The internet may have opened the door to unfathomable amounts of information but it has also opened the door to cyber attackers. When browsing online, it only takes one stray click to find yourself the target of malware or a phishing attempt. Using DNS protection solutions is becoming standard practice as enterprises attempt to protect themselves against cybercrime.

Here is our list of the best DNS Protection Solutions for your network:

  • CleanBrowsing EDITOR’S CHOICE This DNS resolver offers content filtering and phishing protection through a DNS management service that guarantees constant availability. This system tuns on the cloud, is easy to set up, and is offered in free and paid versions.
  • Neustar UltraDNS An enterprise DNS solution that ensures constant availability. And includes DDoS protection. This is a cloud-based service.
  • Comodo Dragon Secure Internet Gateway This protection service against malicious sites is implemented through a hosted DNS service, which guarantees constant availability and also allows content filtering.
  • Cloudflare A selection of edge services offered by a leading DDoS protection provider that includes a free DNS service and related failover and load balancing.
  • Paloalto Networks DNS Security A scalable cloud-based DNS system that uses AI processes to block DNS tampering attempts.
  • Nexusguard DNS Protection A global network of DNS servers provides constant availability and fast responses from this secure system.
  • DNSFilter An edge service that manages DNS references and pre-checks Web pages before returning its IP address. This cloud-based service also enables custom filtering rules.

DNS protection solutions have become one of the core tools that enterprises use to protect themselves against threats online and avoid unnecessary costs. In this article, we’re going to look at the eight best DNS protection solutions for your network, but first, let’s look at what DNS is and what protection tools do.

What is DNS?

The Domain Name System or DNS acts as an online phonebook. The DNS is used to convert a domain name into an IP address for a device to connect to. DNS is used because it’s easier for the user to remember a domain name rather than a long-winded IP address. When you enter a search query into your web-browser the DNS server translates it into the IP protocol that enables the computer to open the site.

What are DNS Protection Tools and Why Do I Need Them?

If left unprotected, the DNS is vulnerable to being tampered with by cybercriminals. For example, malicious entities can create false DNS records and fool legitimate users into visiting fake websites and downloading malware. An unfortunate interaction between the DNS server and a compromised site can result in:

  • DDoS attacks
  • DNS hijacking
  • Cache poisoning
  • Botnets
  • Man-in-the-middle attacks

DNS protection tools are designed to prevent cyber attacks by acting as an intermediary between your web browser and the websites/content you access online. DNS protection software can block compromised sites, block known botnet servers, filter content such as advertisements or adult sites, correct domain typos, and more.

The best DNS Protection Solutions

Essentially, a DNS protection tool acts as a buffer that limits your exposure to online threats. Ultimately, how safe you are, depends on the quality of the product that you’re using. Let’s take a closer look at what’s available.

Our methodology for selecting a DNS protection solution for your network 

We reviewed the market for DNS protection systems and analyzed tools based on the following criteria:

  • A cloud-based system
  • Threat intelligence that is constantly updated
  • A resolver that will handle all of your user’s external DNS requests
  • Safe browsing features that scan Web pages for malware
  • Optional content filters
  • A free trial or a money-back promise so you can try a service before committing to it
  • Value for money that is provided by a solid and reliable service but at a fair price

With these selection criteria in mind, we looked for reliable systems that will provide a constant DNS resolver for your users when accessing external Web destinations.

1. CleanBrowsing

CleanBrowsing is a DNS resolver that performs filters and blocks on Web requests before responses are delivered back to the Web browser.

A DNS resolver doesn’t store the cross-references between URLs and IP addresses, it fetches the relevant record from another DNS service. On receiving the address of the requested Web page, the CleanBrowsing system scans that page and checks that it is genuine and doesn’t include downloaders for Trojans or other malware. If the page checks out, the DNS resolver returns its IP address to the requestor.

Key Features

  • Cloud-based DNS resolver
  • Allows content blocks
  • Scans for infected pages
  • Validates page addresses before delivering them
  • Free version available

The DNS service offers an opportunity to perform other controls at the point of verifying a page. CleanBrowsing offers pre-set filters that can be applied just be activating a package. These are an Adult content filter and a Family content filter. It is also possible to create your own filtering rules.

