Frequently asked questions

• What is PremiumDNS?

  Compared with a more basic DNS service, PremiumDNS ensures faster performance, maximum site availability, and better security. Namecheap PremiumDNS operates from redundant Anycast locations, and works with any domain name from any registrar worldwide.
  
  Our PremiumDNS supports 2 million queries per month per domain name, ready to handle the traffic of your company’s mission-critical operations. Learn more about the differences between free vs PremiumDNS.

• What makes PremiumDNS service different?

  For any business, the uptime of your DNS should be a primary concern. Compared to free products, PremiumDNS service is different because it ensures global security and availability. Namecheap’s PremiumDNS was built for outstanding resiliency from the ground up. We offer a 100 percent service level agreement for your DNS resolution at a truly affordable price. Learn more about why a superior DNS service makes a difference.

• How secure is PremiumDNS?

  Namecheap PremiumDNS combines intelligent server security with DNSSEC and 100% uptime. Make sure you choose a service like PremiumDNS which offers users smart global infrastructure, high-level DDoS security for your network layer, includes DNSSEC, and contains no hidden query charges. Learn more about DNSSEC.
  
  Different DNS servers offer varying levels of security which means you could experience vulnerabilities common to these less secure DNS services such as attacks from malicious hackers, including DDoS intrusions. Some offer the same security as at large prices because they mainly cater to super large websites (like Amazon, for example).

• Does any other Namecheap product cover the DNS security type offered by PremiumDNS?

  The short answer is ‘no’. DNS is a "background" service we do not often think about, but it is used many times each day by every user in every organization. Many application types perform name-based lookups using DNS. These include the following: Web browsers, Email servers, Web servers, Malware such as trojans and bots running on compromised hosts outside your network.
  
  However, if you do not have the expertise or time to examine which applications are using your DNS, PremiumDNS is easily able to monitor and intuitively secure the background DNS on your behalf.

• What is Anycast and how does it affect PremiumDNS?

  PremiumDNS is one of the most cost-effective, high-performance DNS services around for the money. It works by placing your DNS information on our Anycast global network. Anycast DNS utilizes multiple locations to receive queries in locations all over the world.
  
  From these locations known as ‘zone apexes,’ your top-level domain information (TLD like .com, .car, etc) travels the shortest possible path to the requesting client. Because powerful storage exists at these zones too, DNS retrieval queries travel superfast, supercharging your websites’ performance.

• Which deep-layer of the internet is PremiumDNS protecting?

  PremiumDNS protects your website against DNS floods and DNS Amplification attacks. If you think of how the internet operates over seven layers, layers 1-4 operate at the DNS level. Cybercrime attack styles at this deeper layer try to overwhelm and shut down your website. These attacks are different from Layer 7 attacks, which a CDN protects you from. Of some concern is that deeper-layer amplification attacks are increasing in popularity which is why PremiumDNS protection is necessary.

• Why do you need different security products?

  No-one wants a surprise loss of business due to uptime failures. Hacktivists, cybercriminals, and cyber terrorists and their campaigns are on the rise. Attackers now use more techniques outside of the typical volume-based L7 DDoS attacks, so you need PremiumDNS to detect and mitigate hackers who try the DNS approach. These deeper layer attacks will target your network infrastructure including attacks going via devices, firewalls, servers, and applications. PremiumDNS secures deep-level layer protection and is a product that also improves your website delivery too.

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