In today’s digital landscape, effective cybersecurity is non-negotiable businesses must prioritize online protection for their teams. A proven strategy? Deploy a DNS filtering solution.
High-profile data breaches aren’t just headlines; they deliver devastating financial losses and reputational harm to companies of all sizes, anywhere in the world.
Cybercriminals strike globally with tactics like virus injections, phishing, malware, and ransomware.
Protect your employees with robust defenses. A DNS filtering or DNS-based web gateway solution delivers essential safeguards against these threats.
The Domain Name System (DNS) is an Internet directory facilitating smooth website access.
When users enter a domain name, such as securitynews.com, the DNS server translates it into an IP address, enabling them to reach the desired site. DNS filtering utilizes this system to block harmful, inappropriate, and malicious websites.
By implementing DNS filtering, businesses can enhance network security, prevent cyberattacks, and exercise greater control over employees’ internet access, resulting in improved productivity.
Enabling DNS filtering on the user’s network ensures a comprehensive evaluation of incoming and outgoing web traffic. This approach permits only secure traffic to enter or leave your network.
While entering a website’s domain, DNS filtering actively filters traffic between the IP address and the requested page. By categorizing incoming and outgoing traffic, the DNS filter checks for news, social media, unsuitable content, unlawful sites, harmful websites, and phishing efforts.
Suspicious or risky traffic is effectively blocked based on predefined parameters, while safe traffic can pass. Additionally, DNS filtering protects against exploits for your Internet and Wi-Fi networks.
Experts from Cyber Security News choose the best DNS solutions based on several factors of the following:
| Best DNS Filtering Solutions | Stand Alone Feature | Pricing | Free Trial / Demo |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Perimeter81 | Cloud-based DNS filtering with integration into broader security platforms. | Contact for pricing details. | No |
| 2. Cisco Umbrella | Threat intelligence-driven DNS filtering with real-time protection. | Starts at $2.20/user/month. | Yes |
| 3. OpenDNS | Customizable content filtering and security with global threat intelligence. | From $1/user/month. | Yes |
| 4. BlueCat DNS Integrity | Enterprise DNS with advanced threat detection and prevention. | Contact for pricing details. | No |
| 5. DNS Filter by WebTitan | Intelligent DNS filtering with real-time threat detection and reporting. | Free and paid plans are available. | Yes |
| 6. CleanBrowsing | Family-safe DNS filtering with predefined categories for content blocking. | Free and paid plans are available. | Yes |
| 7. Quad9 | DNS service blocks access to malicious domains using threat intelligence. | Free DNS filtering service. | No |
| 8. Cloudflare Gateway | DNS filtering with privacy-focused, fast, and reliable performance. | Contact for pricing details. | Yes |
| 9. Norton ConnectSafe | DNS filtering with configurable protection levels for enhanced security. | Discontinued. | No |
| 10. Comodo Dome Shield | DNS filtering with malware protection and web filtering options. | Free and paid plans are available. | Yes |
| 11. AdGuard DNS | Ad-blocking and privacy protection through customizable DNS filtering. | Free and paid plans are available. | Yes |
| 12. Neustar UltraDNS Firewall | DNS protection with advanced threat detection and mitigation. | Contact for pricing details. | No |
| 13. Quadranet CleanBrowsing | Predefined content filtering DNS for safe browsing experiences. | Free and paid plans available. | No |
| 14. DNSFilter | AI-driven DNS filtering is used to block harmful content and threats. | Starts at $1.50/user/month. | Yes |
| 15. SafeDNS | Flexible DNS filtering with customizable policies and reporting features. | From $3.99/user/month. | Yes |
| 16. Surfshark DNS Filtering | DNS protection is integrated with VPN services to enhance privacy. | Included with VPN subscription. | Yes |
| 17. NextDNS | Highly customizable DNS filtering with analytics and threat detection. | Free and paid plans are available. | Yes |
| 18. Akamai Enterprise Threat Protector | Highly customizable DNS filtering with analytics and threat detection. | Contact for pricing details. | No |
| 19. Yandex.DNS | Free DNS service offering security and content filtering options. | Free DNS filtering service. | No |
| 20. IBM Security DNS Protection | Enterprise-grade DNS security with advanced threat intelligence. | Contact for pricing details. | No |
| 20. DNS Filter by WebTitan | Intelligent DNS filtering with real-time threat detection and reporting. | Free and paid plans are available. | Yes |
Perimeter81 offers secure access service edge (SASE) options, such as DNS filtering. It enhances security by blocking malicious sites and controlling internet access through advanced, customizable DNS filtering solutions
The DNS filtering solution from Perimeter81 lets organizations implement content filtering policies, block malicious websites, and protect themselves from online threats. It also gives you information about new and rising threats in real-time.
