DNS Over HTTPS (DoH): Enhanced Security & Privacy Explained

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DNS over HTTPS (DoH) is a protocol for performing Domain Name System (DNS) resolution via the HTTPS protocol. In simpler terms, it encrypts the communication between your computer and the DNS server, enhancing both security and privacy. Let's dive deeper into what DoH is, how it works, and why it matters.

What is DNS?

Before understanding DoH, it's crucial to grasp what DNS is. DNS is essentially the internet's phonebook. When you type a domain name (like google.com) into your browser, DNS translates that human-readable name into an IP address (like 172.217.160.142), which computers use to identify each other on the network. Traditionally, this communication between your computer and the DNS server is unencrypted.

The Problem with Traditional DNS

Because traditional DNS queries are unencrypted, they are vulnerable to eavesdropping. This means that anyone monitoring your network traffic can see which websites you are visiting. This poses significant privacy concerns. Additionally, unencrypted DNS queries can be tampered with, leading to potential man-in-the-middle attacks where users are redirected to malicious websites.

How DNS over HTTPS (DoH) Works

DoH addresses these vulnerabilities by encrypting DNS queries using the HTTPS protocol, the same protocol that secures your communication with websites using SSL/TLS. When you use DoH:

  1. Your browser or operating system sends a DNS query.
  2. This query is encrypted and sent to a DoH-enabled DNS server over HTTPS.
  3. The DNS server decrypts the query, resolves the domain name to an IP address, and sends the encrypted response back to you.
  4. Your browser or operating system decrypts the response and connects to the website.

Benefits of Using DoH

  • Enhanced Privacy: By encrypting DNS queries, DoH prevents eavesdropping and protects your browsing history from being monitored.
  • Improved Security: Encryption makes it more difficult for attackers to tamper with DNS queries and redirect you to malicious websites.
  • Bypassing Censorship: In regions where internet access is restricted, DoH can help bypass DNS-based censorship by routing DNS queries through encrypted channels.
  • Protection Against Man-in-the-Middle Attacks: DoH makes it harder for attackers to intercept and manipulate DNS traffic.

How to Enable DNS over HTTPS

Enabling DoH depends on the browser or operating system you are using. Here’s how to enable it on some popular platforms:

Google Chrome

  1. Go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Security.
  2. Scroll down to the "Use secure DNS" option.
  3. Enable the feature and choose a DoH provider from the dropdown menu, such as Cloudflare or Google Public DNS.

Mozilla Firefox

  1. Go to Options > General > Network Settings.
  2. Scroll down to the "Enable DNS over HTTPS" option.
  3. Enable the feature and choose a provider or configure a custom provider.

Windows 10/11

  1. Open Settings > Network & Internet > Ethernet or Wi-Fi.
  2. Select your active network connection.
  3. Scroll down to "DNS server assignment" and click "Edit".
  4. Choose "Manual" and enable IPv4 or IPv6.
  5. Enter the DoH server addresses (e.g., Cloudflare's 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1) and save your changes.

Choosing a DoH Provider

Several providers offer DoH services. Some popular options include:

  • Cloudflare: Known for its speed and privacy-focused approach (1.1.1.1).
  • Google Public DNS: A reliable and widely used service (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4).
  • Quad9: Focuses on security by blocking known malicious domains (9.9.9.9).

When choosing a provider, consider factors such as speed, reliability, privacy policies, and security features.

Conclusion

DNS over HTTPS is a significant step forward in enhancing online security and privacy. By encrypting DNS queries, DoH protects your browsing activity from eavesdropping and tampering. As more browsers and operating systems adopt DoH, it is becoming an essential tool for maintaining a secure and private internet experience. Consider enabling DoH on your devices to take advantage of these benefits. Stay informed and proactive about your online security!