Securing DNS: Best Practices and Strategies

Published on: October 30, 2023

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20 min read

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For German Version

The internet has unfathomably large amounts of information, but it has made cyberattackers more prevalent. Anytime you access the internet, one slip-up could lead to malware or phishing attacks. Companies are utilizing DNS security software more and more to guard against cybercrime.

Prior to implementing DNS security solutions and DNS protections, it is crucial to comprehend the Domain Name System, also known as DNS security. DNS functions similarly to conventional phone directories or contact lists on the Internet. DNS keeps a list of different domain names and converts them into IP (internet protocol) addresses. All Internet-connected devices, including the hosting server, laptops, PCs, iPads, and mobile phones, are identifiable by their DNS addresses.

DNS is becoming a more frequent target of network attacks. Because DNS is one of the most venerable and widely used protocols on the Internet, attackers may find it appealing. Using secure DNS technologies to defend DNS infrastructure against cyberattacks is crucial to ensuring that it can continue operating swiftly and dependably.

According to recent reports, about 90% of enterprises experienced DNS attacks in 2021, with an average incident costing approximately USD 950,000. Furthermore, a significant portion of these attacks targeted internet users. In order to guarantee the best level of DNS cyber security, businesses must construct safe DNS servers. Examine the following subjects to gain additional knowledge about DNS security and attacks:

• Why Is DNS Security Important?
• How Does DNS Work?
• What Are Common DNS Threats and Attacks?
• What Is DNS Security and How Does It Work?
• What is DNSSEC?
• What Are the Advantages and Limitations of Implementing DNSSEC?
• What are the Best Practices for DNS Security?
• What are the Emerging Trends in DNS Security
• What Is DNS over TLS (DoT) and How Does It Enhance Security?
• How Does DNS over HTTPS (DoH) Impact DNS Security?
• How Does Zero Trust Networking Relate to DNS Security?
• What is the Future of DNS Security?

Why is DNS Security Important?

The DNS system, like many other Internet protocols, was not created with security in mind. Additionally, the DNS system, like many Internet protocols, has a number of architectural flaws. These restrictions, together with technological advancements, leave DNS servers open to a wide range of attacks, such as spoofing, amplification, DoS (Denial of Service), and the acquisition of confidential personal data. Consequently, because DNS is essential to the majority of internet requests, businesses should handle DNS security vulnerabilities with caution.

By blocking harmful websites and removing undesired content, DNS protection adds an extra degree of security between an employee and the internet. Employees can reduce needless risk and the possibility of malicious attacks by utilizing secure DNS servers both at work and at home.

Cybercriminals can quickly find security flaws and reroute a domain name to their preferred destination in the absence of DNS security. How inconvenient it would be to be unable to access our company website due to an attack is beyond comprehension. Confidential customer data can be stolen, and an online banking system can be compromised by a DNS attack. As a result, DNS security is one of the most important cyber security instruments, and businesses need to be concerned about DNS security.

Furthermore, DNS attacks are commonly used in concert with other intrusions to divert attention away from the real target for security teams. In order to avoid being overburdened with simultaneous attacks via other routes, an organization must be able to promptly counteract DNS attacks.

How Does DNS Work?

The DNS system on the Internet maintains the mapping between names and numbers, much like a phone book. DNS servers manage which server a user will access when they enter a domain name into their web browser by converting requests for names into IP addresses. We refer to these requests as inquiries. They transform user-entered text into a format that a computer can use to find a webpage. DNS resolution is the term for this translation and lookup procedure.

The following steps comprise the fundamental DNS resolution process:

1. A web address or domain name is typed into a browser by the user.
2. To determine whose IP address or network address the domain corresponds to, the browser issues a request to the network known as a recursive DNS query.
3. The internet service provider (ISP) often manages the recursive DNS server, also known as a recursive resolver, to which the query is sent. The webpage will load if the address is in the recursive resolver's database and is returned to the user.
4. The DNS root name servers, top-level domain (TLD) name servers, and authoritative name servers are the servers that the recursive DNS server will query if it is unable to resolve the issue.
5. Together, the three different server types will keep redirecting until they are able to obtain a DNS record containing the requested IP address. The user's requested webpage loads once this data is sent to the recursive DNS server. TLD servers and DNS root name servers seldom give the resolution themselves; instead, they typically function to reroute inquiries.
6. The recursive server keeps, or caches, the A record for the domain name, which contains the IP address. It can reply to the user directly the next time it receives a request for that domain name, rather than contacting other servers.
7. The authoritative server will return an error message if the query is sent to it and it is unable to locate the data.

