DNS

Domain Name Systems convert domain names (e.g. wiki.installgentoo.com) into ip addresses (e.g. 176.9.127.115). By default, you're probably using your ISP's DNS.

Alternative DNS Servers

If you're unhappy with your ISP's DNS services, consider the following:

Google

8.8.8.8

8.8.4.4

OpenNIC

The OpenNIC Project relies on volunteers to provide censorship free DNS servers.

Problems with DNS

• DNS can be used for censorship.

Arab Spring protestor advising alternative DNS servers to avoid government censorship.

The DNS owner can redirect any domain name to any IP address. This can happen due to siteblocking legislation (e.g. U.K.) or totalitarian governments (e.g. Arab Spring).

DNS is the simplest way to block a website from a tech illiterate user, and also the easiest site blocking method to circumvent.

• DNS can be used for Man in the Middle attacks.

If an attacker controls your DNS (e.g. poisoned WiFi), they can redirect your requests to malicious servers. HTTPS with valid certificates can protect against this, but tech illiterate users generally click through security warnings with gay abandon.

Securing DNS

Main Article: Anonymous DNS