A unique IP address is assigned to each online device, which can be used to locate the device by other online devices. So, browsers load websites by translating domain names into IP addresses using the Domain Name System (DNS). As of now, DNS can play a crucial role in improving protection against cyber threats, based on the type of DNS you use.
Because DNS serves as a barrier between users and the internet, it can be utilized to increase security. A premium DNS can directly translate to more privacy and security for the users due to its features.
History of DNS
In the early days of the internet, when computers could only communicate using these numerical codes, you had to know the IP address of the website you wanted to access. Therefore, a method was required for transforming data from machine-readable to human-readable forms.
As a result, Paul Mockapetris developed a system that automatically converted IP addresses into domain names in the early 1980s, resulting in DNS, the foundation of today’s internet.
Function of DNS Server
A DNS server is a computer that stores a database of publicly available IP addresses and the websites’ names that users can access using their IP addresses. When users enter domain names like Yahoo.com into the address bar of their web browsers, the DNS determines the correct IP address and then directs the device to the proper location to access the site’s data.
How Does DNS Work?
The URL the user enters must go through four servers in a typical DNS query before the IP address is returned. The cooperation of the following four servers allows the client to obtain the proper IP address:
● Root Name Server:
The root name server is responsible for maintaining the root zone records of the DNS and providing a list of trustworthy name servers connected to the appropriate TLD when requested.
● Recursive DNS Server:
The DNS precursor, the DNS resolver, receives the request from the DNS client. Later, it connects with more DNS servers to find the correct IP address. Additionally, it makes requests to the other three DNS servers.
● Top Level Domain Name Servers:
A TLD name server maintains the second-level domain’s IP address that is part of the Top Level Domain name. The domain name server receives the query after that and returns the IP address of the website.
● Authoritative Name Servers:
An authoritative name server responds to your DNS query with accurate information. The two categories of authoritative name servers are;
- A controller server, also known as a primary name server.
- An agent server, also known as a secondary name server.
The zone records are kept in their original form on the primary server, while a precise duplicate is created on the secondary server.
Custom DNS Setup
To set up a custom DNS, you must first understand what is a custom DNS? Customers can choose the IP address of the DNS server to use when performing reverse DNS lookups using custom DNS. By following the guidelines below, you can change your DNS settings.
Custom DNS Set up on Mac
- Go to System Preferences > Network from the Apple menu.
- When prompted to authenticate, enter your password if the lock icon in the window’s lower left-hand corner is locked. If the icon is unlocked, click it to make changes.
- Choose the connection that you want to set up.
- Click Advanced after choosing Modify Wi-Fi.
- Go to the DNS tab.
- Click + next to any listed address to add or modify the Google IP addresses.
- To apply, click OK.
- Use the same technique to modify any other network connections you desire.
Custom DNS Set up on Windows
- Click Windows Start, then type “Control Panel” into the search box to find it. Afterward, click on it.
- Select the Network and Sharing Center.
- An adapter settings button is located on the left panel.
- A popup window displaying all network adapters will appear. Select the Properties tab by performing a right-click.
- If you use Wi-Fi to access the Internet, Wi-Fi adaptor functionality is necessary.
- Click Properties, then choose TCP/IP Version 4.
- Give your DNS server information in the following DNS server addresses box.
- Finally, press the OK key. Your Windows device’s custom DNS configuration is now complete.
Most Reliable DNS Server
The best DNS servers provide a more reliable, quick, secure, and cost-free connection. We have discussed the most DNS server that is given below;
● Google Public DNS:
Suppose you’re worried about the privacy of your data. In that case, you should know that Google Public DNS only keeps an anonymous, tiny sample of data for diagnostic purposes and does not keep complete IP address data for longer than 72 hours. The readily available 8.8.8.8 DNS server from Google is simple to use and almost consistently outperforms standard ISP servers.
Conclusion
Setting up a custom DNS is vital for any business when it comes to cybersecurity. A custom DNS server provides exceptional dependency that a free DNS cannot provide. Moreover, a custom DNS prevents phishing attempts at your business data by providing top-notch security. Relatively bigger enterprises need a custom DNS because they have a lot of data stored, and losing it could significantly impact their position in the market. Since a custom DNS has more privacy features than a free DNS, it provides excellent stability and a fast connection for all the users and organizations they belong to.
