Private DNS, or DNS over HTTPS (DoH), is a security feature that can be used to protect users’ online activities by encrypting DNS traffic. DNS, or the Domain Name System, is responsible for translating domain names into IP addresses that computers use to access the internet.
Traditional DNS requests are unencrypted, which means that anyone who can intercept them, such as internet service providers (ISPs) or hackers, can see what websites users are visiting. Private DNS helps to protect users’ privacy and security by encrypting DNS queries and responses, preventing third parties from seeing what websites are being accessed.
Private DNS is typically used in combination with a VPN, which encrypts all internet traffic, including DNS requests, making it much more difficult for anyone to monitor a user’s online activities. Private DNS is also used by some web browsers, such as Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome, to provide an additional layer of security for users.
To set up Private DNS, users must change their DNS settings to use a secure DNS resolver, such as Cloudflare, Quad9, or Google Public DNS, that supports DNS over HTTPS. Once configured, the user’s device will automatically encrypt all DNS requests and responses, improving privacy and security.
Overall, Private DNS is an important security feature that helps protect users’ privacy by encrypting their DNS traffic. By using Private DNS in combination with a VPN, users can significantly increase the security of their online activities and help keep their personal information safe.