The Domain Name System, more commonly known as DNS, is an essential component of the internet. It gives us the ability to access web resources by using more handy names, such as makeuseof.com.
In addition, all of this information, in the form of DNS queries, is typically collected by your Internet Service Provider (ISP) as well as anyone else who wants to monitor our network activity.
It is helpful to use an encrypted DNS provider in order to protect your DNS requests. But how exactly can having a DNS that is encrypted make a difference? When is the appropriate time to employ them? And how do you put them to use?
What is Encrypted DNS?
DNS queries consist of the website URLs that you visit in addition to any additional information that may be linked with such websites (like IP address, port, etc.)
These queries are not protected by default and can be viewed by anybody. You will be able to conceal these searches from your Internet service provider (ISP) and prevent possible adversaries from monitoring your online behavior if you use a DNS that is encrypted. In certain circumstances, you may be able to bypass access restrictions to services by using an encrypted DNS instead of a virtual private network (VPN).
For the same reasons that we favor HTTPS connections over HTTP ones, encrypted DNS or secure DNS should eventually become the standard for safe online. It is important not to forget that using a secure DNS helps permanently remove the chance of your surfing behavior exposing your private information to unauthorized parties.
DNS over TLS and DNS over HTTPS are two of the most used communication protocols that are used to encrypt DNS. Some also support DNSCrypt, which is an older mechanism for securing the DNS connection but is still supported by some. You are free to investigate the distinctions between these choices, but if you don’t want to, you should have no problems using a service that uses any of these strategies to encrypt DNS query transmissions.
When is it necessary to deploy Encrypted DNS?
Attackers can use DNS hijacking to trick you into visiting a phony website if you do not use an encrypted DNS. This can happen if you do not use a secure DNS. In addition, if you are utilizing an unencrypted DNS, a firewall has the potential to quickly disrupt or otherwise impair your connection. You should look into using an encrypted DNS if you are interested in having a secure browsing experience as well as a simple method to go around firewalls in order to gain access to sites that have been blocked.
You can also prevent trackers from following you across the internet by using certain services, which offer this function. Naturally, if you already block online trackers via a browser extension or another method that is functionally equivalent, this solution may not be necessary for you.
Even if DNS services with an emphasis on privacy have become more prevalent than you may anticipate, this does not mean that they are a problem-free option. You could, on occasion, come upon a website that is not working properly or discovers that your access has been blocked. The problem can typically be fixed by reverting to the unprotected DNS provided by your internet service provider.
In addition, if you use an encrypted DNS, it is possible that you will not be able to utilize a virtual private network (VPN) service on the same device, whether that device is a computer or a phone.
Therefore, the answer is yes, there will be times when using an unencrypted DNS service will be the more convenient option. As long as you are aware of how encrypted DNS operates, you are free to use it according to your specifications.
Provider with the Highest Level of Encryption
You can take control of your home network or corporation using one of the many DNS providers available today; but, not all of them support encrypted DNS protocols, which are necessary to keep your DNS searches confidential.
If you want the best possible protection for your privacy and additional features that will enhance the security of your browsing experience, you should use the most reputable secure DNS services. Among the available choices are:
-
Cloudflare WARP
The ingenious Cloudflare WARP technology functions similarly to a virtual private network (VPN), although it is not exactly the same. This is one of the greatest choices for consumers who do not want to configure a lot but do want an experience that is easy and secure.
You have the option of encrypting your connection using the DNS-over-HTTPs protocol or the WARP protocol that it offers. When you utilize them, the DNS queries won’t be visible to anybody else.
Both mobile and desktop platforms are supported by the Cloudflare WARP application. You do not gain any additional capabilities, but you can have access to a quicker routing network if you acquire a WARP+ membership. This is in contrast to NextDNS, which gives you additional capabilities.
-
The NextDNS
NextDNS offers capabilities such as a full-fledged firewall in addition to providing services such as an encrypted DNS connection.
You may tailor your browsing experience with NextDNS, prevent native trackers on your mobile device, block malware, enforce a safelist or denylist, and do much more. There is also the option to log your DNS searches, which can be used to investigate and monitor the network requests that are being made. You can connect to the service by utilizing a specialized DNS setup or a mobile application.
To get started with NextDNS is completely free, however, there is an optional premium purchase that can be made to unlock the limits and better manage enormous network requests. Read our guide on NextDNS to find out more information about the service.
-
Control D
Control D is a service that is comparable to the alternatives presented earlier but has additional features.
It is completely free to use, and it will keep all of your online activities hidden by leveraging encrypted DNS protocols. If you want to ensure the safety of your DNS requests or are in need of blocking capabilities, Control D is an option that should prove useful.
Access to VPN-like features, which allow you to change your location and access services that would normally be blocked, is available for a fee. Because you can operate the majority of the service through a web browser, ControlD is compatible with a diverse set of operating systems.
-
AdGuard DNS
AdGuard DNS is well-known for the tracker-blocking capabilities it provides. These capabilities make it simple to block trackers while also ensuring that your browsing session is protected using an encrypted connection.
You can obtain a safe and secure experience without blocking anything by either using AdGuard DNS as it is, selecting the family protection option or trying out the safe search option.
The service is compatible with all of the most widely used DNS encryption protocols, such as DNS-over-TLS and DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) (DoT).
Secure your DNS queries to maintain the confidentiality of your online activities.
Changing your DNS provider is simple and will not slow down your internet connection in any way, in contrast to using a VPN service.
Your Internet service provider and other people on your network may be prying eyes, but you have the ability to keep your activity hidden from them for free in most instances. In addition, you have the ability to personalize and take command of certain aspects of your experience by activating parental control features, blocking trackers and viruses, and keeping a log of network requests (when needed).
A virtual private network, or VPN, is the superior solution to consider if you do not wish to make any concessions and at the same time wish to conceal your IP address.
Would you like to read more about Encrypted DNS-related articles? If so, we invite you to take a look at our other tech topics before you leave!