The DNS filtering system from Perimeter81 has a database of known bad domains and URLs. It instantly blocks access to these sites so users aren’t infected with malware or phished.
Why Do We Recommend It?
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Enhanced Security | 1. Limited Feature Set |
| 2. Easy Deployment and Management | 2. Pricing |
| 3. Scalability and Flexibility | 3. Learning Curve |
| 4. Cloud-native Architecture | 4. Reliance on Internet Connectivity |
Cisco Umbrella is a DNS filtering solution that offers good value for its price. It boasts a vast database of millions of websites categorized into nearly 90 categories, facilitating easier categorization and blocking.
One of its notable features is the ability to implement policy-based blocking and create custom policies for specific users. This allows fine-grained control over website access, enabling certain users to access necessary sites while blocking access for others who don’t require them.
The solution offers customizable content filtering and policy enforcement to ensure compliance and control over user internet activity, with easy integration into existing security frameworks.
Cisco Umbrella features advanced reporting and analytics capabilities, enabling detailed insights into DNS traffic, threat activity, and potential vulnerabilities to help organizations make informed security decisions.
Why Do We Recommend It?
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Global Threat Intelligence | 1. Complexity for Some Organizations |
| 2. Secure Web Gateway | 2. Single Vendor Dependency |
| 3. DNS Filtering | 3. Latency |
| 4. Cloud-Based Deployment | 4. Cost |
OpenDNS offers comprehensive DNS filtering solutions that protect users from malicious sites, phishing attempts, and unwanted content, enhancing overall network security and compliance.
The platform provides customizable filtering policies and threat intelligence, allowing organizations to tailor protection levels and block content categories relevant to their needs.
With robust analytics and reporting features, OpenDNS enables administrators to monitor network activity, identify potential threats, and make informed decisions about security and content access.
Why Do We Recommend It?
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. DNS Security | 1. Limited Granularity |
| 2. Content Filtering | 2. Latency |
| 3. Scalability | 3. Single Vendor Dependency |
| 4. Reporting and Insights | 4. Cost |
BlueCat Integrity is a comprehensive DNS security solution that offers visibility and control over DNS traffic on your network. It provides real-time threat detection and response, ensuring compliance with security standards. Integrity helps proactively identify and mitigate security risks.
It seamlessly integrates with other security tools, creating a robust security ecosystem. Whether you’re a small business or a large enterprise, BlueCat Integrity protects your network from DNS-based attacks and ensures the integrity of your DNS infrastructure.
With detailed analytics and reporting features, BlueCat DNS Integrity helps organizations gain valuable insights into network traffic patterns and security incidents, facilitating better decision-making and enhancing overall network security.
Why Do We Recommend It?
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Enhanced DNS Security | 1. Learning Curve |
| 2. DNS Performance Optimization | 2. Complexity for Small Environments |
| 3. Policy-Based DNS Management | 3. Cost |
| 4. Integrated IP Address Management (IPAM) | 4. Limited Integration |
DNSFilter by WebTitan Cloud is a robust web filtering solution that offers advanced DNS filtering controls and comprehensive threat protection.
It effectively safeguards against malicious webpages, phishing, viruses, ransomware, and harmful web content. Its database of over 500 million URLs provides extensive filtering capabilities.
