OpenDNS: A Comprehensive Guide

What is OpenDNS?

OpenDNS is a cloud-based cybersecurity solution that improves internet safety and performance through DNS services, phishing protection, and content filtering. Launched in 2006, OpenDNS began as a DNS resolution service and has since evolved into a comprehensive security platform. In 2015, Cisco acquired OpenDNS, integrating it into Cisco’s security portfolio while continuing to develop and support its services. After the acquisition, OpenDNS was rebranded as OpenDNS Umbrella to emphasize its expanded network security capabilities, and is now known as Cisco Umbrella.

This article explains how OpenDNS works, highlights its key features, and outlines its role in improving online security for both individuals and organizations.

Understanding DNS and OpenDNS

The Domain Name System (DNS) functions as the internet’s address book. It converts website names that people can read into numeric IP addresses, which computers need to locate and connect to each other. Each computer relies on DNS to communicate with other devices on the internet.

When you enter a web address into your browser, a DNS server resolves the domain name to an IP address. In this process, name servers play a crucial role by handling the lookup and directing your request to the correct destination. OpenDNS performs this task while adding an extra layer of protection by checking requested domains against a database of known threats.

Phishing and malware protection

OpenDNS prevents users from visiting malicious websites by blocking access to domains associated with phishing, malware, and other online threats. It automatically intercepts requests to suspicious sites and stops the connection before any harm is done. To learn more about how phishing works and how to protect yourself, click here to explore our guide on phishing. If you're curious about malware and its impact, learn more about malware here.

Content filtering

OpenDNS allows users to restrict access to specific categories of websites. This is useful for parents who want to limit their children’s internet activity or businesses that want to enforce acceptable use policies. OpenDNS offers premium content filtering options, such as Home VIP, which provides advanced filtering features and enhanced security for home users. Additionally, OpenDNS provides plans tailored for small teams, offering flexible filtering and security options designed for smaller groups or home offices. Users can choose from predefined content categories or create custom filtering rules.

Improved internet speed and reliability

Because OpenDNS operates its own global network of DNS servers, it often provides faster and more reliable DNS resolution compared to many internet service providers. This results in quicker load times and more stable connections, making OpenDNS a popular choice for those seeking reliable home internet performance.

Secure DNS resolution

OpenDNS not only resolves domain names but also checks them against real-time threat intelligence databases. However, the rise of HTTPS and encrypted DNS queries, such as DNS over HTTPS (DoH), presents new challenges for DNS-based filtering solutions like OpenDNS, as these technologies encrypt DNS requests and make traditional filtering more difficult. If a domain is flagged as dangerous, OpenDNS blocks it, helping to prevent infections and unauthorized data access.

How OpenDNS works

OpenDNS functions as a public DNS resolver with built-in security. Once configuration is complete on a device or router, all DNS requests are routed through OpenDNS servers. Proper configuration is essential for effective DNS filtering and security, ensuring that open dns can apply the desired filtering and protection across your network. These servers screen each request, apply content filtering rules, and check for known threats.

Unlike standard DNS services that only resolve domain names, OpenDNS performs these checks in real time to proactively defend against phishing, botnets, and malicious software. A DNS forwarder can be set up to direct specific devices or computers to OpenDNS for targeted filtering, allowing granular control over which systems are filtered. OpenDNS can also work alongside a firewall to control and filter internet access while maintaining internal network connectivity and domain policies. For Windows environments, OpenDNS can be configured using Windows DNS servers or Group Policy to enable network-wide filtering and management.

OpenDNS products and services

OpenDNS provides a comprehensive suite of products and services designed to enhance internet security, speed, and control for a wide range of users. At the core of its offerings are robust DNS servers that deliver fast and reliable DNS resolution, making them an excellent choice for both home users and small businesses seeking a dependable internet experience.

