DNS Blocking: Why is it important?

Have you ever been at work or school and tried to access a website or an app that ended up being blocked? Domain Name System (DNS) blocking is a method of preventing access to specific websites by blocking their domain names at the DNS level. In this blog post, we will cover everything you need to know about DNS blocking, how it works, and how it impacts you.

What is DNS Blocking?

DNS blocking is a type of protection mechanism that organizations and individuals use to prevent devices on their networks from accessing specific websites or web pages. It can be done by finding out the IP addresses of the websites or web pages to be blocked. Then, the IP addresses should be blocked, and no one will be able to access them anymore. DNS blocking is often used to prevent different types of cyberattacks. More specifically, it is useful to stop cyberattacks that attack systems by infecting them with malware. Also, some individuals and organizations use it as an anti-piracy safeguard. In addition, they use it to block access to certain sites like gambling websites in the workplace.

Importance of DNS Blocking in cyber security

The significance of DNS blocking in the realm of cyber security cannot be overstated. By curbing access to potentially harmful online resources, organizations can significantly reduce the likelihood of falling victim to cyber-attacks. DNS blocking serves as an essential layer of defense, complementing other security measures to fortify the digital perimeter and safeguard sensitive data.

How does it work?

DNS blocking prevents DNS queries for specific domain names from being resolved to their associated IP addresses. This is completed by intercepting DNS requests and either returning an error message or redirecting the request to a different IP address that hosts a block page. There are several methods used to implement DNS blocking, including:

• DNS filtering: With DNS filtering, specific domain names are blocked at the DNS level. This means that any requests for those domain names cannot be completed because they are blocked. DNS filtering is often used by educational facilities and corporate networks to block access to inappropriate or distracting websites.
• DNS hijacking: This method involves redirecting DNS requests for a blocked domain name to a different IP address that is hosting a block page. Commonly, DNS hijacking is used by ISPs and governments to prevent access to specific websites for safety or privacy purposes.
• Transparent DNS proxies: Using a transparent DNS proxy allows an organization or individual to intercept all DNS traffic on a network and redirect requests for specific domain names to a different IP address. In some cases, this method is used by ISPs to block websites that might host malware or phishing scams.

DNS blocking is designed specifically to help organizations defend their systems against phishing attacks, spam, and malware by blocking potentially dangerous IP addresses. It can also be used as a method of anti-piracy, and many businesses regularly use it to prevent users from accessing websites that might be distracting or risky. Although it can be useful, there are certain benefits and drawbacks to DNS blocking.

Benefits of DNS Blocking

• Enhanced cyber security: It can protect networks from threats by preventing users from accessing known malicious websites. It blocks domains associated with phishing, malware, botnets, and other cyber attacks.
• Improved productivity: For businesses and educational institutions, DNS blocking can prevent users from accessing nonwork-related or distracting websites, thus enhancing productivity.
• Efficient bandwidth allocation: In some cases, it can help network administrators manage bandwidth by blocking access to high-bandwidth-using websites or services like streaming platforms, especially in environments with limited bandwidth.
• Privacy protection: it can prevent access to websites that track user data, thus enhancing privacy protection.

What disadvantages does it pose?

• Overblocking: In some cases, DNS blocking can restrict users from accessing legitimate websites. This often happens as a result of shared hosting or domain name similarities.
• Censorship: It can be used to censor content that is deemed objectionable by governments or other organizations. This can even mean blocking social media websites or news platforms.
• Workarounds: Some network restrictions, like DNS blocking, can be bypassed using a VPN or a proxy server, which navigates around it to give users more freedom.

Practical Application of DNS Blocking

One common application of DNS blocking is in internet filtering used by educational institutions. Schools and universities employ DNS blocking to restrict access to websites that are not suitable for the learning environment, such as those containing adult content or gaming. This ensures a safe and distraction-free online environment conducive to learning. Additionally, DNS blocking is used by organizations to prevent access to known malicious websites, thereby enhancing network security.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the implementation of DNS blocking stands as an indispensable strategy in fortifying an organization’s cyber security posture. By proactively preventing access to malicious entities and enhancing network security, DNS blocking contributes significantly to the resilience and integrity of digital environments. As cyber threats continue to advance in complexity, embracing continuous learning and adaptation is paramount in defending against emerging risks and ensuring the efficacy of DNS blocking measures.