DNS Spoofing is an absolutely dangerous and harmful attack. In this article, we will explore its purpose, the different DNS Spoofing methods, and the ways to protect yourself against it. If this matches your desire, let’s start.
DNS Spoofing purpose
Cache poisoning, often known as DNS Spoofing, is a hacking attack. To respond to users’ queries by transmitting a forged record, such as a phony IP address, malicious DNS data or files (forged records, forged entries) are placed into the DNS cache of a resolution server. The goal is simple: redirect visitors to a site where attackers will attempt to steal users’ passwords and sensitive information.
The falsified data fools consumers’ devices into thinking they’re visiting the legitimate website they requested. Instead, they’re on their way to an unsafe location controlled by assailants. When users arrive, the website may resemble the one they expected. They are, however, in a forgery.
Methods types of DNS Spoofing
Attackers might employ a variety of strategies to achieve their illegitimate goals.
The purpose, as previously stated, is to redirect traffic to fake websites.
- Poisining via DNS cache. In spam e-mails, corrupted code can be found in advertising, graphics, or URLs. Users’ devices are poisoned after they click the URL. After that, the malware directs users to fake websites.
- Man-in-the-middle attack (spoofing DNS answers). This strategy aims to poison both the server and the user’s device simultaneously. The criminal is located between your browser and the DNS server in this case. Through software that injects the code, the communication is poisoned.
- Hijack of a DNS server. The hacker gains access to the server, exploiting flaws, modifying its settings, adding a bogus entry, etc. What is the outcome? Every IP request that tries to access a specific website (the one that has been spoofed) will end up at the counterfeit website.
Prevention mechanisms
There are several techniques to defend yourself against such an attack. The following are a few of them:
- Encryption. To keep DNS data, such as queries and responses, safe, encrypt it. A copy of the original web site’s security certificate cannot be forged.
- Links that are unfamiliar to you. On the spur of the moment, don’t click on dubious URLs. These URLs are usually attached to spam or social media messages and come from unknown senders. By avoiding clicking on them, users may secure their data.
- VPS (Virtual Private System) (VPN). Connecting to public networks carries more risks. You can safely interact with servers and communicate with domains using a VPN.
- Detection. Use tools to analyze DNSSEC data received. It helps to authenticate data by employing digitally signed DNS records. As a result, DNSSEC ensures that DNS lookups are legitimate.
- DNS cache. DNS data from frequently visited sites is retained for some time. As a result, it’s possible that only the user’s device, rather than the server, has been hacked. Cleaning the DNS cache regularly is a smart way to avoid the browser’s phony sites being routed.
Conclusion
Let’s review. DNS Spoofing can be highly inconvenient for both web users and site owners. An attacker’s primary motivation for carrying out a DNS Spoofing attack is either self-interest or the expansion of malware. DNS Spoofing impacts the server’s DNS registry, consciously rerouting the customer during a request to a suspicious IP address. How does your company defend itself from spoofing actions? By Encryption, Detection, VPS, etc.