When using a Virtual Private Network (VPN), what is Domain Name System (DNS) filtering, and how can you stop it from happening?
It's very important to make sure that your Virtual Private Network (VPN) is working properly. If the network has Domain Name System (DNS) leaks, for example, you might run into problems. In this article, we'll talk about what these leaks are and how to stay away from them. We will also give you some tips on how to make these networks safer and more private.
Keep in mind that not all VPNs are the same. Not all of them have the same security features, and not all of them are equally safe. Free and paid options are available, but you should always choose a reliable network that works properly and helps you achieve a more secure and private connection.
What is a DNS leak?
A DNS leak means that your DNS queries are exposed. They don't go through a VPN tunnel, so your internet service provider (ISP) or any third party can see them. In short, this means they can see the websites you visit from your browser without hiding this information. DNS stands for Domain Name System. This system translates the domain names you visit into their corresponding IP addresses. For example, when you visit igli5.com, you enter the domain name, but the DNS servers translate it into the appropriate IP address, a number you don't need to remember.
When a DNS leak occurs, these queries will exit the encrypted VPN tunnel. Your privacy may be compromised, and thus one of the VPN's primary goals—preventing data or information leaks while browsing the internet—will not be achieved. This entails risks such as loss of anonymity, potential geo-restrictions, logging of your activity by your ISP, or difficulty bypassing censorship. All of this will affect your daily life, especially your privacy.
How to avoid that
So, how can you prevent DNS leaks when using a VPN? The first thing you can do is enable DNS leak protection. This is a feature available on many VPNs, especially the more popular ones. This protection prevents this problem from occurring, so make sure it's enabled. You can also use the kill switch feature. This feature automatically disconnects you if the VPN stops working, preventing your browsing information from being leaked and thus protecting your privacy.
Of course, using a reliable and high-performing VPN is essential. Be cautious when using free or trial versions, as they may have limitations. We recommend using networks like NordVPN or Surfshark, which we have tested and found to be very effective for secure internet browsing.
Ultimately, DNS leaks can pose a significant privacy risk. It's always important to use reliable, high-performing applications and configure them correctly to achieve optimal performance and minimize privacy risks.