More people than ever before are using the internet.
Internet threats and vulnerabilities continue to expand alongside this growing user base.
If this is at all confusing or worrisome, theres no need to panic.
What is DNS?
Domain Name System (DNS) is asystem of directories that links a website to its IP address.
This is known as a DNS request.
Once your machine has the IP address, you are able to access and communicate with the site.
What is DNS Hijacking?
DNS hijacking is a key in ofattack that uses intercepted DNS queries to redirect users to malicious sitesor pop-ups.
Cybercriminals are not the only ones exploiting DNS.
Internet Service Providers (ISPs) also hijack your DNS to redirect your traffic to suit their objectives.
Not too long ago, DNS hijacking was believed to have been a thing of the past.
This couldnt be further from the truth, however.
Many companies and organizations, includingGmail, Netflix, and PayPal, have been targeted by DNS hijacking.
We will discuss these various types of attacks below.
Each of these elements has a corresponding DNS serverwhich is involved in the process of DNS requests.
First, your internet tool asks the DNS resolver the first server for the location of the domain.
A hijacking can take place anywhere in this chain.
BecauseDNS requests are an often overlooked process, these attacks can be hard to detector prevent.
Man-in-the-Middle-Attack
The classic attack synonymous with DNS hijacking.
Anattacker simply intercepts a users DNS request and redirects itto his/her own hostile DNS server.
This server then uses a trojan to return an incorrect IP address sending you to a spoof website.
Anyinformation you enter into these sites will be stolen.
This follow-up attackdisplays unwanted ads and pop-ups, intended to redirect you,to get to generate ad revenue.
Malware Attack
This is themost common pop in of attack today.
An attacker infects your rig(i.e.
phone, tablet, computer, router) with malware trojans.
These trojans will change the DNS controls of the infected unit and redirect you to a malicious DNS server.
Just one user clicking a malicious link in an email or pop-up could lead to a host of problems.
These servers can thenre-direct any traffic on your LAN to dangerous phishing sites.
Malware attacks tend to compromise your router indirectly by first infecting your equipment.
VPNs began as a way for people to gain secure remote access to LANs.
Today, however, their uses and advantages extend far beyond that.
These VPNs also block traffic to DNS servers provided by your ISP, government surveillance, or cybercriminals.
Not all VPNs are created equal, however.
The selection of VPNs actually worth paying for is quite small.
Further Reading
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