DNS over TLS (DoT) is a protocol designed to enhance privacy and security by encrypting DNS queries between a client and a DNS server. This encryption prevents third parties from eavesdropping on or tampering with DNS requests.
How It Works
Encryption: DoT uses the Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocol to encrypt DNS queries and responses. This ensures that the data transmitted between the client and DNS server is secure and cannot be easily intercepted or altered by unauthorized parties.
Client-Server Communication: When a client makes a DNS request over TLS, it establishes a secure connection with the DNS server before sending any queries. This secure channel protects the DNS query from being exposed to potential eavesdroppers or attackers.
Benefits and Applications
Privacy: By encrypting DNS queries, DoT helps protect user privacy from surveillance and tracking. It prevents malicious actors from accessing or manipulating DNS requests to monitor user activity or redirect traffic.
Security: DoT helps prevent attacks such as DNS spoofing and cache poisoning, as the encrypted communication makes it more difficult for attackers to inject malicious DNS responses into the query process.
Comparison with DNS over HTTPS (DoH)
DoT vs DoH: While both DNS over HTTPS (DoH) and DoT provide encryption for DNS queries, they operate over different protocols. DoT uses TLS over port 853, while DoH uses HTTPS over port 443. The choice between DoT and DoH depends on specific use cases and network configurations.
Interoperability: DoT is supported by many DNS servers and clients, but its adoption is not as widespread as DoH. However, both protocols aim to enhance the security and privacy of DNS queries.