Is DNS Management the Most Overlooked Hosting Security Risk for Websites?

Even if you properly secure and update your server, you may still worry about something can go wrong. This something going wrong may indeed be something as simple as your DNS. I'll bet you that DNS is one of the most typically overlooked areas of a website's security. All of your other security measures may seem like they are fine—firewall, updates, backups—but because you ignored the DNS, you could eventually get into trouble.

Why DNS is Overlooked by Many and Why It is a Risk​

Since you don't see what is happening with your DNS, you may not think that it is very important. This is similar to developing a habit of "I won't touch it because it was done for me." That thinking can lead to losing your website. It is the DNS server that directs the traffic to your website, so the hackers will target websites that have a weak DNS.

Have you ever noticed that hackers tend to take the path of least resistance? With so many different avenues to exploit, the easiest way to hack into someone's computer is often the DNS.

The "I Will Get to It Later" Mentality​

Many people who own a website view their DNS as something that will always be there. So, they leave their settings unchanged for many years. I did the same thing and depended upon my host to handle everything. Trusting your hosting company to manage your DNS may not be your best option.

There are many common mistakes with DNS that can be made, including:

• Weak login security at the DNS service provider
• No notification of DNS records when they change
• DNSSEC is not enabled
• There are old and unused DNS records

Although these seem minor, they can create large gaps in relation to security.

DNS Attackers Leverage DNS to Damage Your Company​

When someone gains control of your DNS, they can manipulate the location that users are directed to. For example, website visitors may end up on counterfeit websites, emails can be intercepted and stolen, and trust can be lost almost immediately. This is particularly true when an organization has strong server security and still suffers from DNS-related issues.

Common Types Of DNS Attacks​

As a result of access to DNS, I have experienced all of the following types of DNS attacks on multiple occasions:

• DNS Redirection - When a user is directed to an alternate website

• DNS Cache Poisoning - Where inaccurate information is returned to users all too often due to malware

• Domain Takeovers - Where weak password has resulted in domain takeover.

That sounds pretty scary!!

Why Domain Name System Security is Overlooked by Most People​

Everyone likes to talk about firewalls and antivirus software, but DNS usually doesn't get talked about because people are not interested in it. Yet DNS represents the front door to your website, so it doesn't make sense to leave it unsecured.

A few things you can do that are relatively easy but will help a lot include:

• Enable DNSSEC
• Use strong passwords & Two-factor authentication
• Subscribe to DNS change notifications
• Regularly review your DNS records.