What does “DNS Spoofing” refer to?
DNS Spoofing, commonly referred to as DNS cache poisoning, is a cyberattack and phishing. Instead of directing you to the page you wanted to visit, it leverages the DNS servers to give your web browser the incorrect IP address. Due to this, DNS inquiries frequently return false positives, directing visitors away from safe websites and toward risky ones designed to steal personal information or distribute malware.
DNS Spoofing is possible because DNS was created in the 1980s when the Internet was much tinier. That means security was not a primary concern. However, since erroneous DNS information may exist until the time to live (TTL) expires or is explicitly updated, DNS resolvers need an internal mechanism to ensure the data’s accuracy.
Which are the preventive measures against it?
You can defend yourself from such an attack using a variety of methods. Some of them are as follows:
- Encryption. Encrypt DNS data to keep it secure, including queries and responses. The security certificate for the original website cannot be copied.
- Start using Email Authentication Protocols. Make all incoming traffic HTTPS-only.
- Never click on unfamiliar links or suspicious ads. Avoid clicking on questionable URLs on a whim. These URLs typically come from unidentified senders and are joined to spam or social media posts. Users can protect their data by not clicking on them.
- Virtual Private Network (VPN). Connecting to open networks entails more significant dangers. You can safely communicate with domains and engage in server interaction using a VPN.
- Use Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC). It is created by ICANN and uses validation when they are put into use. Therefore, using DNS records that are digitally signed aids in data authentication. Consequently, DNSSEC makes sure that DNS lookups are safe.
- DNS cache. DNS information from frequently accessed websites is kept for a while. So, it’s probable that the server wasn’t compromised but rather just the user’s device. Regular DNS cache cleaning is a wise move to stop the web browser‘s fake sites from being routed.
Conclusion
Both website visitors and owners may experience great inconvenience due to DNS Spoofing. The main reasons why an attacker launches a DNS Spoofing attack are either for personal gain or to spread malware. As a result, website owners must pick a trustworthy DNS hosting provider that uses modern security protocols and reliable detecting services.