The platform includes a flexible policy engine, enabling administrators to configure precise content filtering rules and categories. WebTitan Cloud is user-friendly and offers strong threat protection for office and remote users.
Why Do We Recommend It?
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Robust threat protection | 1. Limited customization options |
| 2. Advanced DNS filtering controls |
CleanBrowsing offers a DNS filtering solution that blocks access to harmful and inappropriate content by leveraging pre-configured and customizable filtering categories. This ensures a safer online experience for users of all ages.
The service includes options for family protection, malware blocking, and security-focused filters, providing comprehensive coverage against various online threats and unwanted content.
CleanBrowsing’s easy-to-implement solution integrates seamlessly with existing network infrastructure, requiring minimal configuration. It delivers robust protection and enhances overall internet safety across devices.
Why Do We Recommend It?
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Content Filtering | 1. DNS-only Solution |
| 2. Malware and Phishing Protection | 2. Potential False Positives or Negatives |
| 3. Customizable Policies | 3. Limited Granularity: |
| 4. DNS-based Implementation: | 4. Reliance on DNS Infrastructure |
Quad9 DNS Filtering is a security solution that provides enhanced protection against malicious websites and online threats. It is a free public DNS (Domain Name System) service that offers DNS filtering capabilities to protect users from accessing malicious or harmful websites.
Quad9 DNS Filtering provides robust security by blocking access to known malicious domains and phishing sites, enhancing protection against online threats and malware.
The solution is easy to implement, requiring simple DNS server configuration changes, and is compatible with most devices and operating systems, offering robust security with minimal setup effort.
Why Do We Recommend It?
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Privacy Protection | 1. Limited Customization: |
| 2. Security Filtering | 2. Potential False Positives |
| 3. DNS Encryption | 3. Lack of Advanced Features |
| 4. Global Network | 4. Reliance on Quad9 Infrastructure |
Cloudflare Gateway provides DNS filtering with real-time threat intelligence, blocking access to malicious websites and harmful content to protect users and networks.
It offers customizable filtering policies to enforce security rules and ensure compliance across various organizational needs. The solution integrates seamlessly with Cloudflare’s global network, delivering fast and reliable protection with minimal latency or impact on user experience.
Cloudflare Gateway includes detailed analytics and reporting features, giving administrators insights into network activity and potential security threats for more informed decision-making.
Why Do We Recommend It?
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Robust Security | 1. Cost |
| 2. Scalability and Performance: | 2. Learning Curve |
| 3. DNS Filtering and Security | 3. Reliance on Cloudflare Infrastructure |
| 4. Cloud-Native Architecture | 4. Limited Customization |
Norton ConnectSafe is a free public DNS service provided by Symantec Corporation. It aimed to offer a faster and more reliable web browsing experience while protecting against threats.
To safeguard devices, it blocked known unsafe, fraudulent, phishing, and infected websites. Additionally, it offered content filtering to block unwanted and inappropriate content, making it suitable for child safety.
Users could set their DNS server addresses to Norton ConnectSafe servers or use client software for automatic configuration on Windows, Mac OS X, and Android devices.
Why Do We Recommend It?
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Strong security against malicious sites. | 1. Discontinued service with no updates |
| 2. Easy to configure and use. | 2. Limited customization options for filtering |
| 3. Effective content filtering options. | 3. Basic protection compared to competitors |
| 4. Free service with reliable protection. | 4. Lack of support for modern features |
Comodo Cybersecurity, or Comodo, offers a DNS-based security solution called Comodo Dome Shield (CDS). It combines web filtering and anti-malware software to provide an extra layer of protection against web-based threats.
CDS is notable for being entirely free, making it an attractive option for users seeking cost-effective security solutions. It blocks access to known malware-infected websites and offers web filtering, regular reporting, and advanced analytics features.
The solution features real-time threat intelligence and updates, ensuring the protection adapts to emerging threats and maintains high security.
With an easy-to-use dashboard, Comodo Dome Shield simplifies managing and monitoring DNS traffic. It provides detailed insights and analytics to help identify and address potential security issues.
