Your domain name system (DNS) likely lacks built-in security, making it a prime target for cybercriminals eager to access your domain, plant malware, or steal sensitive information. Why leave yourself vulnerable when DNS protection can serve as your first line of defense?
If cybersecurity keeps you up at night, DNS security should be at the top of your priority list. This comprehensive protection encompasses any measure that secures your DNS infrastructure against malicious actors. Here’s why DNS protection is essential for every business—and why you need to implement it today.
What is DNS protection?
DNS protection encompasses any strategy designed to defend against malicious attacks targeting your domain infrastructure. It involves monitoring and controlling DNS requests to safeguard against ransomware, malware, and phishing attacks.
Information is valuable currency in today’s digital economy, which explains why cybercriminals will go to extraordinary lengths to access yours. To strengthen your defenses, employ a DNS filtering solution for instant domain control. DNS filtering automatically blocks access to flagged or potentially harmful domains before they can cause damage.
Beyond controlling access to malicious websites, DNS filtering offers additional business benefits. It can boost workplace productivity by restricting employee access to inappropriate or non-work-related content during business hours. The system also blocks distracting but otherwise harmless sites, such as streaming platforms and social media networks.
How DNS protection defends against multiple business threats
Today’s cybercriminals possess remarkable determination and creativity, constantly developing new, sophisticated methods to trick unsuspecting internet users into visiting compromised websites. Regardless of how many cybersecurity training sessions you conduct, it takes just one momentary lapse in judgment by a single employee to compromise your entire network.
Without DNS protection, your business becomes an easy target for the next clever criminal looking to exploit your vulnerabilities. That’s why savvy business owners recognize DNS protection as a critical investment. Here are the key threats that DNS security helps defend against:
DNS hijacking
DNS hijacking is a malicious attack where perpetrators seize control of a target’s network connection or computer system. Once they gain control, attackers typically redirect users to harmful websites by manipulating how DNS queries are resolved. Hijackers may also:
- Take control of router settings
- Install malware on users’ computers
- Compromise DNS connections directly
DNS hijacking often serves as a foundation for pharming or phishing schemes. For example, cybercriminals might redirect innocent users to convincing fake websites designed to harvest sensitive financial or login credentials. DNS security prevents hijacking attempts by continuously monitoring DNS configurations for suspicious changes.
DNS spoofing
DNS spoofing—also known as DNS cache poisoning—represents one of the most dangerous cyberattack types due to its potentially devastating consequences. This attack occurs when an attacker intercepts a user’s DNS request and responds with a fraudulent IP address, redirecting the user to a malicious site instead of their intended destination.
Attackers use DNS spoofing to distribute malware, steal sensitive information through phishing, or intercept valuable data transmissions. Like hijacking prevention, robust DNS security programs can effectively block spoofing attempts before they succeed.
DDoS attacks
Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks aim to overwhelm targeted servers with massive volumes of internet traffic, making websites and services inaccessible to legitimate users. Attack motivations vary widely—from disgruntled individuals making statements to cybercriminals seeking financial gain through disruption.
No business enjoys complete immunity from DDoS attacks. Even tech giants like Amazon Web Services fell victim to a massive DDoS attack in February 2020, which ranked among the largest in recorded history. These attacks damage businesses by tarnishing reputations and causing significant revenue losses during downtime periods.
DNS tunneling
DNS tunneling is a sophisticated technique that allows attackers to covertly transmit data and malware through DNS protocols. Attackers typically employ this method after exploiting system vulnerabilities or successfully installing malicious payloads on users’ computers through social engineering.
Through DNS tunneling, attackers create hidden “tunnels” that enable them to receive stolen data and deliver commands while evading traditional network security mechanisms. DNS security systems combat tunneling through advanced threat intelligence and comprehensive DNS traffic analysis. However, detecting DNS tunneling remains challenging, and businesses often remain unaware of breaches until attackers have already stolen or compromised substantial amounts of sensitive data.
Conclusion
The digital landscape grows increasingly dangerous as cybercriminal attacks against businesses become more prevalent and sophisticated. Relying exclusively on basic computer defenses is insufficient to stop modern threats before they infiltrate your network infrastructure.
DNS protection should serve as your frontline defense for safeguarding critical business data. Regardless of your industry, prioritizing DNS security isn’t just a smart business decision—it’s an essential action that will strengthen your digital foundation’s resilience against malicious actors and protect your organization’s future.