The user typically isn't aware that the process of requesting several servers is taking place, as it only takes a few seconds.

DNS servers respond to queries from both inside and outside of their own domains. A server responds with an authoritative response when it gets a request for information about a name or address within the domain from a location outside the domain.

A server typically routes requests for names or addresses outside of its domain from within its domain to a different server, typically run by the server's Internet service provider.

The goal of creating this system was to make using it easier for users. In this manner, visitors can just remember the name of the website, while DNS servers must retrieve lengthy IP addresses. You unknowingly use a DNS server each time you visit a website. It is among the foundations that enabled the Internet.

What Are Common DNS Threats and Attacks?

There are several ways that attackers can target and take advantage of DNS servers. The following are a few of the most frequent DNS threats and attacks:

• Typosquatting: Cybercriminals utilize social engineering techniques like typosquatting to take advantage of people who type URLs wrong. In contrast to https://www.apple.com, the attacker asked to click on https://www.aplle.com/. Users are usually misled into visiting malicious websites when URLs misspell the original/authentic websites. These fraudulent websites have the ability to cause serious harm to companies by deceiving users into inputting private information.

• Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS): A destabilizing attack known as a denial-of-service (DDoS) attack is launched against a network or DNS server using a botnet of infected devices. Its goal is to send an overwhelming amount of bogus requests to the target, overloading its resources and preventing genuine users from accessing websites or online services. To lessen the impact of DDoS attacks on DNS servers, use traffic filtering systems or cloud-based DDoS security services to detect and stop malicious traffic before it reaches the DNS infrastructure.

• Cache poisoning and DNS spoofing: DNS spoofing is another name for the DNS cache poisoning technique. By taking advantage of DNS spoofing flaws, organic traffic from a genuine server is redirected to a phony server. Traffic can be redirected from the intended website to a malicious machine or any other location the attacker chooses; frequently, this is a duplicate of the original site used for nefarious activities like downloading malware or gathering login credentials.

• Amplification of DNS: By leveraging open DNS resolver functionality to dominate a target server or network with high traffic volume, attackers can amplify their traffic and make it unreachable to them. This technique is known as DNS amplification. This denial-of-service (DDoS) attack, which uses distributed reflection, is quite successful.

• DNS Tunneling: Given that DNS is regarded as a trusted protocol, most companies allow it to be used both inside and outside of their networks. Cybercriminals use malware that contains the data being exfiltrated in DNS requests to take advantage of DNS for data exfiltration. Attackers make sure that, rather than the website owner, the server that receives the data visitors send in the DNS response packet is under their control. Most firewalls are unable to identify malware or stolen data that attackers can include in DNS queries by using SSH, TCP, or HTTP.

• DNS Exploitation: DNS hijackers trick users into thinking they are connected to a trustworthy domain while, in reality, they are connected to a hostile one. When malicious or compromised DNS servers are used, they might be tricked into storing false information. Malware or the unauthorized alteration of a DNS server can be used for this. This attack is essentially distinct from DNS spoofing, even if the outcome is similar because it attacks the website's DNS record on the nameserver rather than a resolver's cache.

• Attack on NXDOMAIN: This kind of DNS flood attack involves sending a large number of requests to a DNS server requesting records that are not there in an effort to disrupt legitimate traffic. Sophisticated attack tools that can automatically create distinct subdomains for every request can be used to achieve this. Recursive resolvers are susceptible to NXDOMAIN attacks, which aim to overload their cache with pointless queries.

• Attack on Phantom Domain: Authoritative nameservers are the target of phantom domain attacks, a kind of denial-of-service attack. One way to launch an assault is to set up many DNS servers that either don't answer DNS requests at all or react slowly, which breaks communication.

  Recursive DNS is the method by which a DNS server looks up the addresses of other DNS servers that are connected to it in order to obtain an IP address. Attacks against phantom domains waste server resources and cause ineffective lookups or non-functional searches. Recursive DNS servers can lead to significant performance issues when they run out of resources since they will ignore valid queries and concentrate on unresponsive servers.

• Attack on a Random Subdomain: Here, the attacker targets a single, authentic website with several random, nonexistent subdomains using DNS queries. In order to prevent website lookups from the authoritative nameserver for the domain, a denial-of-service attack is intended to be created. The attacker's ISP is affected as a result of the malicious requests filling their recursive resolver's cache.