Why Do We Recommend It?
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Comprehensive Threat Protection | 1. Limited Free Version |
| 2. Multilingual Filtering | 2. Learning Curve |
| 3. Intuitive User Interface | 3. Lack of Current Information |
| 4. Granular Policy Controls |
AdGuard DNS is a comprehensive web traffic control solution that enhances online safety and privacy. It effectively blocks ads, trackers, and malicious domains, ensuring a secure browsing experience for users at home and in the workplace.
AdGuard DNS offers features such as ad and tracker blocking, protection against analytics systems, and content filtering, making it suitable for individuals and families.
The ability to manage web traffic for each device and schedule screen time for kids provides additional control and customization options. Users can access request statistics, utilize AdGuard’s default filters, or manually block specific domains based on their preferences.
AdGuard DNS uses powerful filters to eliminate ads and trackers across all connected devices, providing a safer and more enjoyable internet experience.
Why Do We Recommend It?
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Ad Blocking | 1. Limited Granularity |
| 2. Privacy Protection | 2. Potential False Positives |
| 3. Simple Setup | 3. No Advanced Features |
| 4. Cross-Platform Compatibility | 4. Limited Support |
Neustar UltraDNS Firewall provides robust DNS filtering to block access to malicious websites and prevent cyber threats by leveraging a comprehensive threat intelligence database, ensuring enhanced security for enterprise networks.
The solution offers customizable policies and real-time threat detection, allowing organizations to tailor filtering rules according to their specific security needs and regulatory requirements.
With its scalable architecture and seamless integration into existing network infrastructures, Neustar UltraDNS Firewall helps maintain consistent and reliable protection without disrupting business operations or user experience.
Why Do We Recommend It?
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. High level of security | 1. Expensive |
| 2. Fast speeds | 2. Difficult to set up |
| 3. Reliable connection | 3. Outdated interface |
| 4. Highly customizable |
Quardranet CleanBrowsing is a DNS Filtering solution that ensures safe browsing experiences by providing threat protection and content filtering.
It provides inexpensive, easy-to-deploy enterprise content filtering without contracts. Quardranet CleanBrowsing lets users quickly set up network-level security policies to protect against web-based malware, phishing attempts, botnets, and C&C communication.
The solution provides real-time threat intelligence and analytics, allowing administrators to monitor and manage DNS queries effectively while ensuring a secure browsing experience.
Why Do We Recommend It?
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Customizable content filtering options are available. | 1. Limited customization options for content filtering. |
| 2. Effective protection against harmful websites. | 2. May affect website loading speeds. |
| 3. Real-time threat monitoring and analytics. | 3. Potential for false positives in blocking. |
| 4. Easy integration with existing network setups. | 4. Limited integration with other security tools. |
DNSFilter is a cloud-based DNS protector that prevents online threats like malware, viruses, and phishing attacks. It employs advanced features like AI-powered content filtering to regulate users’ access.
DNSFilter provides a user-friendly dashboard where users can conveniently monitor their websites and network activity and generate comprehensive security reports.
It offers a straightforward and effective solution for protecting against online threats. It utilizes AI-powered content filtering and provides a user-friendly dashboard for easy management and monitoring.
Why Do We Recommend It?
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Effective Content Filtering | 1. False Positives |
| 2. Customizable Policies | 2. Limited Visibility into Encrypted Traffic |
| 3. Real-time Threat Protection | 3. Dependency on DNS: |
| 4. User-Friendly Interface: | 4. Advanced Features and Integration |
SafeDNS is a cost-effective DNS filtering solution suitable for budget-conscious users. It offers protection for both workplace environments and public Wi-Fi hotspots.
While it supports content categorization for enhanced filtering efficiency, it remains functional without that feature. SafeDNS incorporates advanced AI-infused machine learning capabilities, enabling seamless and automated detection of malware and dangerous websites.
SafeDNS includes real-time monitoring and detailed reporting tools, providing insights into web activity and potential threats, which helps maintain security and compliance while managing internet usage effectively.
