What is the DNS filter and how does it work?

The DNS is a fundamental part of the internet. Whenever you type in a URL and hit enter, it’s your DNS that takes care of translating those letters into numbers for the browser to understand. DNS can be configured as either manual or dynamic, depending on what makes sense for your network. For more information about DNS filter and how they work, read this article!

A DNS filter blocks a website that it believes to be harmful to its users. The website could be hosting malware or be created by hackers to steal sensitive information from users. DNS filters are a useful tool to block these types of websites and protect you from online threats. DNS Filters can be managed by DNS hosting company, your IT department, or even the DNS provider. DNS filters are usually DNS-based or DNS-aware, meaning that they can monitor DNS queries and block accordingly.

DNS Filters protect you from online threats such as malware, phishing sites, botnet command controls, and more. They work through several methods of detection including monitoring DNS requests for certain patterns and blacklists. The DNS provider also provides additional services such as filtering out unwanted content, shielding your browsing experience with privacy settings, blocking advertisements on some websites/apps (depending on the service level).

A DNS filter works to block access to sites containing certain content, such as gambling and adult websites. The filters work by blocking a specific website’s IP address so that users cannot find it when they search for the site with a browser. DNS filters also work to prevent DNS “poisoning” which is when hackers hijack the DNS settings of a router and give them false information.

When you build a website, you purchase a domain name from a WHOIS registry and use it to host your site on the internet. This domain name acts as your online address. When users want to find your website online, they must enter the domain name into their browser and wait for it to load. DNS is what translates the domain name into an IP address to locate your website on the internet. DNS stands for Domain Name Service, which helps translate something like “google” and turns it into a numerical representation of their location online.

DNS can be either automatic or manual, depending on what type of DNS service you use. DNS servers run by a DNS hosting company are usually dynamic DNS services and will automatically update your IP address when it changes without any input from the user.