• Attacks using Domain Lock-up: As their name suggests, these assaults lock up a DNS resolver. By establishing a TCP connection with a resolver, domains are then free to send erroneously created trash packets that flood the resolver.

• CPE Attack with Botnet: These attacks are created by taking advantage of the CPE (Customer premises Equipment) that is utilized in devices like modems, routers, cable boxes, etc. Once CPEs are compromised, the devices are added to a botnet that randomly targets one or more websites or domains.

• DNS Flooding: Devices with a high bandwidth are used in flooding attacks to bombard DNS servers. The massive volume of inquiries is too much for the targeted servers to handle. These attacks are frequently linked to supercharged botnets, like Mirai, that have the power to bring down even the biggest companies.

What is DNS Security and How Does It Work?

Because hackers use DNS system flaws to reroute visitors to fake websites, DNS security is essential. By preventing dangerous URLs and screening content, it can defend against malware and phishing attempts. A cybercriminal may direct visitors to dangerous or fraudulent websites if they manage to breach a DNS system. Additionally, they have the ability to take over websites, steal data, and overload servers with requests until they are shut down. DNS security aims to prevent these kinds of assaults.

Improved connection speeds and quicker lookup times from secure DNS servers can boost user productivity.

The process of defending DNS infrastructure from cyberattacks to maintain its dependability and speed is known as DNS security. It guarantees the effective and dependable operation of your DNS infrastructure. To do this, it is necessary to set up many DNS servers, employ security technologies such as Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC), and enforce strict DNS logging regulations.

Keeping a watch on DNS requests and the IP addresses they lead to can help keep your network safe because DNS is what makes all internet activity possible. Putting in place security rules that make people pay attention to strange DNS behavior can make network defenses stronger and make it easier to find systems that have been hacked and malicious activity.

DNS cybersecurity aids in identifying the locations where rogue domains stage. Make sure that DNS servers are secured and that any queries coming from staging sites over any port or protocol are rejected in order to prevent both infiltration and exfiltration attempts, such as a DNS leak. DNS-layer protection prevents compromised devices from attempting to transmit any malware when they connect to your network. Additionally, it stops replies from your DNS server to potential hijacker attackers. DNS security stops hackers from taking control of and abusing your DNS by cutting off this route of communication.

What is DNSSEC?

Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC) are a collection of specifications that augment the DNS protocol by incorporating cryptographic verification for responses obtained from authoritative DNS servers. Its purpose is to protect against criminal techniques that direct computers to malicious servers and websites. DNSSEC protects DNS credentials by employing digital signatures that are generated using public-key cryptography. DNS queries and responses are not subject to the cryptographic signature in DNSSEC; instead, the data owner signs the DNS data. Although DNSSEC has been implemented for a significant number of generic and country-level top-level domains (TLDs), its adoption has been slower at the domain and end-user levels.

DNSSEC ensures the integrity of the domain name system by appending cryptographic signatures to DNS records that already exist. On DNS name servers, these digital signatures are maintained in conjunction with standard record types such as A, AAAA, MX, CNAME, and others. You can check if a requested DNS record comes from its authoritative name server and was not changed on the way, as opposed to a man-in-the-middle attack-infected fake record, by looking at the signature that goes with it.

There is a public/private key pair for each DNS zone. The proprietor of the zone employs the private key of the zone to affix digital signatures to DNS data contained within the zone. The zone proprietor maintains the confidentiality of this key material, as the term "private key" suggests. However, the public key of the zone is disclosed within the zone itself, making it accessible to all. When a recursive resolver queries the zone for data, it also obtains the zone's public key. This key is subsequently employed to authenticate the DNS data. The resolver verifies the validity of the digital signature affixed to the retrieved DNS data. The DNS data is returned to the user if this condition is met. The resolver presupposes an attack, discards the data, and returns an error to the user if the signature fails validation.

Two crucial features are added to the DNS protocol by DNSSEC:

• Data origin authentication: A resolver can use data origin authentication to make sure that the data it received came from the zone where it was predicated.
• Data integrity protection: Data integrity protection lets the resolver be sure that the data stays the same during transmission, just like it was when it was first signed using the private key of the zone owner.

What Are the Advantages of Implementing DNSSEC?

