DNS leakage impacts user privacy and security. Especially, third parties can monitor all your online activities and web browsing.
1. What is DNS?
DNS, also known as Domain Name Server, plays a vital role when devices like computers, servers, or services connect to the Internet. Each device is assigned a unique IP address, used for locating and identifying the device.
Think of DNS servers as phone directories. They contain all this information. DNS translates domain names into IP addresses, enabling browsers to display the content of the accessed website.
When entering a website's address in the browser's address bar, computers or mobile devices request the ISP's DNS or public DNS to determine the website's IP address. The ISP then provides the information, and the computer downloads the website content.
To explore in-depth what DNS is, readers can visit here for additional information.
- Explore More: Understanding DNS
2. What is DNS Leakage?
In essence, DNS leakage is a security vulnerability that exposes DNS requests to the ISP (Internet Service Provider). When accessing any website or browsing the web, ... the ISP or DNS server may store information, including your IP address, the accessed domain's IP address, ... .
DNS leakage occurs when all DNS requests sent through the ISP network are not encrypted.
3. How to Check for DNS Leakage?
To check for DNS leakage, follow these steps:
Step 1: First, visit the link HERE.
Step 2: If the displayed IP address here is your actual IP address, it means DNS has leaked.
Step 3: Click on Standard Test / Extended Test to display additional DNS leakage information.
Step 4: If using a VPN and a server unrelated to your VPN appears, it also indicates DNS leakage.
4. How to Prevent and Fix DNS Leakage
Method 1: Change DNS Server Settings
By default, you may use the DNS provided by your ISP. However, to enhance privacy while browsing, online activities, you can modify settings and use alternative DNS servers like Google DNS, Open DNS, ... . These DNS servers offer better security than those of the Internet Service Provider.
Method 2: Use a VPN
Another way to enhance online security is by using a VPN. Some VPN services like PureVPN, NordVPN, VyprVPN, ... come equipped with effective DNS leakage prevention features.
You can also check out this link for more information on the Best Free VPNs of 2020.
- Explore More: Top List of Best Free VPNs 2020
By now, you should have a good understanding of what DNS leakage is, how to check and prevent it. If you have any further questions or concerns, feel free to leave your comments below the article.
