It is somewhat common for Internet Service Providers to "over rule" or "hijack" the current PC or router settings and force the web request from the browser to the ISP choice of server. Malware also has the ability to do this. Keep reading below on some helpful hints on how to test if your DNS is safe and other helpful hints and software to address DNS hijacking.
Many ISPs have been found guilty of hijacking web requests, despite administrators best efforts to send web requests to a different server for name resolution services, such as Open DNS. These services are what feed your browser the correct website to visit. The services can also be hijacked by malware installed the browser or on the computer.
Tip #1 - Check your internet is safe
OpenDNS provides different URLs that enable you to test and verify the successful configuration of OpenDNS on a home network. Check out these sites below to see if you may be falling headfirst into a trap.
Tip #2 - Check if your DNS is being hijacked by something else
Malicious programs on a machine may hijack web requests. The following website is a great test to determine if your DNS is being hijacked by something else:
Tip #3 - This guide will step through how to secure your DNS on the local PC
Tip #4 - Check the browser for any unknown extensions
Tip #5 - Go through the add/remove programs list and uninstall any programs that are not recognized
Tip #6 - Install a VPN
There are some very well known and affordable VPNs that can be installed which will bypass an ISP's choice of DNS server of forcing the PC to use their DNS server. For a small monthly fee, a VPN may be a good solution. Some like NordVPN will also include other services such as dark web monitoring, although Microsoft is starting to provide this service for free inside of the Microsoft Edge browser itself.
Comentários