How DNSFilter Protects Your Business

Some call DNS the “phonebook of the internet.” It takes the domain name you enter in the address bar of your browser (e.g. meritsolutions.net) and turns it into an IP address so your browser can load the proper resources.

The problem is, bad actors abuse the DNS system to take you to malicious websites without your knowledge. They do this by intercepting the request before it processes, then tricking the DNS server into applying the wrong IP address for the domain name you’ve entered. It’s a common tactic that threatens individuals and networks at large.

That’s where DNSFilter comes in. DNSFilter is a service that helps protect you while you browse the web. It uses processes powered by machine learning to avoid malware, stop phishing attempts, and block unwanted content online, and works on any device you connect to the internet with.

According to DNSFilter, this AI system is trained to spot “never-before-seen sites,” so DNSFilter can block new threats it doesn’t even know about ahead of time. There are 35 content categories, seven threat categories, and safe search options to block or allow.

Blocking at the DNS level means you’re getting better protection than a traditional firewall, too. This strategy blocks more content before it loads, which protects from additional threats, as the content is never seen by the user requesting the site.

MERIT uses DNSFilter Pro. In addition to protection from phishing attempts and malware, DNSFilter Pro comes with botnet protection, which blocks bad actors from using malware to take advantage of your network. This tier comes with real-time threat categorization, which DNSFilter says can spot threats 10 days in advance. There’s content filtering, DNS encryption, and malicious domain protection, as well.

DNSFilter Pro also comes with AppAware, a program that blocks over 100 “risky” applications from running on your network. That includes remote desktop applications, a major way bad actors begin cyberattacks; gaming and social media platforms, like Roblox, that are known for security risks; and certain VPN and proxy applications to avoid filter bypass.

DNSFilter can deploy on your network, but also on Windows and macOS devices as a roaming client. You can also use the relay deployment feature to route private and public requests.