These days, having DNSSEC activated for your domain has many advantages. It gives security, makes it easier to browse the internet without feeling unsafe, and helps to protect any user's information and capacity to post verified information online. These factors make DNSSEC essential for websites built in the present era. But keep in mind that it only defends DNS, not the server as a whole or against DDoS attacks. Additionally, DNSSEC provides better privacy, more security, and defense against cyberattacks. Cache poisoning, DNS spoofing, and other DNS attacks can be avoided with the use of digitally signed DNS entries. By using this procedure, internet users may be guaranteed that their data is secure and that they are being redirected to the relevant domains. Additionally, DNSSEC improves privacy by assisting in the prevention of DNS query manipulation by outside parties. The advantages of installing DNSSEC are outlined below:

• Authentication: DNSSEC ensures that the information obtained from a DNS server is authentic and unaltered by providing authentication and data integrity for DNS answers.
• Security: DNS spoofing, cache poisoning, and man-in-the-middle assaults are just a few of the DNS-based attacks that DNSSEC helps defend against.
• Trust: By guaranteeing that the domain name system is secure, validated, and that users are corresponding with the appropriate server, DNSSEC fosters trust in the DNS system.
• Privacy: By keeping attackers from seeing the domain names that users are requesting, DNSSEC protects users' privacy.

What Are the Limitations of Implementing DNSSEC?

Added complexity, greater resource needs, and restricted support from some DNS providers are a few drawbacks of DNSSEC. Implementing DNSSEC can be difficult for smaller businesses with low resources because it requires additional infrastructure, such as key management. DNSSEC may not be supported by all DNS providers, which could reduce its efficacy. A handful of DNSSEC's drawbacks and difficulties are listed below.

• Implementation: Setting up DNSSEC can be difficult and time-consuming, requiring a lot of knowledge and resources.
• Compatibility: Not all DNS servers and applications support DNSSEC, and it is not extensively used. This can lead to problems with some services and apps' compatibility.
• Management: In order to keep the system secure, DNSSEC needs to be carefully maintained and updated on a regular basis.
• Performance: DNSSEC may slightly increase the overhead of DNS requests, which in certain circumstances may have an effect on performance. Still, most people usually don't find this to be a big deal.

What are the Best Practices for DNS Security?

Since DNS is now essential to practically all networked application activities, it is imperative that all enterprises follow best practices in DNS security. It makes networked application communication easier. Furthermore, DNS theory and implementation have advanced to an astounding degree.

Meanwhile, assaulting DNS infrastructure has become a top priority for cyber adversaries. Applications cannot communicate when a DNS service is down, which could stop vital processes. For the DNS infrastructure to remain healthy and continuously available, best practices for DNS security are important.

You can guarantee that DNS maintains security and dependable performance by using the list of DNS security best practices that follow:

1. Make certain that DNS logs everything: This is one of the most crucial DNS security best practices. Experts in security advise DNS logging as a useful tactic for keeping an eye on DNS events and activities. DNS logs offer important information on whether malevolent parties try to tamper with the DNS servers. DNS debug logs are used in addition to client activities to find problems with DNS updates or queries.

   DNS exposes any evidence that indicates cache poisoning. In this case, a cyber adversary modifies the DNS cache's contents to target clients that provide malicious inputs. For example, the DNS server may guide clients to websites infected with malware if it changes the IP address of a trustworthy website to that of a malicious website.

   Such activities may jeopardize an organization's security as a whole. Some system administrators may turn off DNS debug logging in order to improve efficiency, even though it is essential to bolster DNS security. Monitoring network activity guarantees that assaults like distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks are promptly discovered.

2. Disable DNS caching: The DNS finds the query information submitted by a client and caches it for later use. When the client retries the same queries, the procedure speeds up the DNS servers' response times.

   Cybercriminals, however, can take advantage of the feature to change the data that has already been stored. To enhance the DNS debugging log feature, locking the DNS cache is a necessary prerequisite. System administrators can decide when to modify the cached data by using this best practice. Only the lookup data for the duration provided in the time to live (TTL) is stored by the DNS server.

   By disabling the cache lock, cache poisoning attacks become possible since the stored data can be changed or replaced before the TTL expires. Companies can decide whether to enable default cache locking based on the operating systems that they have deployed. To stop anyone from changing the cached data until the TTL expires, the locking cache's scale can be set to 100%.

3. Turn on DNS filtration: One efficient strategy to prevent people from accessing dangerous domains or websites is through DNS filtering. It enables name resolutions of domains or websites known to contain dangerous content to be blocked by system administrators. The DNS server instantly ends all communication if a client sends a query asking for access to a blocked domain.

   As a result, DNS filtering greatly reduces the likelihood that viruses and malware will infiltrate the corporate network. The security control prevents potential security threats that aim to compromise IT infrastructure when a client is unable to visit a dangerous webpage that has been blocked. Consequently, there is no need for IT security professionals to constantly remove harmful software.

