What Are Domain Name Servers?

Generally speaking, Domain Name Servers (DNS) are the servers that are responsible for the management of a domain name. Usually, there are several servers that are used to manage a domain name. The first type of server is the domain name server that manages a domain name and assigns it to its associated entity. Generally speaking, there are two types of DNS servers: distributed and hierarchical.
Recursive DNS queries
Whether you’re a developer or an end user, you have probably heard about recursive DNS queries. These queries shorten the time it takes to resolve a domain name’s IP address. This type of query is often referred to as the workhorse of the DNS system. However, recursive DNS servers are susceptible to DOS and DNS cache poisoning attacks.
Recursive DNS queries are usually made by a client, such as your browser. The request is sent to the DNS resolver, which then passes it to other name servers. Recursive servers can be configured to use their own zone file cache to fill in the request.
Recursive DNS servers are used to minimize the network traffic and improve the performance of a DNS server. However, they are also vulnerable to unauthorized access. This is because recursive DNS servers do not have a copy of the regional phone book. They need to find the IP address of the domain name from other name servers.
Caching promotes efficiency
Using a cache for DNS queries can be a great way to improve the performance of domain nameservers. With caching, your web servers will have access to the latest and most accurate answers to your queries, which will result in faster response times.
A cache is a database that stores a subset of information, which is then used in subsequent queries. A cache is usually stored in fast access hardware, such as RAM.
A cache can be static or dynamic. A static cache is a copy of content that doesn’t change between visits. A dynamic cache is one that changes over time.
A cache may be used for HTML files, JavaScript, database queries, API requests, or web artifacts such as image files. Some browsers cache DNS data by default.
A cache may also be used for a server’s IP address. In addition to speeding up access to web pages, caching can reduce network traffic. This can have a positive impact on conversion rates and improve search engine ranking.
DNS cache poisoning
Using DNS cache poisoning, criminals impersonate DNS nameservers to redirect users to a fake website. The attackers submit forged DNS responses to the recursive server, which saves the fake IP address in its cache. This forged entry spreads across the Internet, leading to the user being redirected to the website.
This type of attack is not that easy to detect. The attackers can impersonate DNS nameservers using a variety of techniques, including man in the middle (MITM) attacks. They can also combine DNS cache poisoning with other man in the middle techniques.
The DNS protocol has a history of vulnerabilities. The response portion of the DNS packet is typically unencrypted. It contains 16-bit transaction IDs, making it vulnerable to attacks.
The attacker tries to determine the correct ID. The response is stored in the computer’s operating system. The attacker has no way of verifying the response is accurate.
DNS cache poisoning is a cyberattack that can affect well-known web applications and websites. This attack can be prevented by a variety of methods, including regular malware scans, end-to-end encryption, and a virtual private network.
DNS spoofing
Using a domain name server (DNS) spoofing attack is one of the most commonly used cyber attacks. This malicious action redirects online traffic to a fraudulent web page.
In a DNS spoofing attack, an attacker gains access to a DNS resolver and injects fake information into its cache. The domain name server will respond to the request with a faulty response. This will cause the victim to be redirected to a different website, and will lead to a hard-to-detect phishing scam.
The attack is typically carried out by hackers or other malicious actors on free public Wi-Fi networks, but can also be carried out on home or business networks. The malicious website is usually designed to install malware and other harmful programs on your computer. The website may also be used to steal sensitive information. The attacker may also use spam emails that contain infected URLs. Once the malware is downloaded, it provides the attacker with long-term access to your machine.