What is DNS Leak (IP Leak)?

What is a DNS?

DNS (Domain Name Service) is a critical service that allows you to map hostnames to IP addresses and makes the Internet work. You'll be able to recall any website simply by its name, and you won't have to remember where the IP address is responding. To put it another way, it's like a gigantic phone book for internet users.

What is DNS Leak?

A DNS leak, also known as an "IP leak", is a security issue that permits DNS requests to be disclosed to ISP DNS servers despite using a VPN service to hide them. Although VPN users are the ones who are most concerned, proxy and direct internet users can also be protected.

In other terms, a DNS leak is a security issue involving your computer and DNS resolvers that compromises your online privacy because all inquiries are relayed over the network using an unencrypted DNS request.

Users should not be concerned about whether or not their browsing behaviour is being monitored in a world where net neutrality exists. As a user, you should be able to freely explore and communicate with various websites and online services without fear of DNS leaks.

What does it do in terms of privacy and security?

But, what kind of information do they steal? It indicates that invaders have the ability to −

Determine the IP address of your device.
See what kinds of websites you visit (based on your browser's DNS requests) and how much time you spend on them.
Keep track of everything you do online.

How to check if you have DNS leaks?

Internet users can test their VPN connection to see if their DNS is leaking. Many VPN providers and vendors offer tests that reveal the user's DNS server and disclose extra information about their surfing session. There is a plethora of one-click DNS vulnerability testing products on the market.

How to Prevent DNS Leaks?

You should take the following actions to prevent DNS leaks −

Use a strong VPN – The easiest approach to disguise your original IP address and encrypt the tunnel between your browser and DNS servers is to use a secure and dependable VPN.
Delete DNS Cache – The DNS cache stores everything of your surfing history. If it is intercepted, an intruder will be able to track all of your internet activities. As a result, clearing the DNS cache on a regular basis is recommended.
Use anonymous browsers – Use anonymous browsers such as Tor Browser, which hides the user's identity and doesn't require any DNS configuration on the operating system.
Disable Microsoft Teredo – Microsoft Teredo is a technology that allows Windows-based devices to smoothly move from IPv4 to IPv6. Teredo assists in providing full IPv6 connection to hosts on the IPv4 Internet until all hosts are on IPv6.
Use a secure DNS provider – Some enterprise-level solutions, such as Comodo's Secure Internet Gateway, provide an encrypted DNS connection. To prevent leakage, it encrypts all DNS traffic. This utility also acts as a DNS filtering service in addition to avoiding DNS leaks. It keeps track of all DNS requests and prevents dangerous sites.