How to Detect DNS Leaks and Ensure Super Secure VPN

What are DNS leaks? Before we go into explaining what DNS leak is, we must first describe or explain what DNS means. DNS is an acronym for Dynamic Name System. It is the technical system that translates domain names into numerical or numbered IP addresses of a website. This translation are done using DNS servers by your ISP(Internet service provider).

A DNS leak can therefore occur while you browse the internet with a VPN such that your ISP is able to monitor your internet activity even while you assume that you are anonymous by your encrypted VPN. While using a VPN service, DNS request should normally be routed through the VPN tunnel directly to your VPN provider’s DNS servers instead of that of your ISP. In this way you do not experience any DNS leaks. Sometimes it is possible that some Operating Systems such as Windows to route DNS requests through its default settings to the ISP’s DNS servers rather than through the VPN tunnel which results in DNS leaks.

 

 

 How to Detect DNS Leaks

DNS leaks can be detected by several methods. We shall describe 2 methods of detecting a DNS leak from your VPN connection. The first is a site, dnsleaktest.com.  You can check the results of the scan and make sure that you recognize the IP addresses. Most importantly, ensure that any result that shows your real location or that belongs to your ISP means that you definitely have a DNS leak.

The second site is the torguard’s DNS testing tool, https://torguard.net/vpn-dns-leak-test.php which works in the same ways as dnsleaktest.com. However, it is possible to see Google DNS or TorGuard DNS or even an OpenDNS server on a test as this is not considered a DNS leak.

It has been observed that Windows are the major culprit in DNS leaks. Other operating systems such as Linux and OSX have also been implicated in DNS leaks. Google public DNS servers should also be used with caution especially after been implicated in NSA spying scandal.

Detecting DNS leaks and ensuring a secure VPN connection involves several steps:

Detecting DNS Leaks

1. DNS Leak Test Tools: Utilize online tools like DNSLeakTest, DNSLeak, or Perfect Privacy’s DNS Leak Test to identify potential DNS leaks.

2. Check DNS Server IPs: Verify the DNS server IPs used by your VPN connection. If they match your ISP’s DNS servers, it may indicate a DNS leak.

3. Monitor DNS Traffic: Use network monitoring tools like Wireshark to capture and analyze DNS traffic, helping you identify potential leaks.

 

Ensuring a Secure VPN Connection

1. Choose a Reputable VPN Provider: Select a trustworthy VPN provider that implements robust security measures, such as encryption, secure protocols, and no-logs policies.

2. Enable VPN Kill Switch: Activate the VPN kill switch to automatically disconnect your internet connection if the VPN connection drops, preventing potential IP leaks.

3. Use Secure VPN Protocols: Opt for secure VPN protocols like OpenVPN, WireGuard, or IKEv2, which provide robust encryption and authentication.

4. Configure DNS Settings: Manually configure your DNS settings to use secure DNS servers, such as those provided by your VPN or third-party DNS services like Cloudflare or Quad9.

5. Regularly Update VPN Software: Keep your VPN software and firmware up-to-date to ensure you have the latest security patches and features.

Additional Measures

1. Use a VPN with Built-in DNS Leak Protection: Some VPN providers offer built-in DNS leak protection, which can automatically prevent DNS leaks.

2. Implement DNSCrypt: DNSCrypt is a protocol that encrypts DNS traffic, making it more difficult for third parties to intercept and manipulate DNS data.

3. Utilize a DNS Firewall: A DNS firewall can block malicious DNS traffic and prevent DNS leaks.

By following these steps, you can detect DNS leaks and ensure a super secure VPN connection.