   A business can try to restrict particular domains in accordance with its current IT policy. To guarantee that workers continue to be extremely productive, for instance, several companies restrict certain websites. These domains include social media, gambling websites, streaming videos, and illegal content. System administrators have the ability to restrict DNS requests based on user groups or profiles, or they can block access to particular websites for all users.

   Standardized DNS filtering is typically included in firewall and software security solutions nowadays. Employing this equipment gives businesses access to constantly updated lists of dangerous sites. Businesses can use automated DNS filtering instead of making labor-intensive, utterly ineffective manual entries.

4. To confirm the accuracy of DNS data, use DNSSEC: Clients can obtain only legitimate answers to their requests thanks to the Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC). By digitally certifying the DNS information supplied to name servers, DNSSEC ensures data integrity. The DNS server notifies clients that they may trust the transmitted information by verifying that the response to a query request has a valid digital signature. An extra security layer called DNSSEC helps fend off attacks on the DNS protocol.

   Moreover, threats like cache poisoning and DNS spoofing can be effectively avoided since DNSSEC offers origin authority and data integrity. Customers are consequently assured that they are viewing the desired pages.

5. Verify that access control lists are configured correctly: To protect DNS servers against spoofing attacks and illegal access attempts, access control lists are essential. Only the system and IT administrators have access to the primary DNS in order for the DNS servers to stay safe. Only authorized clients are able to communicate with the DNS servers thanks to precise access control list setups that allow a particular host to connect to a name server.

   Additionally, the servers that are allowed to permit zone transfers should be specified in access control lists. Cybercriminals could try to find out the organizational network zone configuration by sending zone transfer requests through alternative DNS servers. By obstructing zone transfer requests via a backup DNS server, you can stop hackers from getting zone data. The configurations are essential because they keep unauthorized or malevolent parties from deciphering how the internal network is set up.

6. Distinguish between recursive and authoritative name servers: An authoritative name server looks up a name and its IP address simply by searching the local database. Recursive name servers, on the other hand, look up names and associated IP addresses by searching a hierarchy of additional name servers atop the local database.

   Businesses should isolate and divide the roles in accordance with the logical views of the network by using various recursive and authoritative name server machines. System administrators must also set up authoritative name servers so that only other authoritative name servers can send DNS updates. Since caching is not a feature of authoritative name servers, fraudulent or damaged database entries could have a significant impact.

7. To allow forwarding routers to reroute DNS queries, use Anycast: Anycast is a feature of routers that allows numerous servers to share IP addresses and forward network traffic and messages to the most important server rather than a specific server. Name servers use Anycast to share a burden, demonstrate resilience, and lessen the effects of a DDoS attack.

   A network's resilience is increased when Anycast is used because routers become more adaptable and dynamic, rerouting traffic to the closest but available server. When a business unplugs a server from the network, Anycast routes traffic to the nearest server that is reachable. The tactic therefore broadens a system's surface area. Due to the network's vulnerability to security threats and attacks, a DDoS attack's impact might be reduced by distributing traffic among several servers.

8. Install specialized DNS appliances: DNS apps, like the majority of network appliances, are created with a specific function in mind. Performance, manageability, and security are therefore taken into consideration while configuring both hardware and software. Standard operating system servers lack the features and tweaking levels available in dedicated DNS appliances. Using dedicated DNS apps has benefits similar to using other network appliances. For example, it can increase RAM availability, lower the number of unused ports, stop network chatter on interfaces, and limit the need for drivers.

   Basically, the attack surface can be made much smaller by getting rid of all the unnecessary drivers, protocols, and programs by using purpose-driven appliances in DNS architecture. Security features, such as logging and monitoring, can concentrate on particular protocols and services thanks to the focused functionality. In addition, tasks like change tracking, audit logging, and user administration can be greatly improved and directed toward pertinent security features.

9. Frequently update the DNS server: Cybercriminals will always try to take advantage of the security holes in the DNS server software. Because DNS allows adversaries to exploit the DNS server for command and control and data exfiltration, it is a prominent target for assaults. The dangers highlight how crucial it is to make sure the DNS server software is up to date in order to thwart assaults.

   Nevertheless, because security and timely upgrades must be installed individually for each server, the autonomous server architecture may present difficulties in this regard. Using a centrally managed solution is the best course of action when it comes to installing upgrades across the architecture. Besides, enterprises need to be proactive in applying security updates because DNS servers are robust and do not alert users when they become outdated.

