People who use the internet in today’s world are exposed to a higher number of vulnerabilities than ever. Hence, it is important to understand how to deal with those vulnerabilities and overcome the risks that we may have to face.
One of the biggest threats that you will need to be aware of is DNS hijacking. It can lead you towards numerous negative consequences as your computer system will get hijacked. Due to the same reason, it is important to have a clear understanding of what DNS hijacking is and how you will prevent its occurrence.
What is DNS hijacking?
Before you learn about DNS hijacking, it is important to understand what exactly DNS is clearly. DNS refers to the Domain Name System. It is made out of a system containing directories that link the different websites to their IP addresses.
Imagine a situation where you are accessing a specific website via your computer. You will access the browser and enter the URL of the website. Then the browser will be sending that URL into DNS. This will be called a DNS request. Upon receiving the DNS request, it will send out a response. This is where your internet browser will be able to receive the IP address associated with the website. The IP address refers to the exact location of a website on the internet. Through this IP address, you will be able to access a website located on the internet.
During the DNS hijacking process, the attacker will use intercepted queries of DNS to redirect visitors to malicious websites. In some of the instances, you will be redirected to pop-ups as well. Not just the cybercriminals are responsible for leading people towards DNS hijacking. Your internet service provider will also be able to DNS hijack you. This is often being done to redirect you to their promotional web pages. You must have come across this when you are accessing the internet to get work done in the day to day life.
DNS hijacking is one of the biggest threats that exist out there. That’s because some of the leading companies have become victims of DNS hijacking in the past. Some of the companies that had to experience the negative effects linked with DNS hijacking include PayPal, Netflix, and Gmail. Even though all these DNS hijacking attempts take place based on the same principles, you will find some slight variations in the techniques that the attackers use to move forward with their attacks. This is the main reason why many people and even companies end up becoming victims of DNS hijacking as of now. You should keep this fact in mind and take appropriate measures to ensure your protection against DNS hijacking.
How to keep you protected from DNS hijacking?
There are some important tips that you need to keep in mind to remain protected from DNS hijacking. Here are some of the most prominent tips out of them. If you can focus on these areas, you will find it an easy task to ensure your protection against DNS hijacking. Hence, you will get the opportunity to keep peace of mind in the long run.
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Use the best security and antivirus software
Antivirus software tools are in a position to deliver much-needed protection to you by ensuring your protection against DNS hijacking. Hence, you need to ensure that you take a look at the best antivirus software options available out there to consider and get your hands on the right ones out of them. After getting antivirus software installed, you should also be mindful enough to keep it up to date along with time. Then you can expect to receive the perfect level of protection offered out of it.
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Refrain from clicking all the questionable links
When you are browsing the internet, you will come across numerous questionable links. If you come across a link that looks suspicious, you are never encouraged to go ahead and click on it. If you do, there is a high possibility for you to become a victim of DNS hijacking. You will get these links to your email address and your social media accounts. You must double-check and verify the credibility of the link before opening it. If the link looks suspicious, it is always a good idea to refrain from it.
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Protect your internet router
Most of the DNS hijacking attempts take place through your router. Hence, you need to ensure that you protect the router at all times. This is where you should think about changing the default login credentials of the router. The default username in your router would be admin. Any person can guess it. The default password of the router can be the same. If you are using these default credentials, you will be keeping a door open for the hackers to come forward and lead you towards trouble. This is why you should think about providing enhanced protection to the router.
It is a good idea to go ahead and update the firmware of your router as well. That’s because the firmware will patch all the latest security vulnerabilities associated with the router and provide you with utmost protection against DNS hijacking.
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Don’t use public Wi-Fi networks to transfer your personal information
When you are using public Wi-Fi networks, it is better to refrain from transferring your personal information. In fact, it is a good idea to refrain from the usage of public Wi-Fi networks as much as possible. Then you can easily ensure your protection in the long run.
Final words
Keep these facts in your mind and ensure that you are protected from DNS hijacking. Then you will be able to keep peace of mind and browse through the internet.