DNS and Network Privacy
Explanation of DNS leaks, DoH, DoT, and how to use encrypted DNS resolvers like NextDNS, ControlD, or self-hosted Unbound with Mullvad or Tor.
What You'll Learn
What is DNS and Why Privacy Matters
DNS Explained
DNS (Domain Name System) translates human-readable domain names into IP addresses. Every website visit requires a DNS lookup.
Privacy Risks
Your ISP can see every website you visit through DNS queries, even if you use HTTPS.
DNS Leaks
When using a VPN, DNS queries might bypass the VPN tunnel, revealing your real location.
Encrypted DNS
DoH (DNS over HTTPS) and DoT (DNS over TLS) encrypt DNS queries to prevent snooping.
Privacy Benefits
Encrypted DNS prevents ISPs from tracking your browsing history and blocking websites.
Performance
Modern DNS resolvers can be faster and more reliable than ISP-provided DNS servers.
Understanding DNS Leaks
What is a DNS Leak?
A DNS leak occurs when your DNS queries bypass your VPN tunnel and go directly to your ISP's DNS servers.
How to Prevent DNS Leaks
Use VPN DNS servers and configure your system to prevent DNS leaks.
Encrypted DNS Solutions
DNS over HTTPS (DoH)
Encrypts DNS queries using HTTPS protocol, making them look like regular web traffic.
DNS over TLS (DoT)
Encrypts DNS queries using TLS protocol on port 853, providing strong encryption.
Privacy-Focused DNS Providers
Cloudflare
NextDNS
ControlD
Self-Hosted DNS with Unbound
What is Unbound?
Unbound is a validating, recursive, and caching DNS resolver that you can run on your own server or local machine for maximum privacy and control.
Setup Steps
Testing for DNS Leaks
Online Tests
Use these websites to test for DNS leaks while connected to your VPN.
Manual Testing
Use command line tools to check your DNS configuration.
DNS Configuration Guide
System-Wide DNS Configuration
Windows
macOS/Linux
DNS Privacy Checklist
Configuration
Testing
Ready to Secure Your DNS?
Start with encrypted DNS providers like Cloudflare or NextDNS, then consider self-hosting for maximum privacy. Remember to test regularly for DNS leaks.