After securing the devices, accounts and passwords we use every day in the most recommended way. It is time to apply security improvements to the communication channels through which data travels.
What is a Domain Name Server
DNS (Domain Name System) are servers specialized in translating URLs to their corresponding IP.
For example, when you enter https://platzi.com,
a DNS server will translate said URL to the corresponding IP and will be used to locate the web server where Platzi' s page is located. It will send the static files that build the page to the web client with which you made the request.
DNS Configuration
By default, Internet providers configure their own DNS that work very well for the vast majority of their users who do not know what a DNS is and how it works. This is the DNS server that your computer points to and will use to resolve any web page.
However, you can modify the DNS and use the ones of your preference that are faster and more secure.
Companies like Cloudflare and Google offer very good DNS that you can implement freely and for free. There is also OpenDNS as another alternative that offers recommendable DNS.
On any computer you can modify the DNS if you access the network options, regardless of your operating system. You can also modify the DNS by accessing the settings of your home router so that all devices that connect to Wi-Fi have extra protection.
If you want to use Cloudflare's DNS, you must configure the IPs 1.1.1.1.1
and 1.0.0.1.
You can also use 1.1.1.2
and 1.0.0.0.2
which are much more recommended, since they block malicious websites and malware. Another great alternative offered by Cloudflare is to use 1.1.1.3
and 1.0.0.3
to block adult content.
Conclusion
Modifying DNS is super simple and highly recommended to do to add a new layer of security to your home network, or even within a company. If you use the recommended DNS, you don't have to fear for the privacy of your data that will travel over the internet.
Contributed by: Kevin Fiorentino (Platzi Contributor).
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