Rublon

Secure Remote Access

By

Are you worried about your online security and privacy? Do you want to protect your sensitive information from hackers and cybercriminals? If yes, then you need to know about DNS spoofing, how to prevent it, and how to secure your online data.

DNS Spoofing is a significant security concern that leverages the vulnerabilities in the Domain Name System (DNS), a hierarchical and distributed system mapping domain names to IP addresses. This guide will delve into the three main types of DNS Spoofing: Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) related DNS Spoofing, DNS Cache Poisoning, and DNS Hijacking.

What is DNS Spoofing?

DNS spoofing is a type of man-in-the-middle attack that exploits the DNS (Domain Name System) and tricks the user into believing that they are on a legitimate website or server. In reality, the attacker intercepts and modifies the DNS queries and responses and redirects the user to a fake or malicious website or server. The attacker can then steal the user’s data, such as passwords, credit card numbers, and personal details.

DNS spoofing is a serious threat that can compromise your online safety and expose you to identity theft, fraud, and malware. Fortunately, there are some effective ways to prevent DNS spoofing and secure your online data. In this article, we will show you how to do that in simple steps.

How DNS Spoofing Works

DNS Spoofing involves manipulating the DNS to redirect traffic to a different destination than intended. This can be achieved through various methods, each with its unique approach and implications.

Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) Related DNS Spoofing

In an MITM-related DNS Spoofing attack, the attacker intercepts your DNS query to a legitimate website or server and sends a fake DNS response with the IP address of a fake or malicious website or server. For example, if you type www.example.com in your browser, the attacker can send you a fake DNS response with the IP address of www.fake.com, which looks similar to the original one but is controlled by the attacker.

DNS Cache Poisoning

DNS Cache Poisoning is another prevalent method of DNS Spoofing. In this attack, the perpetrator sends a fake DNS response to a DNS server, associating a domain name with a malicious IP address. The DNS server caches this information and returns the malicious IP address to clients who request the domain name, leading them to a fake website.

DNS Hijacking

DNS Hijacking is a form of cyberattack where the attacker takes control of a DNS server or its configuration. This allows the attacker to redirect users to fake websites by manipulating DNS responses.

Note that some cybersecurity experts consider DNS Hijacking as a separate attack from DNS Spoofing, claiming that DNS Spoofing specifically refers to the manipulation of DNS responses to redirect users to fake websites.

How to Prevent DNS Spoofing Attack and Secure Your Online Data

What Are the Signs of a DNS Attack

The signs of a DNS spoofing attack are not easy to spot, but there are some clues that can alert you. Some of them are:

  • The URL of the website or the server does not match the domain name or the IP address that you expect. For example, if you type www.example.com in your browser, but the URL shows www.fake.com or a different IP address, it means that you are on a fake or malicious website or server.
  • The website or the server looks different or has some errors or glitches in its design or functionality. For example, if the website or the server has a different layout, color, logo, or content than the original one, or if it has some broken links, images, or scripts, it means that you are on a fake or malicious website or server.
  • The website or the server asks you to enter or confirm your personal or financial information, even if you have already done so before or you are not expecting to do so. For example, if the website or the server asks you to enter your credit card number or your social security number, it means that you are on a fake or malicious website or server.

If you notice any of these signs, you should immediately close the website or the server and avoid entering or submitting any data. You should also scan your device for malware and change your passwords for any accounts that you have used on the website or the server.

Get the Rublon Newsletter and Lead the Way in Cybersecurity

Don’t miss out on the most interesting and relevant cybersecurity content with the Rublon Newsletter. You’ll get timely and comprehensive information delivered to your email. To become part of our proactive and informed network, just click the button below and boost your cybersecurity skills.

Subscribe Newsletter

How to Check If a Website or a Server Is Secure and Has a Valid DNS Record

One of the best ways to prevent DNS spoofing is to check if the website or the server that you are visiting is secure and has a valid DNS record. You can do this by following these steps:

  • Inspect the SSL Certificate. Click the padlock icon in your browser’s address bar to check the details of the SSL certificate. You should see the name of the certificate authority. Certificates from well-known certificate authorities associated with major companies or organizations are generally more trustworthy. However, keep in mind that a successful check does not necessarily mean the website is safe. It only means that the website has a valid SSL certificate. Hackers can generate valid SSL certificates in a matter of seconds for free using services like Let’s Encrypt. Therefore, even a valid certificate does not guarantee the website’s safety. However, an invalid certificate could indicate that the website might not be safe.
  • Verify that the URL of the website or the server matches the name of the website or the server on the SSL certificate. You should also check that the URL starts with https:// and that it has no typos or misspellings.
  • Verify the validity and security of the website using a tool. If you have any doubts or suspicions about the website or the server or the SSL certificate, you can use an online tool or a browser extension that can verify the validity and security of the website or the server. Some examples are DNS Checker, DNSSEC Analyzer, and DNSCrypt.