10. Verify that there are response time limitations for the recursive DNS requests: It is imperative for companies to implement response rate restrictions in order to control the pace at which authoritative name servers answer queries originating from a particular IP address. The majority of name server programs, including NSD, Knot, and Bind 9.6.4 or later, support response rate limitation. Name servers use reaction rate limiting as a method of keeping track of the instances in which they have responded to the same query.

    The name server takes longer to respond after the rate crosses the pre-established threshold. As a result, the name server will be unable to reply to inquiries any quicker than the threshold that has been set. A name server that complies with the response rate limitation is therefore protected against different kinds of DDoS attacks.

11. Conceal the main DNS server: System administrators need to make sure that the main DNS server for the company is hidden from the general public. Because of this, they ought to set up the DNS servers that are accessible to the general public as slaves and designate the principal DNS server as a master name server that is not accessible to the general public.

    A master name server that is hidden or stealthy does not keep track of the DNS records in a publicly accessible database. Public access is restricted to the slave name servers only. The covert master and slave architecture protects the name servers from public interrogation by using zone or query transmission. In addition, the architecture makes sure that the DNS databases of the slave name servers stay accurate because only the hidden master server can upgrade slave servers through the push operation.

12. Set up the socket pool for DNS: The DNS server can use randomized source ports for DNS lookups thanks to the DNS socket pool. The DNS server can select a random source port from a pool of available sockets by using the random ports. The DNS server increases the difficulty of determining the source port used for source port DNS queries by choosing at random from the available pool, as opposed to using the same port for multiple operations. Certain operating systems automatically support the setup.

13. Strengthen the domain servers: Only the installed operating system and name server software should be used on the name server workstations. Additionally, the name server computer ought to play a special function in assisting with network operations. Installing additional software on the name server machine simply serves to draw in hacker attempts.

    In addition, if there are faults in the new software, it can slow down the name server computer's performance or even crash. The only connection a name server should have to receive updates and react to DNS requests is a network link. An increased number of network cables or unoccupied ports broadens the assault area.

14. Make sure DNS has redundancy and high availability: Since the DNS is the foundation of network applications' communication, it needs to be accessible at all times. Companies should implement at least a primary and secondary DNS server within the organization to provide the requisite redundancy. Moreover, if necessary, two servers can be implemented to guarantee continuous business-critical operations.

    Proper DNS operations are essential for services like file sharing, email, and active directory services. Ensuring the high availability, redundancy, and functionality of internal DNS servers guarantees ongoing communication between internal devices and applications.

What are the Emerging Trends in DNS Security?

Trends are ever-changing; that much is consistent. Here are a few of the most recent developments in the DNS sector. The following tips will assist you in effectively navigating the DNS ecosystem, which is somewhat complex.

• DNS over TLS (DoT): A protocol for encrypting DNS requests to make them private and secure is called DNS over TLS, or DoT. The same security protocol, TLS, used by HTTPS websites is also used by the DoT for communication encryption and authentication. The user datagram protocol (UDP), which is used for DNS inquiries, is enhanced by DoT with TLS encryption. It makes sure that on-path attacks cannot alter or fake DNS queries and answers.

• DNS over HTTPS (DoH) : An internet security technology called DNS over HTTPS (DoH) uses HTTPS connections to transmit encrypted domain name server data.

  The DNS protocol can be enabled over HTTPS connections according to the IETF standard (the more secure form of HTTP).

• Zero Trust Networking: The zero trust framework postulates that there is always a danger of both internal and external threats to the security of a complex network. It aids in planning and arranging a comprehensive defense against those dangers.

  DNS should be used more than ever since it may help identify many problems early on, especially for those pursuing zero-trust initiatives.

What is DNS over TLS (DoT) and How Does It Enhance Security?

Between a DNS client and a DNS server, DNS over TLS (transport layer security), or DoT, is a type of full-stream encryption. It solves the "last-mile" security issue, which arises from the vulnerability of infrequently encrypted interactions between the client and server.

DoT functions using a straightforward procedure. In order to keep their channel of communication safe, clients and servers either agree to use a different port or negotiate a TLS session to route their connection through port 853.

Through this channel, all communications are encrypted on both ends, thus avoiding the potential security issues associated with combining encrypted and non-encrypted files.

Following their connection via the DNS client, they encrypt the connection after completing the TLS handshake and authenticating via the DNS server. You may easily configure DoT on your OPNsense firewall to hide your DNS queries.

