-Edge Security Solutions and Leading Advanced DNS Defense Strategies Globally
A DNS Protection solution serves as a dedicated security layer for DNS traffic by applying a set of rules during DNS interactions. These rules are designed to defend against common vulnerabilities such as DNS spoofing and cache poisoning. Unlike traditional security measures that focus on broader network protection, DNS Protection specifically shields DNS servers. Typically deployed to secure DNS queries and responses, a DNS Protection solution functions as a safeguard against malicious attacks. It can be available as a cloud service, an on-premises appliance, or a software plugin, and can be customized for specific network environments. Customization efforts can be substantial and must be continuously updated as network conditions change.
Domain Name System Protection
Why is DNS security important?
Routine DNS queries, crucial for nearly all web interactions, present risks such as DNS hijacking and man-in-the-middle attacks. These attacks can divert traffic to fraudulent websites, capturing sensitive information and exposing businesses to significant risk. Implementing the DNSSEC protocol is a proven strategy to safeguard against these DNS vulnerabilities.
What Is DNSSEC?
The Domain Name System (DNS), like many other internet protocols, was originally developed without built-in security features, exposing it to various design vulnerabilities. These weaknesses, combined with modern technological advancements, have made it easier for attackers to manipulate DNS lookups for malicious purposes, such as redirecting users to counterfeit websites that can disseminate malware or collect sensitive information. The DNS Security Extensions (DNSSEC) were introduced to counteract these threats by digitally signing data to verify its authenticity. This process is similar to signing a legal document with a unique, verifiable signature. DNSSEC employs a hierarchical approach where each DNS layer is signed by its parent layer, such as the root DNS server signing the .COM nameserver, which then signs the authoritative nameserver for a specific domain like google.com. While DNSSEC improves security, it maintains backward compatibility to ensure traditional DNS lookups remain functional. DNSSEC complements other security measures like SSL/TLS in a comprehensive internet security framework. The integrity of the DNS chain of trust is upheld through a Root Zone Signing Ceremony, where global experts publicly sign the root DNSKEY RRset to validate its authenticity.
What are some common attacks involving DNS?
Although DNSSEC provides strong security, its limited adoption combined with inherent DNS vulnerabilities makes it a frequent target for attacks. Key attack methods include:
DNS Spoofing/Cache Poisoning: Attackers introduce fraudulent DNS data into a DNS resolver’s cache, causing it to return erroneous IP addresses. This redirection can lead users to malicious websites that replicate legitimate sites for malware distribution or credential theft.
DNS Tunneling: This attack method involves using DNS queries to tunnel malicious payloads or stolen information through protocols like SSH, TCP, or HTTP, circumventing traditional firewall protections.
DNS Hijacking: In this attack, DNS queries are redirected to unauthorized DNS servers either via malware or direct changes to the DNS server. Unlike DNS spoofing, which affects the resolver’s cache, DNS hijacking alters the DNS records at the nameserver level, impacting the actual DNS entries for the website.