Prevent DNS Spoofing Attack Using DNSSEC (Domain Name System Security Extensions)

Another way to prevent DNS spoofing is to use DNSSEC (Domain Name System Security Extensions), a protocol that adds security to the DNS system and prevents DNS spoofing and other attacks. DNSSEC is a mechanism that uses digital signatures and public-key cryptography to verify the authenticity and integrity of the DNS data. It ensures that the DNS queries and responses are not tampered with or forged by an attacker.

DNSSEC works by adding four new types of DNS records to the DNS system:

  • DNSKEY, which contains the public key of the domain name or the zone.
  • RRSIG, which contains the digital signature of the DNS data.
  • DS, which contains the hash of the DNSKEY of the child zone.
  • NSEC or NSEC3, which contains information about the existence or non-existence of a domain name or a record type.

These records are used to create a chain of trust from the root zone to the domain name or the zone that you are querying. For example, when you query www.example.com, your device will first get the DNSKEY and the RRSIG of the root zone, then the DS and the RRSIG of the .com zone, then the DNSKEY and the RRSIG of the example.com zone, and finally the DNS data and the RRSIG of the www.example.com zone. Your device will then use the public keys and the digital signatures to verify that the DNS data is valid and has not been modified by an attacker.

By using DNSSEC, you can prevent DNS spoofing and other attacks that exploit the DNS system. You can also ensure that you are connecting to a legitimate website or server and that your data is safe.

How to Use DNSSEC

Implementing DNSSEC can significantly enhance your online security. Here’s how you can benefit from it:

DNS Resolver

Ensure that your DNS resolver supports DNSSEC validation. You can configure your network settings to use a DNS resolver that supports DNSSEC, such as Google Public DNS (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1). This way, your device will automatically verify the authenticity of DNS responses.

ISP Support

Check if your Internet Service Provider (ISP) supports DNSSEC. If not, consider switching to an ISP that does, or use a public DNS resolver that supports DNSSEC. Using a supportive ISP can improve the reliability of DNSSEC validation.

Device and Browser

While end-users cannot directly enable DNSSEC on their devices or browsers, keeping your device and browser up-to-date enhances overall security. Use the latest versions of your operating system and browser to benefit from the most recent security features and patches.

By using DNSSEC, you can improve your online security and privacy and prevent DNS spoofing and other attacks that exploit the DNS system.

    Prevent DNS Spoofing Attack Using DNS over HTTPS (DoH)

    Another way to prevent DNS spoofing is to use DNS over HTTPS (DoH), a protocol that encrypts and protects the DNS queries and responses from eavesdropping and tampering.

    DoH is a mechanism that uses HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) to send and receive DNS data over the internet. It ensures that the DNS queries and responses are not visible or accessible to anyone who is monitoring or intercepting the network traffic.

    DoH works by using a DoH server, which is a server that can handle both HTTPS and DNS requests. For example, when you query www.example.com, your device will send a HTTPS request to a DoH server, such as https://doh.example.com/dns-query. The DoH server will then send a DNS query to the DNS resolver or the DNS server and get the DNS response. Then, the DoH server will send the DNS response back to your device as an HTTPS response. Finally, your device will use the DNS data to connect to the website.

    It’s important to note that DoH primarily protects against MITM-related DNS Spoofing attacks. DNS over HTTPS does not protect against other types of DNS Spoofing attacks such as DNS Cache Poisoning. In a DNS Cache Poisoning attack, the attacker sends a fake DNS response to a DNS server, which then caches this information and returns the malicious IP address to clients who request the domain name. DoH cannot prevent this because it does not have control over the DNS server’s cache.

    Therefore, while DoH can enhance your online privacy and security, it does not provide complete protection against all types of DNS Spoofing attacks.

    How to Use DoH

    Implementing DNS over HTTPS (DoH) can significantly enhance your online privacy and security by encrypting your DNS queries, protecting them from eavesdropping and tampering. Here’s how you can use DoH:

    Browser Configuration

    Most modern browsers support DoH natively. Here’s how to enable it:

    Google Chrome:

    1. Open Chrome and navigate to chrome://settings/security.
    2. Under the “Advanced” section, find Use secure DNS.
    3. Toggle it on and choose a provider from the list (e.g., Cloudflare, Google) or specify a custom provider that supports DoH.

    Mozilla Firefox:

    1. Click the menu button and select Options.
    2. Scroll down to Network Settings and click Settings.
    3. At the bottom, check the box for Enable DNS over HTTPS.
    4. Choose a provider from the dropdown menu or enter a custom provider.

    Microsoft Edge:

    • Go to Settings → Privacy, search, and services.
    • Scroll down to Security and find Use secure DNS to specify how to lookup the network address for websites.
    • Toggle it on and select a service provider or enter a custom provider.

    Operating System Configuration

    Enable DoH at the System Level: Some operating systems allow you to configure DoH system-wide.

