DNS Layer Security

Posted by Geraldine Hunt on Thu, Feb 3rd, 2022

Protecting your computer network from attack requires a combination of technology, good practices and vigilance. In relation to the technology aspect many IT security professionals pay little attention to securing the DNS layer. This is a big mistake. Implementing DNS security is now just as important as protecting your network with a standard firewall. This DNS layer security is now essential. Hackers are taking advantage of non-existent DNS security to infiltrate computer networks, install malware, and exfiltrate data. The majority of malware variants now being released use security vulnerabilities in the DNS system to communicate with command and control servers and steal data. Companies that have yet to implement a DNS filtering could already have had their networks compromised without their knowledge.

Securing the DNS Layer is Essential

The DNS – domain name system – is the address book of the Internet. It translates domain names such as google.com into an Internet Protocol (IP) address. The DNS is a fundamental part of the infrastructure of the Internet, yet it cannot actually prevent users from being directed to malicious websites and it is far from being secure. Securing the DNS layer is essential as, without this additional level of protection, enterprises are leaving themselves wide open to attack. 

Individuals can be sent to malicious spoofed websites where they quite happily divulge sensitive data, being quite unaware that everything they are doing is being monitored and recorded. This is what makes many spear phishing attacks so effective. The victims have no idea that they are compromising their own networks.

Implementing a DNS based web filter will help  detect and prevent malicious connections, and it will alert systems administrators to malware and botnets. Using a cloud based DNS web filter delivered via an administration console enables you to quickly set up and manage different acceptable use policies per network, group, user, device or IP address, giving you greater control of your organization’s Internet usage.

Blocking Malware Communications

Phishing attacks have become the scourge of enterprises the world over. Spear phishing attacks are used to deliver malware that bypasses all of the security controls implemented by an organization. Regardless of how an individual is fooled into installing malware, via spam email or drive-by downloads, the malware can be rapidly detected. Once installed, malware can move laterally with surprising speed, and this is likely to go undetected.

DNS Layer Security to Prevent Cyberattacks

If you are yet to add DNS layer security defences you are not alone. Unfortunately, many companies and even government organizations have paid little attention to securing the DNS layer and have already been attacked and have had their systems compromised.

Cybercriminals are Already Exploiting Companies that Fail to Secure DNS 

Cybercriminals are already exploiting the lack of security at the DNS layer to conduct phishing attacks and gain access to proprietary enterprise data. Not securing the DNS layer is making it far too easy for hackers to take advantage. If you really want to make it difficult for cybercriminals to steal data and sabotage systems, it is time to add DNS filtering to your network security arsenal.

The good news is that implementing DNS layer security is actually a straightforward process that requires no additional computer hardware or even any software installations. Some vendors now offer cloud based DNS filtering solutions that can be set up in a matter of minutes.

Isn’t it about time you started securing the DNS layer and making it much harder for cybercriminals to compromise your network? If you’re looking to get enterprise-grade protection from malware and phishing, check out WebTitan Cloud, the DNS web filter that allows you monitor, control and protect your users and business when online. It requires no on premise software or end user client software, set up is extraordinarily simple and quick.