Why Do We Recommend It?
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Strong Content Filtering: | 1. False Positives |
| 2. Customizable Filtering Policies | 2. Lack of Advanced Features |
| 3. Malware and Phishing Protection: | 3. Dependency on DNS |
| 4. Scalability and Performance | 4. Limited Visibility into Encrypted Traffic |
Surfshark DNS Filtering provides robust protection by blocking access to malicious websites and harmful content, enhancing user security and privacy across all devices connected to your network.
The solution offers customizable filtering options to tailor content restrictions according to specific needs, ensuring a safer online experience for users.
With Surfshark DNS Filtering, users benefit from a straightforward setup process and integration with Surfshark’s VPN service, delivering comprehensive security and privacy features in one unified platform.
Why Do We Recommend It?
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Free to use | 1. Limited to mobile devices |
| 2. Wide selection of DNS servers (100+) | 2. No categorized server list for more accessible selection |
NextDNS provides advanced DNS filtering by blocking malicious websites, intrusive ads, and trackers, enhancing privacy and security across all devices connected to your network.
It offers customizable filtering profiles and granular control, allowing users to tailor protection based on specific needs or preferences.
With real-time analytics and detailed reporting, NextDNS helps monitor network activity, providing insights into potential threats and usage patterns for better management and security.
NextDNS integrates seamlessly with various platforms and devices, offering easy setup and management through a user-friendly interface. It ensures comprehensive protection without complicated configurations.
Why Do We Recommend It?
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Global network for enhanced resilience | 1. Pricing information requires contacting the sales team |
| 2. Two-factor authentication |
Akamai Technologies, Inc. has launched Enterprise Threat Protector, a cloud-based solution offering fast and manageable protection against sophisticated targeted threats. The solution addresses malware, ransomware, phishing, and DNS-based data exfiltration.
It provides customers with a quick and easy deployment process. Akamai is the world’s largest and most trusted cloud delivery platform. Akamai’s Enterprise Threat Protector is a solution that aims to bridge the “intelligence gap” in DNS infrastructure.
The solution enhances a company’s recursive DNS requests by adding critical intelligence and leveraging threat data gathered through Akamai’s Cloud Security Intelligence capabilities. This prevents users from accessing malicious domains and reduces business risk.
Why Do We Recommend It?
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Enhance security defenses by proactively blocking DNS requests | 1. Limited customer support |
| 2. Hassle-free solution for instant and scalable protection. |
Yandex DNS is a comprehensive and reliable DNS server that offers fast performance and robust protection. Its extensive range of customizable features stands out, allowing users to tailor their DNS experience according to their needs.
With its impressive speed, Yandex DNS can significantly improve productivity. It provides a cost-effective solution for those seeking a reliable and efficient DNS service.
Yandex.DNS is easy to configure and integrates seamlessly with most devices and operating systems, making it accessible for personal and business use without requiring complex setups.
It also includes protection against phishing attacks and other security threats, contributing to a safer online browsing experience for users.
Why Do We Recommend It?
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. High speed | 1. Setting it up may require initial learning and familiarity with the configuration process. |
| 2. Effective blocking of malware and bots |
IBM Security DNS Protection is a comprehensive cloud-based security solution that protects organizations from various cyber threats at the DNS (Domain Name System) level.
IBM Security DNS Protection leverages threat intelligence and machine learning capabilities to identify and block malicious DNS requests, ensuring that users are not directed to malicious websites or domains.
Filtering and inspecting DNS traffic helps prevent the execution of malicious code and the exfiltration of sensitive data. It offers advanced DNS security features to detect and prevent malware, ransomware, phishing attacks, and data exfiltration attempts.
Why Do We Recommend It?
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Comprehensive Threat Protection | 1. Pricing |
| 2. Customizable Filtering Policies | 2. Complexity for Small Organizations |
| 3. Cloud-Based Deployment | 3. Support and Documentation: |
| 4. Real-Time Monitoring and Reporting | 4. Limited Visibility into Encrypted Traffic |
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