Protected DNS

Protected DNS is a new free service for our broadband customers that provides additional security and protection.

What is a DNS?

DNS or Domain Name Server is, at its most basic, the telephone directory of the Internet. Just as the contacts app on your smartphone matches names with telephone numbers, a DNS matches the name of a website with its IP address. An IP Address is the numerical way that the Internet identifies computing devices. For example, internet4schools.uk is the human name of this website. Its IP Address is 85.12.65.54. When you type it into your web browser, the DNS ‘looks up’ the IP address for the website and sends your request to that address.

There are thousands of DNSs around the globe. Google provide DNS servers, as do ISP (Internet Service Providers). Only devices or networks directed to a DNS server can access the web.

Malicious websites

Not all websites are good places to visit. Some websites contain malware, ransomware, spyware and other dangerous content. So, visiting a malicious website could result in your device and network becoming infected. Infections can lead to corrupted files, data loss and your IT systems becoming unusable. Standard DNS does not differentiate between ‘good’ and ‘bad’ sites.

Protected DNS (PDNS) is a generic term for security solutions that checks DNS queries and prevents access to malicious sites. A PDNS service identifies web addresses associated with malicious content and then blocks access.

Following successful school trials, we are pleased to announce the availability of the I4S PDNS service. The service is free of charge and straightforward to set up.

To join the Internet4schools Protected DNS service, email us at support@internet4schools.uk and use the subject line PDNS. Our technicians will then contact you with instructions for changes to the DNS. These changes are easy to make and will not interrupt your regular internet service.

Is a Protected DNS part of my web filter service?

No. School web filtering should block access to websites that contain inappropriate content. E2BN Protex web filtering blocks access to malicious sites through URL list blocking. It also uses intelligent contextual content checking to examine the site’s content. However, no filter system is infallible. A PDNS provides an additional layer of protection for your pupils, staff and IT equipment.

A Protected Domain Name Server is not a substitute for web filtering. School web filtering services block access to a broad range of inappropriate content that the PDNS service does not stop. Therefore, all schools must use an appropriate filtering system such as E2BN Protex Web Filtering.