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Which DNS is Safe?

Published in DNS Security 3 mins read

Determining which DNS is "safe" depends on what aspects of security and privacy are most important to you. Several DNS providers offer enhanced security and privacy features, including encryption, malware blocking, and ad blocking. Here's a breakdown of some popular options:

  • Google DNS (8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4): Google offers a fast and reliable DNS service. While Google has a strong track record of security, remember that using their services means trusting them with your DNS query data.

  • Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1, 1.0.0.1): Cloudflare prioritizes privacy and speed. They offer a free DNS service with strong encryption (DNS-over-HTTPS and DNS-over-TLS) and have a commitment to not logging your DNS queries.

  • Quad9 (9.9.9.9, 149.112.112.112): Quad9 blocks access to malicious domains by using threat intelligence from multiple sources. They also prioritize privacy and do not log personally identifiable information.

  • OpenDNS (208.67.222.222, 208.67.220.220): OpenDNS, now owned by Cisco, offers both free and paid DNS services. The free service includes phishing protection and can be configured for content filtering.

  • CleanBrowsing (185.228.168.9, 185.228.169.9): CleanBrowsing focuses on content filtering, making it a good option for families who want to block adult content or other undesirable websites.

  • Control D: Control D is a customizable DNS service that allows granular control over blocking specific categories of content, ads, and trackers. It's a paid service offering flexible configurations.

  • Alternate DNS: Alternate DNS is another option that focuses on security and privacy, offering malware and phishing protection.

  • AdGuard DNS: AdGuard DNS focuses primarily on ad blocking and tracker blocking at the DNS level. This can improve browsing speed and privacy.

Choosing the Right DNS

The "safest" DNS for you will depend on your specific needs and priorities:

  • Privacy: If privacy is your primary concern, Cloudflare DNS and Quad9 are good options due to their strong privacy policies and commitment to minimizing data logging.

  • Security: Quad9 and OpenDNS offer robust security features, including malware and phishing protection.

  • Content Filtering: CleanBrowsing and OpenDNS (configured for filtering) are suitable for families who want to block certain types of content. Control D provides granular control over content filtering.

  • Ad Blocking: AdGuard DNS and Control D effectively block ads and trackers.

Important Considerations:

  • Trust: Ultimately, you are trusting your chosen DNS provider with your DNS query data. Choose a provider with a strong reputation for privacy and security.
  • Encryption: Ensure the DNS provider supports DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) or DNS-over-TLS (DoT) to encrypt your DNS queries and prevent eavesdropping.
  • Logging Policies: Review the DNS provider's logging policies to understand what data they collect and how they use it.
  • Performance: Test the speed of different DNS providers to ensure you are getting optimal performance.

In conclusion, the best "safe" DNS depends on your individual needs, but options like Google, Cloudflare, Quad9, OpenDNS, CleanBrowsing, Control D, Alternate DNS, and AdGuard DNS all offer various security and privacy enhancements. Research their specific features and policies to find the one that best aligns with your requirements.

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