In an earlier cybersecurity newsletter, we discussed EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response) solutions and the benefits of traditional endpoint protection. Clearly, EDR is the more advanced solution, but the downside of that path is the ongoing and increased costs on a monthly basis. What I can share, is that a typical endpoint solution could be very effective in fending off malicious attacks on your servers, computers, and laptops, when they are configured properly and have DNS filtering.
I promise we aren’t reading your thoughts, but I know that you are thinking…. What the heck is DNS filtering?! DNS stands for domain name service and what it does is actually pretty darn important. Without it, the Internet as we know it would not function. You couldn’t surf the web, send/receive e-mails, check out pictures of ex-girlfriends on Facebook, or even watch Netflix! I’m guessing I have your interest in DNS now, but let me explain what it does and how it works.
What DNS does is resolve domain names to IP addresses so that the Internet can be properly routed to its intended destination. Examples of domain names are onlineCTS.com, ebhs.org, and frankiscool.net. Those domains needed to be translated into IP addresses, which appear like 208.108.5.110 or 38.100.53.15. DNS servers translate domain names to IP addresses so that your system knows how to reach a remote server to transmit or receive data.
In order to understand how DNS functions and its importance, you are probably asking yourself this: How does DNS relate to cybersecurity and protecting your organization? Fortunately for us there are DNS hosting providers that categorize domains with the type of content and data that they host/deliver, as well as which ones provide access to malicious information. Some endpoint protection solutions manage their own DNS servers and provide detailed examination results of each domain
When you implement DNS filtering with an endpoint protection solution, this enables you to further protect your business with these benefits:
- Block connections to malicious servers that may be trying to deliver malware and their payloads to your system that were delivered from an e-mail
- Further, protect your end users from falling for a phishing attempt by not allowing them to access the malicious website
- Block employees from website categories, such as social media, gambling, or shopping, that may decrease or lower their productivity
To discuss further the benefits of endpoint protection with DNS filtering, please reach out to Frank at [email protected] or (847) 894-6304. Together we are in this ongoing battle in keeping businesses safe!