Your business website is a valuable asset, but DNS (Domain Name System) ensures everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. Many business owners don’t realize that DNS is a frequent target for cyberattacks. 

DNS attacks increased by 80% in 2024, with the cost of a single breach averaging close to $1 million. If left unsecured, your business could face severe consequences, from downtime to data theft. 

Protecting your DNS is one of the most effective ways to maintain website security and ensure your business stays operational. In this article, we will discuss the critical role of DNS in cybersecurity and why securing it is crucial for your business.

What is DNS and Why It Matters

DNS serves as the backbone of the internet. Every time someone visits a website, sends an email, or accesses online services, DNS connects the user to the correct server. Without it, you’d need to remember IP addresses instead of easy-to-remember domain names like “example.com.”

DNS is essential for businesses because it ensures your website’s availability and functionality. A vulnerable DNS can expose your business to cyberattacks, like DNS hijacking or Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks. These attacks can lead to website downtime, lost revenue, and damaging reputation.

A Brief Look at DNS History

Understanding the evolution of DNS gives insight into why securing it is so essential today. In the early days of the internet, DNS was designed without cybersecurity in mind. Its primary goal was to make navigating the internet easier by converting domain names into IP addresses. 

However, as the internet grew, so did the complexity and scale of cyberattacks. Over time, securing DNS became necessary to protect users and businesses from these emerging threats. Learning about DNS History helps companies appreciate the importance of adapting modern solutions to safeguard their digital assets.

Common Cyber Threats Targeting DNS

DNS Hijacking

DNS hijacking is one of the most common threats. In this attack, hackers redirect traffic from your website to malicious sites. They can exploit DNS vulnerabilities to steal sensitive information from your users or distribute malware. Once hackers gain control over your DNS, they can manipulate where your domain points, causing severe security issues.

DDoS Attacks on DNS

DDoS attacks overwhelm your DNS servers with fake traffic, making your website unavailable to legitimate users. Since DNS is responsible for routing traffic, disrupting it can effectively take down your website. These attacks are often large-scale and can be difficult to stop once they begin.

DNS Cache Poisoning

Another DNS-related threat is DNS cache poisoning. This happens when attackers inject false data into the DNS cache, directing users to malicious websites. Businesses, customers, or employees attempting to visit your site could end up on harmful pages without even realizing it.

How Securing DNS Helps in Cybersecurity

Given the risks, protecting your DNS should be a top priority. A secure DNS infrastructure can mitigate these threats and enhance your overall cybersecurity practices. Here are a few essential methods for securing DNS.

Use DNSSEC (DNS Security Extensions): DNSSEC is a protocol designed to protect DNS by verifying the authenticity of DNS responses. It prevents malicious actors from altering DNS responses and ensures users reach the correct website.

Regularly Update DNS Servers: DNS servers need regular updates to fix vulnerabilities like other software. Outdated servers can be easy targets for cybercriminals.

Monitor DNS Traffic: Monitoring DNS traffic helps you detect unusual activity early. Unusual spikes or patterns could signal an impending attack, giving you time to respond.

Use DNS Filtering: DNS filtering blocks access to malicious domains. It prevents employees or visitors from accessing harmful websites, even if they click on suspicious links.

The Role of DNS in Business Continuity

Beyond direct security threats, DNS plays a crucial role in business continuity. If your DNS service goes down, so does your website. Customers won’t be able to access your services, and communication could be interrupted. This is especially critical for eCommerce businesses, where downtime can result in lost sales.

The importance of DNS has grown alongside the increasing reliance on cloud services and remote work. Companies now depend on their websites and online platforms to operate smoothly. A secure and reliable DNS setup ensures your business remains accessible, even during cyberattacks.

Practical Steps to Secure Your DNS

You might wonder how to apply these strategies to your business website. Here are some practical steps you can take to boost your DNS security:

Implement DNSSEC: Enable DNSSEC on your domain to add an extra layer of security. This protocol helps ensure that users connect to your legitimate website, even if someone tries to intercept their request.

Use a Trusted DNS Provider: Not all DNS providers offer the same level of security. Choose one that prioritizes cybersecurity and offers robust protection against common threats like DDoS attacks.

Regularly Audit DNS Settings: Conduct regular audits to ensure your DNS settings are up-to-date and secure. Small misconfigurations can leave you vulnerable to attacks.

Set Up Redundancy: Ensure you have backup DNS servers to maintain availability in case of an attack or outage. Having multiple servers in different locations can help mitigate the effects of DDoS attacks.

Monitor DNS Activity: Monitor your DNS traffic and look for irregularities. By monitoring DNS queries, you can detect potential threats early and respond quickly.

Educate Your Team: Train your employees on DNS security best practices. This includes recognizing phishing attempts and understanding the importance of secure DNS configurations.

Conclusion

Securing your business website is critical in today’s world. As cyber threats grow more complex, protecting all parts of your online presence is essential to maintain trust and keep things running smoothly. By focusing on proactive security measures, you safeguard your data and ensure your customers can rely on you. Staying up to date with modern cybersecurity practices will help you stay ahead of potential threats. When prioritizing website security, you build a more substantial, resilient business ready to grow and thrive in the digital age.

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Originally Published on https://www.breakfastleadership.com/

Michael Levitt Chief Burnout Officer

Michael D. Levitt is the founder & Chief Burnout Officer of The Breakfast Leadership Network, a San Diego and Toronto-based burnout consulting firm. He is a Keynote speaker on The Great Resignation, Quiet Quitting and Burnout. He is the host of the Breakfast Leadership show, a Certified NLP and CBT Therapist, a Fortune 500 consultant, and author of his latest book BURNOUT PROOF.