    Windows 10/11:

    Note: Ensure your Windows system is updated to the latest version to support DoH.

    1. Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Status.
    2. Click on Properties for your network connection.
    3. Under DNS server assignment, click Edit.
    4. Choose Manual and toggle on IPv4 or IPv6 as needed.
    5. Enter the IP addresses of a DNS resolver that supports DoH (e.g., 1.1.1.1 for Cloudflare).

    macOS and Linux:

    • Native support for DoH at the operating system level is limited.
    • macOS: You can use third-party applications or configure your network settings to use a DoH-compatible DNS resolver.
    • Linux: Use DNS resolvers like systemd-resolved that support DoH, or configure DoH in your network settings if available.

    Use a DoH-Compatible DNS Resolver

    Configure your device to use a DNS resolver that supports DoH:

    1. Public DNS Providers:
      • Cloudflare DNS: 1.1.1.1 (DoH endpoint: https://cloudflare-dns.com/dns-query)
      • Google Public DNS: 8.8.8.8 (DoH endpoint: https://dns.google/dns-query)
      • Quad9 DNS: 9.9.9.9 (DoH endpoint: https://dns.quad9.net/dns-query)
    2. Mobile Devices:
      • Install apps like Cloudflare’s 1.1.1.1 app or other DNS privacy apps that enable DoH system-wide on your smartphone or tablet.

    ISP Considerations

    1. No ISP Support Required: Your ISP doesn’t need to support DoH for you to use it. DoH encrypts DNS queries between your device and the DNS resolver, bypassing the ISP’s DNS servers.
    2. Enhanced Privacy: Using DoH prevents your ISP from monitoring or altering your DNS queries, improving your privacy.
    3. Stay Updated
      • Keep Software Current: Ensure your operating system and browsers are updated to the latest versions to support DoH and receive security updates.

    By enabling DoH on your browser or device and using a DNS resolver that supports DoH, you encrypt your DNS queries. This helps protect against man-in-the-middle attacks, such as MITM-related DNS spoofing, by preventing attackers from intercepting or altering your DNS traffic between your device and the DNS resolver.

    Prevent DNS Spoofing Attack Using VPN (Virtual Private Network)

    Another way to prevent DNS spoofing is to use a VPN (Virtual Private Network), a service that encrypts and protects your online traffic from hackers and snoopers. VPN is a mechanism that creates a secure and private tunnel between your device and a VPN server. It ensures that your online traffic is not visible or accessible to anyone who is monitoring or intercepting the network traffic.

    VPN works by using a VPN client, which is an app or software that can connect your device to a VPN server. For example, when you use a VPN, your device will send your online traffic to a VPN server, such as vpn.example.com. The VPN server will then encrypt your online traffic and send it to the website or the server that you are visiting. The website or the server will then send the online traffic back to the VPN server, which will decrypt it and send it back to your device.

    By using VPN, you can prevent DNS spoofing and other attacks that exploit the network traffic. You can also ensure that your online traffic is secure and private. Using a VPN is particularly crucial when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks. These networks are often less secure and more susceptible to various types of attacks, including DNS Spoofing. In such scenarios, an attacker might control the server and provide it to you via DHCP. By using a VPN, you can add an extra layer of security and significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to such attacks.

    How to Use VPN

    To use a VPN, you need to do the following:

    • Choose a VPN service that suits your needs and preferences. You may need to consider the price, speed, security, privacy, and features of the VPN service. You may also need to check the reviews and the ratings of the VPN service.
    • Download and install the VPN client on your device and sign up for the VPN service. You may need to create an account and choose a subscription plan for the VPN service.
    • Connect to a VPN server that is located in the country or the region that you want to access. You may need to choose a VPN server that is close to your location or the location of the website or the server that you are visiting.
    • Safeguard the VPN connection with multi-factor authentication (MFA).

    By using VPN, you can improve your online security and privacy and prevent DNS spoofing and other attacks that exploit the network traffic.

    Conclusion

    DNS spoofing is a dangerous attack that can expose your online data to hackers and cybercriminals. It works by exploiting the DNS system and tricking you into believing that you are on a legitimate website or server. It can compromise your online safety and expose you to identity theft, fraud, and malware.

    To prevent DNS spoofing and secure your online data, you can use the following methods:

    • Use DNSSEC, a protocol that adds security to the DNS system and prevents DNS spoofing and other attacks. It uses digital signatures and public-key cryptography to verify the authenticity and integrity of the DNS data.
    • Use DoH, a protocol that encrypts and protects the DNS queries and responses from eavesdropping and tampering. It uses HTTPS to send and receive the DNS data over the internet.
    • Use VPN, a service that encrypts and protects your online traffic from hackers and snoopers. It creates a secure and private tunnel between your device and a VPN server.

    By following these methods, you can protect your online data from DNS spoofing and other threats and enjoy a safe and secure internet experience.