The CleanBrowsing system is available for free. This option is suitable for home users and small businesses. The free version can also be used as a free trial for the paid editions. There are three plans for the paid option of CleanBrowsing with higher plans that offer larger processing volumes and more controls.

Pros:

  • Offers protection from malicious sites, botnets, and phishing sites
  • Can enforce company browsing policies
  • Configuration is accessible anywhere through a simple cloud-based dashboard
  • Available in both free and paid versions

Cons:

  • Not designed for home users, the platform is best used in businesses environments

2. Neustar UltraDNS

EDITOR’S CHOICE

CleanBrowsing is our top option for a DNS protection solution because it is so easy to use. You don’t have to install any software to get this service, you just need to point your Browser’s DNS settings to point to the system. It can be set up on routers to cover all devices on the network. CleanBrowsing includes redundancy with its many data centers around the world to ensure constant availability. Include devices wherever they are, including mobile equipment, into one monitoring and protection plan.

Download: Free Edition

Official Site: https://cleanbrowsing.org/guides/configure-free-content-filtering-service/

OS: Cloud-based

Neustar UltraDNS is one of the top DNS protection solutions for enterprise users that guarantees 100% website availability. Neustar UltraDNS is a high-performance solution with next to no latency and instant cache hosts for enterprises located next to Neustar hosts.

  • Guaranteed 100 percent availability
  • Distributed for fast delivery
  • Built-in DDoS protection
  • 30 nodes around the world

The service is resistant to failure with 30 nodes distributed across six continents providing resistance to technological and geographical events. The program has built-in DDoS protection with local mitigation to stop attackers in their tracks.

The price of Neustar UltraDNS depends on the number of queries that you want to support. Prices start at 500,000 queries for $30 (£24) per month. The next package supports one million queries for $50 (£41). The last package supports two million queries at $90 (£73) per month. You can learn more on the product page.

  • Designed to scale, great for enterprise networks

  • Offers policy enforcement, phishing protection, and DDoS prevention

  • Offers 100% availability through 30 different nodes around the world

  • Features like DDoS mitigation require technical knowledge to implement

3. Comodo Dragon Secure Internet Gateway

Comodo Dragon Secure Internet Gateway is an edge service that is based around a DNS service.

You change the default DNS server settings in your network’s internet gateway to activate the platform’s services. Remote workers need to change the DNS server settings on their home computers to get protection from the service. The system can also be used to protect mobile devices running iOS and Android.

  • DNS monitoring
  • Content filters
  • Activity monitor

As well as providing automatic protection for DNS entries, ensuring that no masquerading takes place, the DNS service offers a number of Web access management options.

The console for the service is based in the cloud and includes a comprehensive monitoring screen that summarizes all recent Web access transactions made from within your network. It is also possible to drill down and examine each access event.

Requested URLs are all validated before the system passes back the corresponding IP address. This validation also includes scanning the destination page for malicious content.

The user-specified controls represent a firewall system. They allow you to create your own blocklist and whitelist and it is possible to block entire categories of sites. The Comodo system offers a list of categories from which you can choose. The system also makes it possible to set up your own screens that your users will see if they try to access a blocked site or page.

The service seems to be in a state of flux. While the presentation page for the Secure Internet Gateway service mentions four editions, the order page only offers one. This costs $2.45 per month per license or $29.38 per year. You can get a demo of the package in order to understand its services better.

  • Offers mobile device protection for Android and iOS platforms

  • Uses IP address validation to prevent blocked content and malicious URLs

  • Customizable block screen page, great for MSPs

  • No free version, only demo available

4. Cloudflare

Cloudflare is another top DNS provider. You can manage all your domains through one user interface or API. Cloudflare is widely used because it can process domain name queries lightning fast with an average DNS lookup speed of 11ms. Cloudflare can be configured as a secondary DNS provider and will automatically update records when the primary DNS provider is updated.

  • Fast lookup responses
  • Guaranteed constant availability
  • Free version available

When using Cloudflare you aren’t subject to any query limits so you stay protected no matter what. For added security, Cloudflare uses built-in load balancing and automatic failover. These features help to keep your DNS available even if there is an outage or failure.

