DNS Security: Definition And Best Practices

The process of defending DNS infrastructure from cyberattacks to maintain its speed and dependability is known as DNS security. Using security protocols such as DNSSEC, enforcing strict DNS logging, and setting up redundant DNS servers are just a few of the overlapping barriers that make up a successful DNS security approach.

Why Is DNS Security Important?

DNS lacks security measures, it doesn’t have any built-in security features. Numerous methods have surfaced to improve DNS security, such as:

• Reputation Filtering:

Malware uses DNS queries, just like any other online user, to find the IP addresses of the websites it visits. Organizations have the ability to block or reroute DNS requests to known harmful domains.

• DNS Inspection:

Using security evasion techniques like Domain Generation Algorithms and DNS tunneling, modern firewalls equipped with AI-driven threat intelligence can detect and stop data exfiltration. This feature is essential for preventing sophisticated malware from using DNS for other exploits and command and control (C2) communication.

• Protocol Security:

A protocol called DNSSEC integrates authentication with DNS answers. By guaranteeing unchangeable and un spoofable verified responses, DNS is unable to lead consumers to malicious websites.

• Channel Security:

Adding security to an otherwise susceptible protocol is accomplished by DNS over TLS (DoT) and DNS over HTTPS (DoH). In order to protect privacy and stop eavesdropping on DNS queries—which could otherwise reveal visited websites—these encrypted and authenticated requests.

The Best Methods For Configuring And Managing DNS

We now know how DNS security functions and how important it is. This article’s remaining content is devoted to best practices. Let’s first examine a wide variety of great practices before going more deeply into a select number.Sustaining a safe and dependable network architecture requires proper DNS setup and administration. The following recommendations can assist businesses in implementing the best DNS security measures: 

1. Use DNSSEC Or The DNS Security Extension:

By using cryptographic authentication for DNS data, adopting a DNS security extension, or DNSSEC, provides an additional degree of protection. By confirming that the retrieved DNS replies are legitimate, DNSSEC improves trustworthiness. To strengthen the integrity of DNS records, domain owners create cryptographic keys and upload them to their domain registrar.

2. Robust Access Controls: 

Businesses should make sure that only authorized users can access DNS management solutions. For this reason, MFA techniques are essential for setting up network administrator access.

3. Regular Updates:

Update DNS servers on a regular basis to implement new security measures and quickly address problems.

4. Redundancy And Load Balancing:

To provide availability and resilience, multiple DNS servers should be set up in various time zones. To lower the possibility of a single point of failure, assign each DNS server to a different physical location and network segment.

5. DNS Traffic Monitoring: 

To find anomalies or spikes in DNS requests, use logging and traffic monitoring systems. Keep an eye out for indicators of malicious activity, such as odd domain activity or DNS server spoofing efforts.

6. Get a DNS Firewall:

Using a DNS firewall is an additional important precaution. When visitor requests are sent through an intermediate for examination before reaching the authoritative nameserver, organizations can identify and prevent potential DNS assaults. This guarantees that operations will continue even in the event of an assault.

7. Filter Reported Addresses:

Companies can set up their DNS servers to refuse queries related to IP addresses and websites that have been identified to be harmful. Using lists of these addresses that are accessible to the public improves security procedures and reduces dangers.

8. Configure In A Segregated Environment:

Limiting connections between servers and reducing the impact of a hacked server are two benefits of configuring DNS servers in a separated environment.

9. Turn On DNS Logging:

Network administrators can detect possible attacks before they can damage computer systems by recording and monitoring all DNS transactions. 

In Summary:

By putting these best practices for DNS security into practice, you can make sure that your company is well-defended against potential DNS hackers.
To ensure that your company is protected from DNS-related cybercrime, it is imperative that you take firm action to implement and maintain DNS protection measures.