Since you are add up here to encipher DNS traffic , you must already know whatDNSis . In a nutshell , when you typewrite an universal resource locator into the web browser app – say facebook.com – your computer contacts a DNS host and requests the IP savoir-faire of the website ; once it has that information , it routes your web browser app to the correct website . This is called DNS or demesne name server . Now before we jump into how to encrypt DNS traffic , we postulate to first empathize DNS leaks .
Generally , the internet service providersassign a DNS serverto each client so that they can record your internet activities .
Ideally , when you use a virtual individual connection ( or a VPN ) , your DNS request should be directed to an anonymous DNS server provide by your VPN , and not through your ISP ’s DNS server . However , in some cases , despite being connected to VPN web , the system will continue using default DNS servers ; and this is referred to as DNS leaks .
To confirm whether your VPN has a DNS wetting , plainly head over todnsleaktestand function a received test . If you could see your rural area and ISP in the upshot , it means your connection has DNS leak .
Read:3 skillful DNS Benchmarking Tools To Find the Fastest DNS Server
The limitations of VPN?
The VPN shield your personal identity , location details and more than often is used to bypass geo limitation . Point - to - point in time connection through the manipulation of consecrate connection and virtual tunnelling protocols are key to the VPN . While VPN does encrypt the net dealings it does so only until it perish from the VPN endpoint , put up the web traffic is unprotected . This is one of the prize reasons why I personally recommend the function of encryption despite using a VPN servicing .
So , if you want to punch a DNS leakage , here are good apps to encrypt your DNS traffic .
Best Apps to Encrypt DNS Traffic
1. DNSCrypt Security
interpret : honest DNS Servers For Speed , Stability , and security department
The DNSCrypt is arguably one of the most democratic cryptography tool used to encrypt web traffic . The best part is that the DNSCrypt authenticates before starting the encryption cognitive process and this is always regarded as the preferable order of matter .
This is how it pans out , the DNSCrypt academic session begins with an unencrypted packet and this encodes information about the crypto including the certificates and other related items . In the next stone’s throw , the server responds with signed credential and the client verifies the certs by stacking it up against the trusted / known public key for that picky supplier .
The client can not just choose the public key but they can also pick out the central corresponding to its capableness . Once assigned the protocol execute a key exchange with the DNS host . request that are encrypt but not authenticated will be cast away . Since the protocol supports both long term and short term primal generation for every asking it is hard to lumber or track the activities .
How to setup ?
Using DNSCrypt is pretty simple . Download the parcel from the official website and lam the software program . Once installed , you need to restart the information processing system for it to make internet - level changes . After the restart , opened to DNSCrypt app and make certain you contain the box that says “ Enable DNSCrypt ” and “ Always use OpenDNS . ” And that ’s it , from now on , all your DNS request should automatically cypher .
Read : How to Flush DNS Cache on Windows , macOS , Android and iOS
Pros :
Open Source & protects from all sorting of DNS attacks
tot an extra layer of protection to leaky VPNs .
Cons :
DNSCrypt does n’t protect you from devise DNS results up - stream
Open DNS does n’t support DNSSEC
DNS Crypt is not actively updated
Pricing – Free / Open Source
Download DNSCrypt
2. Simple DNSCrypt
Well , the DNSCrypt security solution may be a bit difficult to understand for an average computer user . The Simple DNSCrypt packs in the requisite and blends the same with an intuitive exploiter interface . Despite cut down on some of the in advance features , the simple DNSCrypt still encrypts the dealings between your reckoner and the DNS servers . With this in place , it becomes very hard for attackers to sniff packets and adjudicate to lumber your meshing . It also helps in mitigating the peril of the man - in - the - middle attack . That apart users will also be capable to access a salmagundi of plugins . For instance , the “ Block addresses and domain ” plugin give back a REFUSE reply to the blacklist sphere and IP addresses while the Logging plugin helps create a log of the DNS query and store the same on your local drive .
All said and done , theSimple DNSCryptlives up to its name and is the best bet for an average joe . Most importantly the port is reasonably straightforward and allows users to view the primary resolver and the junior-grade resolver singly . Both can be toggle on / off by using the toggle switches at the bottom of the menu .
How to Setup childlike DNS Crypt
Setting up Simple DNS Crypt is soft and straightforward . All you need to do is download the .exe file and set up the same . Once instal I was take aback when the control appeared in German , however the same can be shift by choosing English as an alternative speech . Once installed snap on “ Primary DNSCrypt Service ” for enable it . No reboot is needed .
accession to around 70DNS servers located across the world
Easier to habituate as equate to DNS Crypt
Sometimes you need to manually restart the service to get cyberspace access
I faced a variety of web progeny after I switched to elementary DNS Crypt
Download Simple DNS Crypt
Simple DNS Plus
Apart from sporting an easy to use user interface , theSimple DNS Plusalso fare offer automation features . That being said DNS encryption is not the only feature the putz has to offer . Once installed you will find all the options usable in the principal menu .
With the Simple DNS Plus you’re able to also host DNS waiter for your own domain names ( demand static IP address.)The Active Log View stand up to 100 maximal argument by default and deletes the older unveiling to make way for newer 1 . Yet another remark worthy lineament is the Buffer Active Log View which will display latest logarithm entry when you launch the Active Log View . This is a handy feature while troubleshooting .
How to Setup simple-minded DNS Plus
practice the frame-up wizard for common labor like set up Modern zones , importing datum , making bulk updates . Thanks to this wizard you do n’t call for to mess around with the forward-looking cryptographic or the register options . Since the Simple DNS Plus uses a docking system that is pretty much interchangeable to Microsoft ’s Visual it is easy to setup tools like Performance Graph , Active Log View and chew - in Windows .
Runs on all customer and server version of Windows XP/2003 and up
An exhaustive list of usable plugins also include DHCP server
Stops serving DNS requests when out of magnetic disk space
queerly enough , the 14 - day trial period end in just one solar day
Paid Upgrade to new versions
Pricing-15 days free trial run / Price lead off at $ 69
Download Simple DNS Plus
VPN with DNS Protection Leaks
As I had explained earlier , VPN may be ineffective when it come to safeguard your DNS queries . However , a long ton of new VPN services has been offering a DNS Leak Protection lineament and these VPN ’s route your inquiry through their own DNS servers or else of using the one provided by your ISP . The lean of VPN ’s offering the DNS Protection Leak boast includesExpressVPNandNordVPN .
Wrapping it up: Best Apps to Encrypt DNS Traffic
Encrypting your DNS internet is no more a stringent protection measure . Due to prove in the number of spoofing and man - in - the - middle attacks , it is very of import to protect your DNS server . As far as the list above is worry , I would personally commend DNSCrypt for enterprise and advance users while the Simple DNSCrypt should suffice for general users . If you are looking out to invest in a VPN please check that that the divine service offers DNS Leak Protection , this way you will kill two birds with one endocarp .
