What is Domain name system (DNS) hijacking?

The Growing Threat of DNS Hijacking: Impact on Cybersecurity and Antivirus

The Domain Name System (DNS) is an essential component of internet infrastructure, acting as an internet's phone book that translates human-friendly web addresses into machine-readable IP (Internet Protocol) addresses. When you type a web address in your browser, like "www.example.com," your network's DNS server translates it to its corresponding IP address like "192.0.2.1."

DNS hijacking, also known as DNS redirection, is a form of malicious hacking that abuses this process in a cybersecurity context. This technique is often applied by cybercriminals to redirect the user's online traffic to fake, corrupted, or malicious websites by altering the DNS settings on the user's device or taking control over a DNS server. The purpose of this kind of attack is to spread malware, engage in phishing, facilitate content manipulation, or lead to a denial of service.

Commonly, a DNS hijacking episode involves tricking users into unknowingly changing their DNS server settings so that their traffic is routed through a DNS server controlled by the hacker. This malicious server then maps the requested addresses to IP addresses of websites designed to spread malware, steal sensitive data, or exercise influence over the user's browsing experience. In such instances, a user may enter the correct web address, but they’re taken to a spoofed site due to the hijacked DNS resolution, resulting in a compromised information security situation.

DNS hijacking attacks could be done by compromising the user's computer with malicious software (malware) or via the cybercriminal's manipulation of the DNS communication protocols. In some cases, these attacks utilize vulnerabilities in the router’s software to alter DNS settings, indicating how a security breach in one network component can affect others.

DNS hijacking poses serious threats in various contexts. For instance, a single compromised router within a business or organization can redirect an entire network's traffic, allowing cybercriminals to harvest sensitive and valuable information. Similarly, an end-user's compromised DNS settings can lead to unauthorized transactions, data theft and subsequently, a loss of user trust towards the cybersecurity measures in place.

In striated terms of threats, DNS hijacking is used by cybercriminals for both focused and wide-ranging attacks. It can be part of targeted cybercrime operations, aiming at particular entities, or it can be a part of broader botnet actions targeting thousands of computers simultaneously. Its most menacing attribute is its ability to interfere with web browsing in an inconspicuous way, which often makes users oblivious to its effect.

As alarming as DNS hijacking sounds, several methods can help mitigate its risks. The collective countermeasure knowledge of cybersecurity authorities suggests that users must keep their antivirus software, firewalls, OS, and other applications up-to-date. Systems administrators can implement DNSSEC (Domain Name System Security Extensions) a suite of internet engineering task force (IETF) specifications for securing information provided by the Domain Name System. They can deploy protective solutions like IPsec or TLS that aid in providing end-to-end communication security over networks. All users can avoid suspicious emails, links, and software, which are common sources of DNS hijack-propagating malware.

DNS hijacking represents a serious threat but there are effective countermeasures in place. Awareness about DNS hijacking and an enhanced vigilance in following safe web practices can go a long way in safeguarding the integrity of the internet's address book.

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