What is a DNS Leak? A Step-by-Step Guide to Detection and Prevention

We’re all aware of the good the internet has done for the human race, but it’s always been a threat to users’ privacy, which explains why network security engineers enjoy high incomes. Among the many online privacy spoilers, a DNS leak is a pain in the neck. This threat is imminent for users who use a VPN to ensure online privacy, so you can imagine how a DNS leak can let them down. Here’s the solution to prevent a DNS leak:

• Use a VPN that features a Kill Switch
• Change your DNS settings to 1.1.1.1

DNS: The Internet’s Phonebook

The internet speaks in Internet Protocol (IP) and is all about digits. When you type a website address (e.g., google.com) in the address bar of your browser, the internet looks the address up in the DNS server and finds the IP address linked to the given address, and eventually directs you to the requested page. In other words, a DNS translates letters (website address) into numbers (IP).

Of course, it isn’t as straightforward as this, but it’s basically what happens. You can watch this fun video about “What is a DNS” for more details.

What Is a DNS Leak?

A DNS leak happens when your DNS query, or the websites you’ve looked for, become visible to an unintended or unauthorized party. A DNS leak is problematic when you’re using a VPN.

When you’re using a VPN on your device, all the internet traffic on your device is encrypted and transferred to the VPN server. This encryption makes the data transfer invisible to your ISP. In the case of a DNS leak, your DNS query is routed through an unprotected channel, which is your ISP. This means that your ISP can see what websites you’re browsing online.

Detecting DNS Leaks

Once you’re connected to a VPN, you can easily test a DNS leak. If you don’t mind getting a bit geeky, you can try some commands like *nslookup* on Windows or use tools such as Wireshark to monitor your network and detect leaked packets.

If you run any of these DNS leak detection tools and see a server that isn’t in the same location or doesn’t have the same IP range as your DNS server, this means that your DNS queries are leaked.

Preventing DNS Leaks

Luckily, preventing DNS leaks doesn’t require constant attention. Just apply the following settings, and you’re almost completely safe.

• Use a reliable VPN: A reliable VPN is one that protects you even when your connection is unstable. A feature called the Kill Switch stops all traffic if your VPN connection drops, ensuring that nothing gets leaked. Also, if you find any options related to DNS encryption in your VPN client, you should enable it.
• Manual DNS settings: Your router uses your ISP’s DNS settings by default. Just give AI your router’s model number and ask how change DNS settings. 1.1.1.1 is one of the most secure DNS servers you can use to override your ISP’s DNS defaults.

VPN for DNS Leak Protection

Your choices are wide when it comes to using a reliable VPN, but it might also be confusing. VPN reviews can help you make an informed decision. The thing about reputable VPN providers is that short-term plans are expensive, and to get a good deal, you need to buy annual or biannual subscriptions.

HidzoVPN features the Kill Switch for nonstop protection against DNS leaks. The subscription fee is low, too; HidzoVPN Premium plan is just $2.99 per month. So, you get maximum online protection without having to buy a long-term subscription.

What Causes a DNS Leak?

Your DNS queries can slip due to several reasons. Here are some of the more common ones:

• Faulty VPN configuration: Make sure the Kill Switch is enabled in your VPN app settings to prevent DNS leaks. Also, IPv6 compatibility can route DNS queries to insecure paths. You should enable the Kill Switch and disable IPv6 compatibility to prevent DNS leaks.
• Browser settings: Browsers like Chrome and Firefox have separate DNS resolvers that ignore VPN protections, leading to DNS leaks.
• Operating System Priority: DNS settings in both macOS and Windows prioritize your Internet Service Provider’s (ISP) DNS servers over the secure servers provided by a VPN.
• ISP-related reasons: Transparent DNS proxies allow ISPs to “intercept all DNS lookup requests and transparently proxy the results. This allows them to see your DNS queries and even block some to restrict your access.

For any of these factors that can contribute to DNS leaks, there’s a fix, but it’s just too much to cover them all here. So, you can use the following links to fix DNS leaks.

• How to enable or disable IPv6 in Windows 10 and 11
• How to disable or enable IPv6 on MacOS
• How to change DNS settings on your browser
• How to fix a DNS leak on different browsers

Why Care About a DNS Leak?

On a personal level, a DNS leak seriously endangers users’ online privacy, especially if they’re working on something and they don’t want anyone to find out about it. Additionally, if your ISP monitors your browsing history, it can figure out your online habits and use the data for marketing purposes. Click to learn whether your ISP tracks online activities.

On an enterprise level, the damage of a DNS leak can be financial. According to DNS security statistics, “Nearly 90% of organizations experienced DNS attacks in the past year, with the average cost of each attack around $950,000.”

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