What is DNS Encryption?

In the digital landscape, the significance of cybersecurity cannot be overstated. As data security continues to be a top priority for organizations, the implementation of DNS encryption has emerged as a crucial component in safeguarding networks. This article provides a comprehensive exploration of DNS encryption, delving into its definition, relevance in cybersecurity, practical implications, best practices, actionable tips, related terms, and concepts. Unravel the complexities of DNS encryption and understand its pivotal role in fortifying cyber security defenses.

What is DNS Encryption?

DNS encryption is a security measure that aims to enhance privacy and protect against unauthorized access and modification of DNS traffic. In the context of cybersecurity, DNS encryption plays a critical role in mitigating potential threats and addressing vulnerabilities associated with unencrypted DNS queries and responses. By adopting DNS encryption protocols, organizations can establish a secure communication channel, reducing the risk of data interception and manipulation by malicious entities.

How does it work?

DNS over HTTPS (DoH) is a method of DNS encryption that encrypts DNS queries using the HTTPS protocol, which is the same protocol used to encrypt web traffic. This encryption is typically done over port 443, the standard port for HTTPS. DNS over TLS (DoT), on the other hand, secures communication by wrapping DNS queries and responses in a layer of Transport Layer Security (TLS). This encryption is usually done over port 853.

When a client initiates a DNS query, the DNS resolver that the client is configured to use will send the query over an encrypted connection to a DNS server. The DNS server will process the query and return a response, which is then sent back to the client over the encrypted connection. By encrypting the DNS traffic, DNS encryption prevents unauthorized entities from intercepting or altering the DNS queries and responses, ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of the exchanged data.

DNS Encryption is necessary

Furthermore, with an increasingly mobile workforce and a shift to zero-trust models that don’t rely on VPNs, untrusted local networks can see what users are doing. As an enterprise IT department, do you really want the network administrators (or other users in a coffee shop or coworking space) to see all of the potentially sensitive data that may be exposed via DNS lookups?

Again, this underscores the need to start moving toward encrypting DNS traffic, just as we have with HTTP traffic. At the moment, two standards have been proposed: DNS over HTTPS (DoH) and DNS over TLS (or DoT). These have been around for some time, and each is applicable in different scenarios. DoH and DoT are focused on the first hop between the client device and the recursive DNS resolver. Much of the complexity involved centers on how DoH and DoT get configured and provisioned. For example, enterprise networks don’t want their clients to start using off-network encrypted DNS servers operated by untrusted third parties.

Benefits of DNS Encryption

Privacy Protection – Encrypted DNS ensures that your online activities stay private. No one can snoop on your DNS queries and find out which websites you’re visiting.

Security Boost – It adds a layer of security, preventing hackers from tampering with or hijacking your DNS queries. This is especially crucial on public Wi-Fi networks, where cyber villains can easily eavesdrop on their online adventures.

Browsing Safely – Encrypting DNS helps in preventing ISPs or on-path devices from interfering with your online activities. No one can redirect you to fake websites or modify your DNS traffic.

Implementing DNS Encryption

To take advantage of DNS encryption, users can follow these prevention tips:

• Use a DNS resolver that supports DNS encryption protocols like DoH or DoT. There are several DNS resolver providers, both commercial and open-source, that offer DNS encryption services. Some popular options include Cloudflare DNS, Google Public DNS, and Quad9 DNS.
• Ensure that your devices and applications are configured to use DNS-over-HTTPS or DNS-over-TLS. This can typically be done through the network settings on your devices or within individual applications. By configuring your devices and applications to use DNS encryption, you can ensure that the DNS traffic is encrypted when it is sent from your devices to the DNS resolver.
• Regularly update your DNS software to enable encryption and patch any potential vulnerabilities. DNS software and DNS resolver implementations may require updates to enable DNS encryption and address any known security vulnerabilities. By keeping your DNS software up to date, you can ensure that you are benefiting from the latest security enhancements and encryption features.

Conclusion

The encryption strategy you decide to go with will eventually be based on what you want to encrypt and where. The adoption of DoH is fast rising with Google being a huge contributor to that. So, it won’t be surprising to see the adoption of DoH across operating systems rise in the coming years.

No matter the solution you choose to go with, one thing is certain and that is you need to protect your DNS traffic from malicious eavesdropping.