What is Encrypted DNS?

When we talk about secure internet browsing, one important aspect often overlooked is how our devices translate website names into the corresponding IP addresses. This process is handled by the Domain Name System (DNS). But, is your DNS connection secure? That’s where encrypted DNS comes into play.

What is DNS and Why Encrypt It?

DNS, or Domain Name System, acts as the phonebook of the internet. When you type a website name, such as vpn.rent, into your browser, DNS translates this into an IP address so that your browser can load the page. Normally, these DNS requests travel over the internet unencrypted, making them vulnerable to interception. This is where encrypted DNS becomes essential.

Encrypted DNS adds a layer of protection by securing these requests. Instead of sending them in plain text, it encrypts them, making it much harder for anyone, including ISPs (Internet Service Providers) and hackers, to spy on your internet activity.

Traditional DNS	Encrypted DNS
Unencrypted requests	Encrypted requests
Easily intercepted by third-parties	Protects privacy by securing data
No confidentiality	High-level privacy

How Does Encrypted DNS Work?

Encrypted DNS uses specific protocols to secure your internet requests. The two most popular protocols are:

• DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH): Sends DNS requests over HTTPS, encrypting the communication so it looks like regular web traffic.
• DNS-over-TLS (DoT): Uses TLS (Transport Layer Security) to encrypt DNS traffic, adding an extra layer of protection.

These protocols ensure that no third party can easily intercept or modify your DNS requests, keeping your browsing private.

Why Use Encrypted DNS?

There are several key reasons to switch to encrypted DNS:

1. Privacy Protection: Your DNS queries can reveal a lot about your online activity. Encrypting DNS ensures that ISPs, hackers, and others can’t see which websites you’re visiting.
2. Avoiding Censorship: In some countries, internet providers block access to certain websites by manipulating DNS. Encrypted DNS bypasses such restrictions by preventing providers from seeing or interfering with your queries.
3. Better Security: Encrypted DNS protects you from Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attacks, where hackers intercept and alter your traffic. By encrypting the communication, these attacks become much more difficult to execute.

Benefits of Encrypted DNS	Why It Matters
Enhanced privacy	Stops ISPs and third parties from tracking your activity
Improved security	Protects against cyberattacks like DNS spoofing
Unblock restricted content	Bypasses censorship measures

Popular Tools for Encrypted DNS

Many services today offer encrypted DNS as part of their VPN or standalone products. Here are some of the best options:

1. Cloudflare (1.1.1.1): One of the fastest DNS resolvers, offering both DNS-over-HTTPS and DNS-over-TLS. It’s popular for its speed and privacy policy, which promises not to store any personally identifiable information.
2. Google Public DNS (8.8.8.8): Provides DNS-over-HTTPS and DNS-over-TLS, focusing on performance and reliability.
3. Quad9 (9.9.9.9): Combines security and privacy, blocking access to known malicious domains while offering encrypted DNS.

Provider	DNS Address	Supports	Key Feature
Cloudflare	1.1.1.1	DoH, DoT	Focus on speed
Google Public DNS	8.8.8.8	DoH, DoT	High reliability
Quad9	9.9.9.9	DoH, DoT	Blocks malicious sites

How to Set Up Encrypted DNS?

Setting up encrypted DNS is straightforward, and most VPNs or security tools make it even easier by integrating it directly. But you can also configure it manually on your devices:

1. For Windows:
   • Open network settings.
   • Locate DNS settings.
   • Enter the encrypted DNS provider’s IP (e.g., 1.1.1.1 for Cloudflare).
2. For MacOS:
   • Go to System Preferences.
   • Choose Network, then Advanced, and DNS.
   • Add the DNS-over-HTTPS or DNS-over-TLS provider.
3. For Android and iOS:
   • Most modern devices allow you to set up DNS-over-TLS or use apps like Cloudflare’s 1.1.1.1 for automatic setup.

Does Encrypted DNS Affect Performance?

You might wonder if encrypted DNS slows down your internet connection. The truth is, the impact on speed is usually minimal. Providers like Cloudflare and Google Public DNS optimize their services for both speed and security. In fact, switching to a reliable DNS provider can sometimes improve your browsing speed compared to the default DNS set by your ISP.

Conclusion: Should You Use Encrypted DNS?

Switching to encrypted DNS is a smart move for anyone concerned about privacy, security, or censorship. By encrypting your DNS traffic, you ensure that your browsing remains private and secure from third parties. Whether you’re using a VPN or simply configuring it manually, encrypted DNS provides an additional layer of protection that is well worth considering.

11.09.24

Written by: Carl J. Jones