There are four versions of Cloudflare available: Free, Pro, Business, and Enterprise. The Free version doesn’t cost anything and supports personal websites. The Pro version costs $20 (£16) per month per domain for professional websites.

  • One of the fastest DNS services on the market

  • Can automatically update record changes from parent DNS servers

  • Supports a fully functional free version (great for small businesses)

  • Offers a wide range of features that can take time to explore

The Business version costs $200 (£163) per month per domain for eCommerce websites and other businesses that require advanced security and performance functionality. The Enterprise version is for enterprises requiring enterprise-grade security and 24/7/365 support. You can sign up for the program.

5. Paloalto Networks DNS Security

Paloalto Networks DNS Security is a DNS protection tool that uses URL filtering, predictive analytics, and machine learning to block the latest online threats. Paloalto Networks DNS Security automatically blocks malicious domains and identifies DNS tunneling attacks in real-time.

  • Constant availability
  • AI-based attack protection
  • Blacklists malicious domains

The service is scalable, with a cloud-based database that means there’s no limit to the number of domains it can block. If you’re looking for an intelligent DNS protection solution with machine learning capabilities, Paloalto Networks DNS Security is a product worth considering. In order to purchase Paloalto Networks DNS Security, you’ll have to contact the sales team directly. You can request a demo.

6. Nexusguard DNS Protection

  • Uses simple visuals to help illustrate protection trends

  • Uses machine learning to stop evolving attacks in real-time

  • Allows users to easily add domains to blocklists quickly

  • Must request a demo for pricing

Nexusguard DNS Protection is another well-reputed DNS protection program. Nexusguard DNS Protection is powered by a global network of distributed nodes to ensure resistance against performance issues or outages. The fast-track setup process allows you to enter the IP addresses of your DNS servers and be ready to go.

  • Globally distributed
  • Easy to set up
  • Activity monitoring

You can monitor the status of your DNS via the customer portal. The customer portal shows you stats on DNS queries and bandwidth consumption. It is here that you will configure which domains are protected.

Nexusguard DNS Protection comes with Two-Factor Authentication to keep your account safe from unauthorized access. The tool is recommended to those who want a leaner DNS management experience. If you’re interested in downloading Nexusguard DNS Protection you’ll have to contact the sales team directly. You can contact them on their site to request a demo.

7. DNSFilter

  • Offers a global network for nodes to mitigate attacks and outages

  • Provides two-factor authentication for additional security

  • Can monitor protection status and bandwidth protection through a simple dashboard

  • Must request pricing from their sales team

DNSFilter is a cloud-based DNS protector designed to stop malware, viruses, phishing attacks, and other online threats. DNSFilter uses features such as AI powered-content filtering to control what content the user can access. DNSFilter also has a dashboard where you can view your sites, network activity, and generate security reports.

  • Malicious page blocks
  • Content filtering possible
  • Activity monitoring

You can configure content filtering policies to determine what content you see. For instance, you can choose what type of websites you want to block. Whether that is illegal sites, adult sites, streaming sites, and more. These lists are maintained by algorithms so you don’t have to manually update them regularly.

There are three Standard Plans for DNSFilter; Basic, Pro, and Enterprise. The Basic version costs $0.90 (£0.74) per month per user. The Pro version costs $1.80 (£1.48) per month, per user with additional features like per client reports. The Enterprise version costs $2.70 (£2.22) per month, per user with additional data retention. You can start the 14-day free trial.

  • One of the more user-friendly DNS protection tools available

  • Highly visual platform, great for quick insights

  • Can monitor activity as well as content filtering

  • Would like to see a longer trial period

Best DNS Protection Solutions

Choose a DNS protection solution that best matches your budget and your business requirements. Deploying content filtering will not only keep you safe online but help to make for a more positive browsing experience. Deploying a DNS security program will stop malicious entities from being able to negatively affect your online activity.

Tools like Comodo Dome Shield, Cyren DNS Security, and StackPath DNS are all good choices for enterprise users. With the right configurations, you’ll be able to give yourself the best line of defense against cyber attackers.