dns_poisoning

What is DNS Cache Poisoning? How it will harm you? 

by with One Comment Cyber Security

Did you know that DNS cache poisoning can compromise the servers of your ISP, your router, and potentially your computer? This guide is on how to prevent that.

As people become more aware of the risks associated with using the internet, cyber attackers have stepped up their efforts to trick users into providing their data. One of the cheekiest ways to take over a user\’s surfing experience and direct them to a malicious website is via poisoning the Domain Name System (DNS) cache, often known as DNS spoofing.

So let\’s explore DNS cache poisoning\’s mechanism of action and how to prevent them.

What is a DNS Cache?

First, let\’s study the DNS cache and also how URLs and IP addresses work.

Typically, you enter a website\’s URL to access it. You would type www.youtube.com into your browser if you wanted to see youtube videos online. 

Your system doesn\’t actually \”talk\” in URLs, which is the problem. However, it is aware of IP addresses, which are the sets of numbers that serve as a computer\’s \”home address\” on the internet. We use URLs because we find it far simpler to remember a website\’s name than its IP address.

How do DNS Servers work?

Your computer must convert your URL into an IP address it can use in order to determine where you want to go. It does this by sending a request for your URL to a DNS server.

For websites, the DNS server functions as a massive phone book. Your computer sends the URL to the DNS server, which then searches its database to find the appropriate IP address. Your computer is then informed of the IP address.

Now that your computer is aware of the IP address linked to www.youtube.com, it can access the website.

How does a DNS Cache Works?

Since IP addresses rarely (if ever) change, your computer decides to save this information. It records in a DNS cache the IP address for the URL www.youtube.com.

Your computer no longer needs to use the DNS server when you access your bank in the future. The IP address it last received can be found when it searches through its cache. The DNS cache functions much like a small phone book for all of the websites you\’ve already visited.

Now we know what is a DNS Cache and how it works, Let\’s see how hackers can poison it.

If the IP address has changed since the last time it was used, a computer using a DNS cache won\’t know about it. The DNS cache can be thought of as the computer\’s memory; if the values in the cache are changed, the computer will behave as if that is how it has always been.

Consider a scenario in which a malicious agent chooses to target www.youtube.com visitors. They build a fake website that matches the actual one of these in order to collect user information from those who visit this fraudulent website, they also fabricate a login screen.

Once the website is operational, they attack users\’ DNS cache. They can enter someone\’s PC or use malware to accomplish this. In either case, their objective is to access the DNS cache and discover the location of www.youtube.com. Once inside, they replace the bank\’s actual IP address with that of the fictitious website they set up.

Say someone attacked your cache and switched the IP address for your bank. Your computer now searches its cache when you input the bank\’s URL. Your browser is sent to the fake site after it discovers the malicious IP address the hacker set.

A hacker who gains access to a DNS server can change the database and reroute users to whatever location they like. Now, a poisoned result will be returned to every computer querying the DNS server to obtain an IP address.

Can DNS servers be poisoned?

 Unfortunately, the answer is yes. It is possible for a hacker to poison a server instead, given that machines communicate with DNS servers to obtain addresses.

Similar to how your computer works, DNS servers also operate. When it receives a request for an IP address and is unsure of how to respond, it will contact another DNS server for assistance. These servers keep information in their own caches.

A hacker who gains access to a DNS server can change the database and reroute users to whatever location they like. Now, a poisoned result will be returned to every computer querying the DNS server to obtain an IP address.

Even worse, servers that don\’t already know a website\’s IP address may ping the poisoned server to get the information. As a result, they get a poisoned response! As a result of spreading this false information, DNS servers will become infected in a destructive chain reaction.

How to Avoid DNS Poisoning?

Despite how terrifying DNS spoofing may sound, there are techniques to prevent it. Let\’s examine some ways to keep attention when online.

  1. Keep Your Antivirus Active and Up-to-Date
  2. Keep suspicious files off your computer
  3. Use a Reputable ISP or DNS Server
  4. Restart Your Router to Clear Its DNS Cache
  5. Double-Check All Websites You Visit
  6. Flushing Your DNS Cache

DNS servers can speed up your browsing, but they can also cause a lot of harm if they are compromised. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to prevent DNS cache poisoning attacks and any potential pharming they might cause.

Comment down if you are in a search to find the best DNS servers to keep you safe online. You can also take a look at how to change the DNS settings in Windows 11 here.

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10 Careers in Cybersecurity to Choose: From Beginner to Beyond

by Cyber Security

Find your suitable careers in Cybersecurity that will fit you and your interests.

Due to the pandemic, there has been a particularly notable transition in the workplace toward online environments, with hybrid workplaces and remote working becoming popular, Our personal and professional lives have mostly gone online. Thus we are more vulnerable to cyberattacks as we rely more heavily on the internet for every area of our life.

The number of cyberattacks across industries and regions has increased by 125% year over year, according to research from Accenture Business, and it had become a significant source of concern. In order to overcome the challenges posed by growing cyberattacks, 77% of organizations intend to boost their cybersecurity budgets, according to a Verizon survey.

Given the present situation, which includes growing worries about cyberattacks and increased funding for cybersecurity, careers in cybersecurity is expanding dramatically. Experts in cybersecurity are at the forefront of the fight against cybercrime. However, there is a shortage in this industry, with India alone predicted to have 1.5 million open positions by 2025. Consequently, careers in cybersecurity offers tremendous opportunity for advancement for experts and a wide range of rewarding prospects.

You have the opportunity to work in a fast-paced setting where you can continuously learn and develop when you work in the cybersecurity industry. If you work in information technology (IT) or are considering a career change, cybersecurity may be something to take into account.

