In today’s digital age, internet security is a top concern for individuals and businesses alike. With the rise in cyber threats and online attacks, it is essential to safeguard our online activities and protect our sensitive information. One aspect of online security is DNS (Domain Name System) filtering, which helps block access to malicious websites and content. Adguard DNS is a popular DNS filtering service that claims to provide a safe and secure online browsing experience. In this article, we will delve into the topic of “Is DNS Adguard Safe?” to evaluate the security and reliability of Adguard DNS.
What is DNS?
DNS full form is Domain Name System which resolves hostnames to IP addresses or vice versa. As the human brain can remember names better than numbers, this helps to put less pressure on remembering numbers.
How to check the IP address of a hostname?
We can use the dig command or nslookup command.
a) dig +short www.example.com
93.184.216.34
b) nslookup www.example.com
Server: 192.168.25.117
Address: 192.168.25.117#53
Non-authoritative answer:
Name: www.example.com
Address: 93.184.216.34
What is Adguard or What is Adguard DNS?
AdGuard app is developed by AdGuard Software Limited to get avoid internet undesirable ads and online tracking and protect your computer from malware or any internet threats.
AdGuard’s DNS app is supported on Windows, Linux, macOS, Android and iOS. AdGuard is also available as a browser extension –AdGuard AdBlocker Browser Extension.
This is easy to install, easy to use and the best thing is that it is FREE.
Is DNS Adguard Safe or is Adguard DNS safe?
It is obvious to have a question in mind that is DNS Adguard Safe to keep ourselves safe from any internet threats and to avoid ads?
The simple answer is “YES”. You can completely rely on it.
It just doesn’t resolve any address which does tracking or is kind of some phishing site.
Example: We see a site name www.somemalicioussite.com and we click on it. Then DNS Adguard will not resolve that hostname to the IP address and will send a NULL flag. And because our browser doesn’t know the Address of the site, it is not get resolved and we keep it safe.
Adguard DNS is designed to protect users from accessing potentially harmful websites, filter out unwanted ads, and enhance overall internet security. The service works by blocking requests to known malicious domains and filtering out advertisements at the DNS level. By redirecting your DNS queries through Adguard’s servers, it aims to provide a safer browsing experience.
DNS Adguard keeps its servers updated regularly to keep itself updated against all the vulnerabilities and latest cyber threats.
While Adguard DNS takes steps to ensure security, it is important to remember that no system is entirely foolproof. It is crucial to understand the limitations and potential risks associated with using any DNS filtering service, including Adguard DNS.
What are the disadvantages of AdGuard DNS?
As we already know the advantages of AdGuard DNS, let’s see some disadvantages of AdGuard DNS.
- You receive an email and click on a link. If that link is already resolved to a number (IP address), then Adguard DNS can not help because DNS’s first step itself is to resolve the hostname to an IP address which already had been done by the attacker.
- Another disadvantage is that we could see that from this app we can only block the complete domain but not the specific URL which could often lead to website breakdown. But that’s not an actual disadvantage but more of security because if one specific part of that website is malicious or has ads, it’s probable that other parts would also have the same. specific URLs can’t be blocked, only whole domains.
Is there a free alternative to AdGuard or What are some blocking DNS other than AdGuard DNS?
We have many other free alternatives to AdGuard DNS and below is the list. But Adgurad DNS is one of the best Secure DNS services for ad blocking.
- Google Public DNS
- Blokada
- NextDNS
- DNS service by IBM – quad9 (9.9.9.9)
x
xUnderstanding the Limitations of DNS Filtering
DNS filtering services like Adguard DNS have their limitations, and it is essential to be aware of them:
- Dynamic and Evolving Threat Landscape: The online threat landscape is constantly evolving, with new malicious websites and tactics emerging regularly. While Adguard DNS strives to stay up-to-date with the latest threats, it may not always be able to block new or zero-day threats immediately.
- Bypassing DNS Filtering: While DNS filtering can effectively block access to malicious domains, determined attackers may find ways to bypass these filters by using alternative DNS servers or employing encryption techniques.
- False Positives and Negatives: DNS filtering relies on maintaining a comprehensive database of known malicious domains. However, this can lead to false positives, where legitimate websites are wrongly blocked, or false negatives, where malicious sites are not detected. Adguard DNS aims to minimize such occurrences but cannot guarantee a completely error-free filtering process.
Despite these limitations, DNS filtering services like Adguard DNS play a crucial role in enhancing online security and protecting users from a wide range of threats. By understanding the risks and taking additional security measures, users can further fortify their online defences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Adguard DNS offers a layer of protection against malicious websites and unwanted ads, contributing to a safer online browsing experience. While no security measure is foolproof, DNS filtering services like Adguard DNS can significantly enhance internet security. By understanding the limitations and potential risks associated with DNS filtering, users can make informed decisions about implementing such services in their online security strategies.
Remember, online security is a collective effort, and it is crucial to combine DNS filtering with other security measures such as antivirus software, regular software updates, and safe browsing practices. By staying vigilant and adopting a multi-layered security approach, individuals and businesses can better protect themselves in the ever-evolving digital landscape.
FAQs about DNS Adguard Safety
Is Adguard DNS Secure for Personal Use?
Yes, Adguard DNS can be considered safe for personal use. It provides an additional layer of security by blocking access to known malicious websites and filtering out unwanted ads. However, it is important to remember that no security measure is entirely infallible, and users should employ a comprehensive security strategy.
Can Adguard DNS Protect against Malware?
Adguard DNS can help protect against malware by blocking requests to known malicious domains. However, it is not a standalone solution for malware protection. Users should combine DNS filtering with reliable antivirus software and safe browsing practices to mitigate the risk of malware infections.
Does Adguard DNS Affect Internet Speed?
Adguard DNS aims to provide a seamless browsing experience without a significant impact on internet speed. However, the actual speed may vary depending on factors such as the user’s geographical location and internet service provider. Users with specific concerns about internet speed should conduct their speed tests to assess the impact of using Adguard DNS.
Can Adguard DNS be Used on Mobile Devices? Is DNS AdGuard safe on Android?
Yes, Adguard DNS can be configured on mobile devices as well and it is safe. It offers apps and guides for various platforms, including Android and iOS, making it convenient for users to enable DNS filtering on their smartphones and tablets.
Is Adguard DNS Compatible with VPN Services?
Adguard DNS is compatible with VPN (Virtual Private Network) services. Users can configure their VPN to work in conjunction with Adguard DNS, ensuring a secure and private browsing experience.
How Does Adguard DNS Handle User Privacy?
Adguard DNS states that it does not log or store personally identifiable information (PII) of its users. However, it may collect non-identifiable statistical data for service improvement and troubleshooting. It is advisable to review Adguard DNS’s privacy policy for detailed information on how user data is handled.
Does AdGuard DNS collect data?
As per the statement from the developers, Adguard DNS doesn’t collect any data and it should not be ideal. Adguard is transparent about the data it requires and collects while operating Adguard DNS but doesn’t store the data. It stores IP addresses though for faster access due to caching.
Is Adguard DNS good?
Yes, it is good. You can use it without any hesitation.