What is a DNS hijacking network attack? Detailed explanation of core principles and implementation methods

behind the Internet access, the DNS system is like a navigation map of the online world, responsible for converting the domain name into a recognizable Internet Protocol Address. But this key link is often the target of network attacks, and DNS hijacking network attacks are one of the most threatening ones. It will not only tamper with the user's access path, but also bring risks such as information leakage and property damage. This article will dismantle the DNS hijacking network attack in an all-round way from the principle, implementation, harm to prevention, and help readers establish a clear cognitive defense line.

What is the core principle of DNS hijacking network attack?

to understand DNS hijacking network attacks, we must first start with the normal operation logic of DNS, and then compare the abnormal mechanism in the attack state.

1, the normal operation logic of the DNS system

when the user enters the domain name to access the website, the local device will query the local DNS cache first, if there is no corresponding record, it will initiate a request to the recursive DNS server, and then the recursive server will query the root domain name server, the top-level domain server, and the authoritative domain name server in turn.

2, DNS hijacking network attack tampering logic

DNS hijacking network attack is to manipulate any link of domain name resolution and tamper with the analysis results. The attacker will use various means to allow the user device to obtain a forged Internet Protocol Address, which will be directed to a malicious website. The whole process is often unaware that users still access the network according to normal operations, but have fallen into the attack trap.

What are the common implementation methods of DNS hijacking network attacks?

different attack scenarios, the implementation means of DNS hijacking network attacks are also different, which can be roughly divided into three categories: local, server and network transmission.

1, local DNS cache tampering attack

attackers will invade the user's local device through malicious software, directly modify the records in the local DNS cache, and replace the Internet Protocol Address corresponding to the target domain name with a malicious address. This kind of DNS hijacking network attack is common when the user downloads the software with the virus and opens the malicious email attachment. The device is implanted with a Trojan program, which then tampered with the local resolution cache.

2, authoritative DNS server attack

attackers will launch attacks against authoritative DNS servers, gain control of the server through brute force cracking, vulnerability exploitation, etc., and then modify the domain name resolution record in the server, so that all users who query the domain name obtain a forged Internet Protocol Address. This DNS hijacking network attack has a wide range of effects. Once successful, it will lead to a large number of users being directed to malicious websites.

3, man-in-the-middle attacks during network transmission

in an insecure network environment such as public WiFi, attackers will use ARP spoofing and other means to act as a man-in-the-middle between the user and the DNS server, intercept the user's DNS request, and return forged resolution results. This DNS hijacking network attack is highly targeted and mainly targets users who use free WiFi in public places.

What are the typical harms of DNS hijacking network attacks?

DNS hijacking network attacks far more harmful than ordinary network interference, it will affect from personal information, property security to corporate reputation at many levels.

1, personal information leakage and property damage

when the user is guided to counterfeit e-commerce, banking sites, enter the account password, payment information will be directly obtained by the attacker, resulting in account theft, property damage. Many DNS hijacking network attack cases, the user is in the case of unaware, in the counterfeit website to complete the transfer, payment operation, after the fact found deceived.

2, corporate brand reputation damage

if the enterprise's official website suffered DNS hijacking network attack, users will jump to malicious websites or pages containing bad information when visiting, which will make users question the security of the enterprise, seriously damage the brand reputation of the enterprise, and even affect the normal business of the enterprise.

3 Forced dissemination of malicious software

attackers will also hijack network attacks through DNS, guide users to download pages with malicious software, force users to download and install Trojans and virus programs, further control user devices, steal more privacy information, and form a vicious circle.

How to effectively prevent DNS hijacking network attacks?

different implementations of DNS hijacking network attacks, we can formulate prevention strategies from multiple dimensions of devices, networks, and servers.

1, strengthen local equipment security protection

users should install regular antivirus software and firewall, regularly check the virus on the device to avoid downloading unknown software and opening unfamiliar email attachments. At the same time, it is necessary to timely update the patches of the device's operating system and applications to block vulnerabilities that may be exploited by attackers and reduce the intrusion opportunities of DNS hijacking network attacks from the source.

2 Choose a secure and reliable DNS server

prefer public DNS servers that have been encrypted and certified, such as domestic 114.114.114.114 and foreign 8.8.8.8. These servers have more complete security protection mechanisms, which can effectively reduce the probability of being attacked by DNS hijacking network attacks. At the same time, enterprises can build their own private DNS servers, strictly control server permissions, and regularly check the integrity of resolution records.

3, vigilant against insecure network environment

use free WiFi in public places, avoid operations involving account passwords and payment information. If necessary, you can use VPN to encrypt network transmission channels to prevent attackers from implementing DNS hijacking network attacks through man-in-the-middle means. At the same time, turn on the DNSSEC function of the device to verify the resolution results to ensure that the obtained Internet Protocol Address is true and reliable.

To sum up, DNS hijacking network attack is a malicious tampering behavior for DNS resolution links. Its principle revolves around the tampering of the resolution process. The implementation covers multiple scenarios of local, server and network transmission, and will also bring multiple hazards such as information leakage and reputation damage. By strengthening equipment protection, choosing secure DNS servers, and being vigilant against insecure networks, we can effectively reduce the risk of such attacks and protect our own network access security.