DNS, or the Domain Name System, is a service that is indispensable in enabling users to access websites, hence making them susceptible to cyber-attacks. Such attacks can interfere with normal internet services, divert users to fake pages, or even network traffic for information harvesting. To prevent or mitigate DNS threats, it is important to implement robust cyber security controls, as threats to the DNS and its services endanger the whole internet.
Common DNS Security Threats
DNS spoofing (cache poisoning) is an attack in which the DNS cache is compromised to reroute users to fake sites without their awareness. This type of attack is particularly malicious because it can be employed to obtain sensitive information such as usernames and passwords or to distribute viruses.
- DDoS Attacks: The term DDoS, which stands for Distributed Denial of Service attacks, entails overwhelming the DNS servers with an abnormal number of requests in a bid to make the services unavailable. Consequently, websites experience downtime, making it hard for users to access the sites, which can cause a loss of trust.
- DNS Tunnelling: Essentially, this refers to embedding undesirable information within DNS queries. This allows hackers to get out information or take control of malware within the target network after issuing those queries, rendering a wide range of conventional cybersecurity techniques ineffective.
- Domain Hijacking: Such attacks involve covert access to and alteration of the settings of a domain name, preventing legitimate businesses from using the domain or redirecting traffic to the targeting businesses.
Protecting Against DNS Threats
Putting in place a solid cyber security strategy is essential for protection against DNS attacks. Some of them are:
- DNS Security Extensions (DNSSEC): Embedding editing access controls prevents attackers from tampering with DNS responses. An attacker will find it difficult to manipulate any DNS data because the data will be authenticated first.
- Firewalls and Intrusion Detection Systems: The implementation of firewalls and the utilisation of intranet monitoring services aid in identifying and preventing dubious behavioural patterns in DNS systems, for example, unnecessary traffic surges that could signal an attack.
- Controlling the traffic and rate limiting: Rate limiting is an effective mechanism against DDoS attacks. It helps to limit the number of requests allowed, thus avoiding overload. Also, it is possible to filter out malicious IPs before they make contact with the DNS server.
- Regular DNS Audits: Carrying out the periodic audit of DNS settings is essential as it helps in putting up measures against unauthorised changes in the system. Maintaining the record of access logs will also be useful in protecting the system from any suspicious activities.
Awareness of the weaknesses in DNS and the use of a defence-in-depth approach allows organisations to limit the effects of DNS attacks on their services and users’ faith. The assistance of cyber security companies can also be enlisted, ensuring that equipped DNs stand resilient against advanced threats.
