Private DNS

Private DNS is a service that allows users to send DNS queries to a private and secure DNS server instead of using the default DNS servers provided by your internet service provider (ISP). It aims to provide enhanced privacy, security, and performance by encrypting DNS requests and hiding them from third parties.

How Does Private DNS Work

• Encryption: Private DNS uses protocols like DNS over HTTPS (DoH) or DNS over TLS (DoT) to encrypt your DNS queries. This ensures that your internet browsing activities remain private and are not visible to anyone else on the network such as hackers or your ISP.

• Private DNS Server: Instead of using the DNS servers provided by your ISP, private DNS sends requests to a dedicated, secure DNS server. These servers usually don’t log your browsing data and provides better privacy.

• Avoid Tracking: Since your DNS requests are sent to a private server, this reduces the chances of your browsing habits being tracked by third-party advertisers or other malicious entities.

DNS Over HTTPS (DoH) and DNS Over TLS (DoT)

• DNS over HTTPS (DoH) encrypts DNS queries by sending them over HTTPS, making it harder for third parties to monitor or tamper with the data.
• DNS over TLS (DoT) uses TLS (Transport Layer Security) to encrypt DNS requests, offering a similar level of privacy as DoH.

Both DoH and DoT are commonly used by private DNS providers to enhance security and privacy.

Benefits of Private DNS

1. Enhanced Privacy: Your DNS queries are encrypted and sent to a private server which protects personal data from being seen by anyone else.
2. Improved Security: Private DNS can help prevent attacks such as DNS spoofing or cache poisoning.
3. Faster Resolution: Some private DNS services are optimized for speed which provides quicker response times for DNS queries compared to your ISP’s default servers.
4. Protection from Malware: Private DNS services often block access to malicious sites, preventing malware infections or phishing attacks.

How to Set Up Private DNS

Setting up Private DNS can vary depending on the device or operating system, but here are the general steps:

1. Choose a Private DNS Provider: Some popular private DNS providers are:
   • Google DNS (8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4)
   • Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1)
   • OpenDNS (208.67.222.222, 208.67.220.220)
2. Access DNS Settings:
   1. On Android: Go to Settings -> Network & Internet -> DNS- > Private DNS -> Enter your provider's hostname (e.g., 1.1.1.1 for Cloudflare).
   2. On Windows: Go to Network & Internet Settings > Change Adapter Settings > Properties of your active connection > Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) > Set DNS to a custom address.
3. Save and Restart: After entering the DNS server address, save the settings and restart your device or network connection to apply changes.

Private DNS vs Public DNS