Stop Spoof Sites and DNS Danger with One Click
It often seems like the threat of cybercrime is lurking around every digital corner. And to be fair, it’s not something we should take lightly. This type of threat is set to keep growing. That’s why features like 2-step verification, back-up email, and face IDs are also set to grow. One important area, however, often gets overlooked: staying secure within the Domain Name System (DNS).
Now, no one ever said that understanding the DNS was easy. There’s usually a lot of techno-babble involved, and that’s half the problem. But staying secure within the DNS isn’t actually all that hard. In fact, all our domain customers can now get Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC) totally free. So you can stay secure at all levels.
Chances are, the DNSSEC feature is right there in your Domain Account as you read this. Ready to activate in a single click. Need more info before you reach for the mouse? Okay…
What Exactly Is The DNS?
The DNS system was created back in the 1980s. Think of it as an Internet phonebook. When you type a website’s name into your browser, the DNS is what directs you to the right website. It connects the domain names (words) people use, with corresponding IP addresses, codes, and records (numbers) that computers use. Why? Because we can’t remember all those numbers, and computers don’t do words. So we need the DNS to join our two worlds.
Why Does the DNS Need Securing?
The DNS was built for efficiency, not security. Over the years it has grown as more and more websites and servers spring up around the world. This inevitably leaves it more vulnerable to attack. As it has grown, so have the threats your website and visitors face.
Often the attacks corrupt the system to send visitors to fraudulent websites – Cache Poisoning. Other strikes can swamp your website with fake traffic, resulting in no genuine visitors reaching it at all – Denial of Service. Now add the threat of Pharming, Man-in-the-Middle Attacks, DNS Amplification, Fast-Flux… The list of dangerous (yet strangely entertaining) names goes on.
How DNSSEC Works
Put (incredibly) simply, The DNS is all about us (people) typing in a URL and the DNS servers responding with the right website. DNSSEC provides a way to authenticate that response. Let’s call it an extra verification step that identifies the right IP addresses, codes, and records. Think of it as a form of ID that’s checked every time the DNS is used to connect site visitors. It makes sure everyone gets to the right DNS addresses – that belong to the real domain name.
Can I Learn More?
If you want to drill down into the real technical nitty-gritty, check out our DNSSEC Knowledge Base article. This will give you more information about exactly how DNSSEC works, and how it can help you and your visitors stay safer online.
Okay, So How Do I Get My DNSSEC?
The service is available with just about all our domains. If you have Basic or Premium DNS with us, then you can simply log in and switch on DNSSEC from your Advanced DNS. It’s there for you already.
If you don’t currently have DNS services set up for your domain, please contact our 24/7 Support Team for guidance. They’ll be more than happy to help. Let’s all stay secure.