In this post, we\’ll take a closer look at a few of the various careers in cybersecurity you may apply for. We\’ll also go through how to start a career in cybersecurity and potential job paths.

\"careers

The majority of cybersecurity specialists work their way up from entry-level IT positions. The most typical entry-level careers in cybersecurity are listed below.

1. Information security analyst

This is a great way to get started in the field of information security and one of the most typical roles on a cybersecurity team.

Average salary: $89,795

As an information security analyst, you contribute to the defence of computer networks and systems inside a business by

  • Keeping an eye out for security flaws in networks
  • Examining, recording, and disclosing security breaches
  • IT security trends research
  • Providing assistance to computer users with security tools and techniques
  • Putting together plans to keep their organization safe

2. Information security specialist

You serve as the organization\’s security point of contact in this position, ensuring that data is protected from unauthorised access and online assaults. Security experts\’ duties might include the following, however they differ from organisation to organisation:

  • Testing and upkeep of antivirus and firewall software
  • Putting security training into action
  • Examining potential security threats
  • Recommending changes to address security flaws

Average salary: $93,885

3. Digital forensic examiner

If you love solving puzzles, one of the next interesting careers in cybersecurity is Digital Forensic Examiner. Investigators that specialise in digital forensics take information from computers and other digital devices to find out how an unauthorised user gained access to a system or to gather proof for a court case. Daily chores might include:

  • Gathering, conserving, and evaluating digital proof
  • Data recovery from damaged or destroyed hard discs
  • The chain of custody is maintained while the data retrieval procedure is documented.
  • Helping the police conduct criminal investigations
  • Delivering an expert witness testimony in court

Average salary: $92,565

4. IT auditor

As an IT auditor, you\’ll evaluate the technology used by your company to look for any security, productivity, and compliance problems. Among your frequent responsibilities can be:

  • Organizing and carrying out audits
  • Keeping track of and presenting audit results
  • Providing guidance on suggested and required security measures
  • Creating strategies to address any security risks
  • Finding chances for increased effectiveness

Average salary: $79,427

5 Great ‘Starter’ Cybersecurity Certifications

Intermediate-level Careers in Cybersecurity

A number of doors may emerge for growth into more specialized jobs as you gain expertise in cybersecurity.

1. Security systems administrator

You are often assigned to this position and given control over how a company\’s cybersecurity systems are run on a daily basis. Some of your duties might be:

  • Maintaining systems and performing routine backups
  • Individual user account management
  • Creating and preserving the organization\’s security policies
  • Working with security teams to address unauthorized incursions
  • Taking part in security assessments for the whole business

Average salary: $73,398

2. Penetration tester

The next big area to look forward in the careers of cybersecurity is Penetration testin. You will be assisting companies in identifying their security flaws as a penetration tester (pen tester for short) before malicious hackers can do the same. You accomplish this by attempting to break into company-approved computer networks. Typical tasks include:

  • Preparing for, creating, and performing penetration testing
  • Generating test results reports and making suggestions to security decision-makers
  • Composing scripts to automate specific testing procedures
  • The practice of social engineering (attempting to get company employees to disclose confidential information)
  • Supplying technological assistance when addressing incidents

Average salary: $97,383

3. Security engineer

In this position, you build the defences against natural catastrophes and cyberattacks that protect a company\’s computers, networks, and data. Firewalls and intrusion detection systems may be included in these security systems. Daily chores might include:

  • Creating security best practices and standards
  • Suggesting security upgrades to management
  • Ensuring that new security systems are set up and deployed properly
  • Evaluating security measures
  • In charge of incident response teams
  • Create software to automate the discovery of vulnerabilities

Average salary: $128,893

4. Security architect

You establish the vision for a company\’s security systems as a security architect. To keep a company ahead of risks, this job combines programming, threat research, and policy formulation. Some of your duties might be:

  • Construction and upkeep of security networks and systems
  • Creating budgets and managing costs related to security
  • Integrating IT and engineering departments\’ security operations
  • Enhancing systems in reaction to security breaches or flaws
  • Carrying out drills for security breaches

Average salary: $195,333

5. Cryptography engineer

Cryptography the next big career in cybersecurity comprises securing data for communication and information transmission is a key aspect of cryptography work. To encrypt data, cryptologists develop encryption algorithms, ciphers, and other security procedures. The information that has been coded is decrypted by cryptoanalysts. In this position, typical duties include:

  • Creating fresh cryptographic formulas
  • Examining the weaknesses of the current algorithms
  • Putting encryption solutions in place
  • Testing new tools and encryption methods

Average salary: $117,862

6. Cybersecurity manager

In the topmost career in cybersecurity, you will be in charge of managing your organization\’s security infrastructure in this leadership role in cybersecurity. This might incorporate:

  • Managing resources, both human and technological
  • Monitoring changes to the security policy both within and outside
  • Ensuring adherence to security guidelines and requirements
  • Obtaining cybersecurity equipment for the company
  • Directing risk reduction initiatives

Also read: 10 Popular Cybersecurity Certifications

More than half of the security experts began their careers in cybersecurity with an entry-level position in IT. Before taking on the additional duties of a security job, you may establish yourself inside a company and develop your technical abilities by beginning as an IT support technician or network administrator.

Want to be a highly paid Network Engineer?

Additionally, the National Security Agency (NSA) provides Development Programs in Cybersecurity Engineering and Operations. These three-year, full-time, paid positions encourage participants in developing new skills or change careers.

Hope you got the relevent information on the topic you were searching for. If you still have doubts, feel free to ask us in the comments.