Have You Updated Your DNS Settings?

Tuesday, July 22nd, 2008
at 5:57pm

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If you have your own website, sit still and listen closely. What I’m going to talk to you about is that important. Even more important is for you to pass this information on to your friends, family and coworkers. What happens when you go to open your favorite website and it’s not there? Well, it’s possible you have some malware there, yes. But it’s also likely it’s a security flaw in your DNS.

Recently, a significant threat to DNS, the system that translates names you can remember (such as www.doxpara.com) to numbers the Internet can route (66.240.226.139) was discovered, that would allow malicious people to impersonate almost any website on the Internet. Software companies across the industry have quietly collaborated to simultaneously release fixes for all affected name servers.

The problem is, there is a flaw that is going through your DNS. You can protect yourself by setting yourself to OpenDNS. This can affect you no matter what computer or operating system you’re using, and no matter what ISP you may have. If you connect to the Internet, you need to have DNS servers. Your computer needs to know how to match an IP address with a domain name.

How do you know if your DNS settings have been compromised? Head over to DoxPara. Dan has done a fantastic job of putting all of this information together for you, along with the tool to help you see if you’ve been compromised. Whether you’re an Expert or a novice… you need to check your DNS now. You’ll be safe if you switch to OpenDNS.

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11 Comments

techy2011

July 22nd, 2008
at 6:50pm

i have been using opendns for awhile now ..it is quick about pulling up websites but definitely thanks for telling everyone about this i didnt have ne idea about there being an virus in the dns. great find chris.

KSchmidt

July 22nd, 2008
at 9:26pm

Old News! Leo Laporte talked about this ages ago…
Stay on top of security so half your followers dont get taken for a ride before you tell them whats going on.

posershadow

July 22nd, 2008
at 9:30pm

Thanks for the tips Chris, just updated my DNS, good to hear these kinds of tips before it’s too late.

Lucas_Am

July 22nd, 2008
at 9:59pm

Thanks for the heads up Chris. I switched over to OpenDNS and I have noticed a slight difference in load speeds of websites. And I’m confident I’ll be protected from this nasty DNS flaw.

Keep the tips coming.

Lucas

johnr9816

July 23rd, 2008
at 2:10am

I Tried OpenDNS one I liked it a lot. Butt then my internet died and i called comcast and they said my connection was fine and eventually we got it working and i asked about OpenDNS on account that I was using it and they said that OpenDNS was the problem, and that you are not allowed to use any other DNS but there’s unless your under there business plain. i guess they started to block it at least here in my part of PA.

wireandmedia.com

July 23rd, 2008
at 2:14am

Recent Press Releases The latest press releases. estelle getty, rielle hunter, john edwards, heather kennedy, … OptiSolar Raises $77.8MHave You Updated Your DNS Settings?How do You Run Windows Programs without Windows? Can You put a PowerPoint Presentation on an iPhone? CULTURE: Smoking is Now Behaving Badly According to AOL Search and EARN Rhymefest is clearly upset

W Walkerf

July 23rd, 2008
at 4:56am

I have 2 desktops, a laptop, Tivo, and Voip on home network using a 2Wire DSL 4cable[wireless modem/router. The phone(Voip) is connected using s linksys voip phone adapter w/router. When I change setting to opendns my phone (linksys) will not connect.

Rob

July 23rd, 2008
at 11:12am

Chris, I have updated my DNS setting on our entire network to OpenDNS. One of the reasons is for the features it gives you and second because of the great security it has included with it. Its so easy to setup all you do is change your DNS Setting in your router or on your computer. Best of all its free!

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July 23rd, 2008
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TheSlimJim

July 24th, 2008
at 9:18pm

I just set my dad’s router to use OpenDNS as well as the Verizon EVDO connection we use elsewhere. Since then, I have noticed an increase in the speed to which I go to web sites. Now that this recent news has popped up, more power to OpenDNS since I am more secure online than I’ve ever been before. Kudos to OpenDNS.

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August 2nd, 2008
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s an example from the session “Extreme Mobile Gaming Design Considerations for High Performance Notebooks. Tags: centrino, Intel Developer Forum, Gaming, IDF, Intel, Nehalem, Notebooks, ShanghaiHave You Updated Your DNS Settings?Add to iTunes | Add to YouTube | Add to Google | RSS Feed If you have your own website, sit still and listen closely. What I’m going to talk to you about is that important. Even more important is for you to pass this information on to your