Do you desire more information on DNS attack types? You are in the appropriate location if the answer is yes. Today’s post will examine the four most prevalent ones and how to combat them. However, let’s first define what a DNS attack is.

What does a DNS attack aim to achieve?

What precisely falls under a DNS attack? The term refers to a class of cyberattacks in which malicious hackers target an organization’s DNS servers, which hold desired domain names. They can carry out the assaults described below when they possess specific domain names. Bad actors may also search a system for holes they may use to their advantage.

4 most common DNS attack types

1. DNS cache poisoning

DNS spoofing, also known as DNS cache poisoning, refers to operations that aim to smuggle altered entries into name servers’ DNS caches. Attackers change the relationship between domain names and their corresponding IPv4 or IPv6 addresses in this way, causing visitors to access a phony website that is typically dangerous.

2. DDoS Amplification 

A DNS assault like this one aims to increase traffic to uncontrollable levels. There are numerous implementations, however, the UDP protocol is usually used to interfere with your DNS. Thieves submit a DNS request to gain the IP address and more DNS information (records) because UDP does not validate, guaranteeing a tremendous response.

3. DNS Tunneling

In order to encrypt (tunnel) malware and other information in DNS queries and responses, this DNS attack takes advantage of the DNS (client-server way). Other protocols are used in this assault to pass DNS requests and responses. Using TCP, HTTP, or SSH, hackers can inject malware or exfiltrated data into DNS queries.

4. DNS hijacking

DNS hijacking is altering a user’s DNS requests such that they are redirected to a chosen target by the attacker. To steal money from targets’ bank accounts, use credit cards fraudulently, sell personally identifiable information on the dark web, and carry out other nefarious activities, cybercriminals deploy DNS attacks and hijacking tools.

Hackers can employ DNS hijacking to support other cyberattack strategies like phishing and pharming (display unwelcome adverts to make money).

How do you go up against DNS attack types?

You now know how harmful DNS attacks are. Here are some ways to deal with them:

• Keeping an eye on the traffic. Monitoring incoming and outgoing requests is the first step in discovering anomalies. Your answer data’s context information also makes it possible to conduct a more thorough forensic investigation.
• DNSSEC approach. A DNS security extension is DNSSEC (Domain Name System Security Extensions). It offers DNS data that is transmitted via internet cryptographic authentication, demonstrating the data’s integrity and source.
• Firewall. As your first line of security against invasions, strange DNS requests, answers, and patterns, install DNS-effective firewall software.

Suggested article: What is a Private DNS server and why to use it?

Conclusion

Yes, DNS attacks can seriously damage your organization. The most common ones include DNS spoofing, DNS Tunneling, DDoS Amplification, and DNS Hijacking. Additionally, employ DNSSEC, a firewall, and keep an eye on the traffic if you wish to safeguard yourself against them. Luck!