The DNS – Domain Name System is a crucial component of the interconnected web. It connects users to websites and services. DNS hijacking is also popularly known as DNS redirection. It occurs when attackers gain control of the DNS server and redirect traffic from legitimate websites to malicious or fake websites.

DNS hijacking can result in financial loss and the theft of sensitive information. Therefore, you must understand how to identify DNS hijacking and prevent it from occurring on your mobile device. In this blog, we will explain it in detail, along with instructions on how to fix DNS hijacking.

Let’s first start with DNS hijacking.

What is DNS Hijacking?

DND hijacking is a type of cyberattack in which an attacker hijacks the DNS server to divert users to fake websites. These fake sites look like the real one. It enables hackers to steal vital information, including login credentials, financial data, and other sensitive details. There are various ways in which DNS hijacking can occur, including phishing, malware, and social engineering. It is crucial to detect and prevent DNS hijacking to protect your online activities.

What are the Types of DNS Hijacking?

The following are various types of DNS hijacking.

1. Local DNS Hijacking

In Local DNS hijacking, the attacker installs Trojan software on your mobile device and then modifies the local DNS settings to redirect the user to malicious websites. It can cause identity theft.

2. Router DNS Hijacking

There are many routers that have weak firmware or use default passwords. In such a case, an attacker can take advantage of this to hack the router and change its DNS settings. This will affect everyone who uses that router. 

3. Rogue Server DNS Hijacking

In this scenario, the attacker changes how the DNS server works by hacking the server. This allows them to modify the DNS records and redirect requests to malicious websites.

4. Man-in-the-middle Attack

In this type of DNS hijacking, an attacker intercepts communication that occurs between users and a DNS server. After that, they redirect the target user to the malicious website.

How does DNS Hijacking Work?

Whenever you type any website address in the search bar of your browser, it collects information for that specific webpage from your local browser or cache. If you’ve not visited that website recently, it will send a DNS query to the name server.

Here, the point of communication between your browser, which sends a DNS request, and the server’s response is more vulnerable to attack. The reason behind it is that it is not encrypted. Now, attackers intercept the query and redirect the user to the malicious website. 

How to Detect DNS Hijacking?

There are various simple ways to verify whether or not your DNS has been hacked or not.

•   The first and most important sign is to check whether the websites you regularly use are consistently loading slower than usual. Also, if you’re receiving more random pop-up ads, there is a high chance that your DNS have been hijacked.
•   Another way is to perform a ping command test. This command is used to check whether a specific IP address exists or not. If your browser is pinging an IP address that does not exist and still resolves, your DNS might be hijacked.
•   Check your system with the DNS resolver. It will help you know whether or not you’re using an authorised DNS server.
•   You can use WholsMyDNS.com. It will display the name of the DNS server you use and the company that owns it. If the company name is not familiar to you, your DNS might be hijacked.

How to Stop DNS Hijacking?

If you want to protect your online activities, you must stop DNS hijacking. Here is how you can do it.

•   You must use a reputable DNS server, such as Google Public DNS or your ISP’s DNS server. It will help you prevent DNS hijacking.
•   Use the firewall and anti-virus software.
•   Change your computer or mobile’s DNS settings.
•   Put a strong physical security system such as using multi-factor authentication. It will help you reduce the risk of DNS settings.
•   You should never click on any suspicious or unfamiliar link
•   Use a virtual private network (VPN), as it will provide an encrypted digital tunnel for your website traffic and queries.
•   Educate yourself and your team. If you see different pop-up ads, landing pages, and tabs that you’ve never seen before, leave that page immediately. Be aware of the digital warning signs. It will help you prevent DNS hijacking.
•   You must fix the known DNS bugs immediately.
•   Run Resolvers and Authoritative Name Server separately.

Concluding Remarks

DNS hijacking is a cyberattack that can seriously affect organisations and individuals. It intercepts DNS requests and redirects them to the fake websites. It can also steal sensitive information or infect mobile devices or computers with malware. Detecting DNS hijacking can be quite challenging. However, the above-discussed ways can help you detect and fix DNS hijacking issues.