This system functions as a secure substitute for DNS using HTTPS (DoH). There is no HTTP layer beneath it. Because there are fewer stages involved in this method's execution, speed is increased even though HTTP function flexibility is reduced.

This solution offers surprising benefits for both DNS security and privacy since it hides online activity from the internet service provider (ISP) by forcing all connections to the DNS server into encryption. Although this camouflage could be abused, it prevents nefarious actors from breaking into the ISP's network by keeping connection information private.

For a number of reasons, DNS transit could be encrypted; DNS over TLS, or DoT, is one apparent way to improve user security. User privacy has made headway in the DNS space recently. There are no longer any browser-based solutions for secure DNS. More importantly, some areas now use secure DNS by automatically switching to encrypted transport.

How Does DNS over HTTPS (DoH) Impact DNS Security?

A protocol called DNS over HTTPS, or DoH, is being suggested to alter the way DNS queries and responses are sent. In this case, HTTP secured in a TLS session is the protocol used to convey DNS exchanges rather than DNS over UDP (as default), over TCP, or over TLS. The IETF's RFC8484 contains a standard proposal for it. Browser companies have been the main advocates of this protocol since they were not happy with the way DNS was providing transport layer protection. They created this new mode of transportation because they needed to get something in place as soon as possible.

The main advantage of this strategy is that it uses a different recursive server from the one that the client is currently using through their ISP or company. The HTTPS protocol can carry DNS communication because it is most likely permitted to pass through perimetric security devices and because the content is typically not examined. Sadly, this eliminates the potential for traffic to be filtered according to company security policies or regulatory regulations. As DNS traffic is comparable to HTTP traffic, it is practically undetectable when carried over HTTPS sessions, especially if the web server is also hosting the DoH service.

This method, which is mostly utilized by browsers (and malware), does not utilize internal resolvers' suggested local network DNS caching and is no longer dependent on conventional system resolution libraries. Since DoH providers may view and analyze each user's full traffic, which is a very valuable set of data, its use poses various security and privacy concerns.

An alternative to DoT is DNS over HTTPS, or DoH. DNS requests and answers are encrypted when using DoH, although they are transmitted using HTTP or HTTP/2 protocols as opposed to UDP directly. DoH, like DoT, makes sure that attackers cannot forge or alter DNS traffic.

DoH is summarized below:

• DoH uses the first trustworthy DNS resolver to safeguard the DNS transaction.
• At the application level, DoH uses HTTP and is secured via TLS.
• Different DoH providers can be used by each application, avoiding system configuration.
• DoH can make use of already-existing technologies like proxying and caching.
• DoH service is no longer a network service offered locally, close to the client; instead, it might be proposed by outside suppliers.
• DoH can access the majority of installed security solutions, such as firewalls.
• DoH can get over restrictions imposed by the government, service providers, or businesses.
• DoH transfers the application usage data to a provider who will effectively utilize the data.
• DoH does not manage internal domain names or local traffic; applications must therefore implement a "normal" DNS fallback.

How Does Zero-Trust Networking Relate to DNS Security?

The concept of zero trust calls for ongoing risk assessments and verifications, and it necessitates monitoring all network traffic entering and leaving organizations. You may agree that DNS traffic reveals almost everything that occurs on connected devices. This is especially true because attackers want to access DNS, which is available worldwide.

Regrettably, a lot of security experts mistakenly believe that DNS is merely a domain blocklist and fail to see its potential as a data source for analysis or as a detection tool in zero-trust infrastructures. But they ought to. Security teams can locate forensic markers, data from automatic domain classification, suspicious behavior patterns, and malicious content in the DNS.

There are two reasons why DNS security is ideal for zero trust. First of all, regardless of any restrictions in place, DNS is a vital component of any network infrastructure, making it a great place to implement policies for all zero-trust network access designs. We may take advantage of this fact in risk evaluations because nearly all network connections have a matching DNS request.

Second, because DNS security, like zero trust, implies a breach, any new or unfamiliar domain that appears in a secure environment may have to go through a validation process. This is directly related to the goal of zero trust, which is continual verification.

How to Select a DNS Provider?

