In the 1980s, a marvelous thing called Domain Name System (DNS) came into our lives. Back then, it was known to simplify the process of connecting to network services. Yet, there was a downside. It had no security features whatsoever, and now DNS spoofing is commonplace.
It’s hardly shocking that DNS-related attacks have become frequent in the past few years. About 30% of data breaches in 2017 involved DNS only.
DNS spoofing or DNS hijacking is one of the techniques used by cybercriminals to hack into the domain name system. So, let’s dive into the mysterious world of DNS spoofing. We will discuss its essence, its workings, and the chaos it can cause. We aim to equip you with the knowledge to spot and steer clear of it.
What is DNS Spoofing?
Cybercriminals can take advantage of the weaknesses in DNS and its protocols. That’s DNS spoofing. DNS cache poisoning is one of the tactics these bad guys use. They inject fake DNS entries into a server’s cache. When this happens, any future queries for that domain name get directed to their fake IP address.
Another way is DNS hijacking. In this attack, criminals seize command of a server. They sneak into the server through hacking, phishing, or social engineering. Then, they manipulate its configuration to redirect to a fraudulent DNS server.
And, of course, there’s DNS redirection. With this method, attackers intercept and change the DNS requests and responses between a user and a DNS server.
There are several reasons why this could happen, one of which is if your DNS standards are out of date. DNS spoofing is also easier to do when you connect through unprotected networks. All of these are caused by users not being aware or careful.
What are the Potential Risks and Consequences Associated with DNS Spoofing?
Don’t underestimate the severity of your sensitive data falling into the wrong hands. You’ll suffer disastrous outcomes if you are careless with your personal information. Discouraging thieves from abusing your data is why data protection is so vital.
The consequences can be so extreme. It can mess with your head and make you feel anxious. The most pressing of these issues is the possibility of a data breach. Therefore, avoiding DNS spoofing is one measure you could take to safeguard yourself. Doing this will help you keep your good name and bank account untouched.
Hackers can also use DNS to inject malware into your devices. Your camera and microphone are vulnerable to eavesdropping when this happens. They can also monitor your web browsing habits. Even worse, they can use your device to attack other systems.
Denial-of-service or degradation-of-service attacks are other ways that DNS spoofing can cause you problems. When a website is under a DDoS attack, it may load very slowly, shut down, or stop working at all. You might not be able to get to website files or even have issues connecting to the internet.
Attackers can also use spoofing to redirect traffic to fake or harmful websites. This reduces the flow of traffic and revenue for legitimate sites. Website users can experience frustration, and businesses suffer financial harm.
How to Counter or Prevent DNS Spoofing
Want to avoid getting tricked by DNS spoofing? You should use up-to-date and secure DNS protocols. You could try DNSSEC or DNSCrypt. These protocols encrypt DNS data and add digital signatures. They help stop MITM attacks and DNS hijacking.
Private and secure networks can also keep you safe from DNS spoofing. This is why VPNs are an excellent option. They encrypt internet data and send it through a secure and remote server. This gets around DNS servers and resolvers in the area. Other than that, VPNs can hide your location and IP address. Hence, VPNs are a useful way to protect your privacy and anonymity.
You can also avoid getting duped by being wary while surfing the web. Check the URLs, website names, and certificates for spelling mistakes. Scan for unusual characters and expired or invalid certificates. Do not click on any sketchy links or attachments. If you suspect that your DNS might be exposed, make sure to do a DNS leak test.
Lastly, you should use an antivirus and firewall. They will block unsafe websites and programs. Running any suspicious software is a surefire way to get hacked.
Conclusion
DNS spoofing makes your data more sensitive to hacking. An attacker changes the route of your internet traffic to a fake server or website. Hackers may steal private data on the fake website as soon as you enter it. They can also monitor what you do online or even install malware on your gadgets.
You need to take some steps to protect yourself from DNS-related attacks. Keeping your operating system and apps current is the primary first step. Then, make sure you only use security software that you can trust. Also, do not click on strange links or download things you aren’t sure about. Use VPNs to encrypt your internet data and hide your IP address.
You can check your DNS settings for those who think they may have been hacked through DNS spoofing. One option for validating DNS requests is to use a DNS checker. A cybersecurity professional or your internet service provider (ISP) may also be able to assist you.
Avoiding DNS spoofing is possible with care and diligence. We trust that this blog post has been helpful to you. We hope you have learned valuable things to make your online time safer.