Your choice of DNS provider can have a significant impact on your website's dependability, security, and performance. Users can access websites and applications by using the DNS, or domain name system, which converts domain names into IP addresses and vice versa. But not all DNS providers are made equal, so before choosing one, take into account a number of things. The following advice will assist you in selecting the best DNS service for your company:

• DNS functionality: How quickly and consistently a DNS provider can answer your domain queries is one of the most crucial things to take into account when making your decision. Reduced conversions, increased bounce rates, and a bad user experience can all be caused by a slow or unstable DNS server. You should choose a DNS provider with an efficient routing system, low latency, high availability, and a worldwide network of servers. To evaluate the speed and uptime of various DNS providers, you can use programs such as DNSPerf or DNS Speed Test to assess their performance.
• DNS protection: How safe a DNS service is from threats and cyberattacks is another important thing to take into account. Hackers frequently attack DNS, using methods like DNS spoofing, hijacking, and DDoS to interfere with your website or divert visitors to malicious websites. Strong security features like DNSSEC, DNS firewall, DDoS mitigation, and HTTPS encryption are what you want in a DNS service. Additionally, you want a DNS provider that keeps an eye on your domain and notifies you of any suspicious activities or anomalies.
• DNS attributes: It's important to evaluate a DNS provider's features and usefulness in addition to performance and security. For instance, GeoDNS can assist in routing traffic according to users' geographic locations, enhancing the user experience, SEO, and website speed. Furthermore, Anycast may split up traffic among several servers, which improves the scalability, robustness, and performance of websites. With load balancing, you can distribute traffic among several servers or resources for maximum effectiveness, availability, and performance. To avoid website downtime or data loss, failover allows traffic to be switched to a backup server or resource in the event of a breakdown or outage. Finally, custom records let you build and maintain custom DNS records like CNAME, MX, TXT, or SRV, enabling different features or services on your domain.
• DNS assistance: Lastly, you should think about the caliber and extent of service that various DNS providers provide. You should choose a DNS provider with an attentive and knowledgeable customer support staff to help you with any problems or inquiries you might have. Additionally, you should choose a DNS provider that can help you with the setup and configuration of your DNS service and offers up-to-date, thorough documentation. To find out how happy customers are with the service and support they receive, you might want to look through the ratings and reviews of various DNS providers.

Selecting the best DNS service for your company is a crucial decision that can have a significant impact on the security, dependability, and performance of your website. You may reduce your search and identify the ideal DNS provider for your requirements and objectives by using the advice in this article.

What is the Future of DNS Security?

DNS security solutions give IT staff the ability to group devices, classify people, and apply custom usage controls in addition to classifying websites. Businesses utilize DNS security solutions technologies to block harmful websites, media, and material, safeguarding the endpoint devices of their workers as well as their servers. Organizations frequently trust DNS, and network firewalls typically allow DNS communication to pass through without restriction.

The advantages of using cloud-based DNS security solutions and elements like the detection and blocking of high-risk traffic are driving the market's expansion. However, the challenges in putting these solutions into practice are limiting the market expansion for DNS security software. The market is growing because of the continued use of hybrid workforces and the rising popularity of Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC) solutions. To increase the security defense against DNS attacks, a number of DNS security solution vendors are enhancing their offerings.

By 2030, the market for DNS security software is projected to grow from its 2022 valuation of US$1,303.87 million to US$3,213.81 million. As of 2022, the market for DNS security software is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.9%.

DNS security is at a turning point in time, where cooperation and innovation are reshaping the digital environment. To protect the availability, integrity, and privacy of DNS services, we must collaborate and accept new technologies as the threat landscape constantly changes. We can strengthen our defenses right now by utilizing technologies like DNSSEC, DDoS mitigation, threat intelligence, and analytics. In the meantime, investigating potential futures like DoH, Zero Trust DNS, and blockchain-based DNS will open the door to a more secure and resilient internet in the future.

Even though modern technologies have greatly improved DNS security, innovation is still pushing the boundaries of what is practical. Here are some thrilling prospects that have a bright future ahead of them:

• DoH (DNS over HTTPS): DoH encrypts DNS queries using the secure HTTPS protocol to improve privacy and deter efforts at tampering or eavesdropping. Through the process of rendering DNS traffic indistinguishable from regular web traffic, DoH provides users with an extra shield against cybercriminals and monitoring.
• DNS Zero Trust: In the context of Zero Trust security models, DNS is essential for access control and identity verification in enterprises. The Zero Trust principles will likely guide the development of future DNS security systems to make sure that only authorized organizations can use DNS resources. These frameworks will likely include sophisticated authentication techniques and granular access controls.
• DNS Based on Blockchain: With its immutable and decentralized structure, blockchain technology has the potential to completely transform DNS security. Blockchain technology can be used to make DNS harder to change and to keep an open, checkable record of who owns a domain name and how it is resolved. This will boost trust and authenticity in the digital world.