For individuals and families, OpenDNS Home is a free service that brings the same protection as enterprise solutions, including phishing protection and content filtering, but with a simplified feature set tailored for personal use. With OpenDNS Home, users can easily block adult content, filter specific domains, and control which websites are accessible on their network – all through an intuitive dashboard.

Businesses and organizations looking for advanced security can turn to OpenDNS Enterprise, now known as Cisco Umbrella. This enterprise-grade solution offers comprehensive protection against malware, phishing sites, and other online threats. It leverages a global network of DNS servers to ensure fast DNS lookup and minimize the risk of DNS traffic interception or manipulation. Cisco Umbrella also provides advanced features such as IP blocking, domain filtering, and detailed reporting, making it ideal for safeguarding larger networks and multiple devices connected across various locations.

OpenDNS’s DNS resolution service is built on the foundation of the Domain Name System (DNS), translating domain names into IP addresses to facilitate seamless access to websites and online services. By routing DNS requests through OpenDNS servers, users benefit from enhanced security, reduced exposure to threats, and greater control over their internet usage.

Whether you’re looking to protect your family from inappropriate content, safeguard your small business from phishing attacks, or deploy enterprise-level security across your organization, OpenDNS offers a flexible and effective solution. Its combination of fast DNS servers, powerful filtering options, and real-time threat protection makes it an essential tool for anyone seeking to safeguard their network and control access to online content.

Security and privacy

Security and privacy are at the heart of OpenDNS’s mission, with a range of features designed to protect users’ data and online activities from evolving threats. OpenDNS’s DNS servers are carefully configured to provide secure and reliable DNS resolution, significantly reducing the risk of DNS traffic being intercepted, manipulated, or redirected by malicious actors.

One of the standout features of OpenDNS is its robust phishing protection. By automatically blocking access to known phishing sites and malicious domains, OpenDNS helps users avoid falling victim to scams that could compromise sensitive information. This proactive approach to security extends to content filtering, allowing users to block adult content, malware, and other harmful websites before they ever reach their devices.

To further safeguard user privacy, OpenDNS employs secure DNS lookup methods and encryption where possible, ensuring that DNS requests and user data remain private and protected from unauthorized access. The service is designed to give users control over what content is accessible on their network, empowering them to block or allow specific sites and categories as needed.

OpenDNS is committed to maintaining user trust, with a strict privacy policy that prohibits the sale or sharing of user data with third parties. This dedication to privacy, combined with advanced security features, makes OpenDNS a reliable and trustworthy solution for anyone looking to enhance their online security – whether at home, in a small business, or across a larger organization.

By choosing OpenDNS, users gain a powerful layer of protection against malware, phishing, viruses, and other online threats, while also ensuring that their online activities remain secure and private. With easy-to-use controls and comprehensive filtering options, OpenDNS empowers users to take charge of their network security and enjoy a safer, more reliable internet experience.

Phishing protection

Phishing attacks aim to trick users into revealing personal or financial information. OpenDNS helps prevent phishing by identifying and blocking access to deceptive websites.

The platform uses machine learning and threat intelligence feeds to detect phishing domains. It analyzes factors such as domain structure, hosting information, and content patterns to identify suspicious behavior. Once confirmed, phishing domains are added to OpenDNS’s blocklist, which is updated regularly.

This protection requires no additional software. Users are protected simply by using OpenDNS as their DNS service.

For enhanced phishing protection features, users can register for OpenDNS Home. While OpenDNS provides effective and easy-to-configure phishing protection, Microsoft Family Safety offers more advanced but less easily configurable options for comprehensive family safety and content filtering.

Content filtering

OpenDNS’s content filtering system allows users to manage what types of content can be accessed through their network. Categories such as adult content, social media, or video streaming can be restricted. This is especially useful for households and businesses aiming to maintain a productive or safe online environment.

Users can customize filtering settings through an intuitive web-based dashboard. When a blocked site is accessed, the user receives a message explaining the restriction, providing a clear and transparent experience.

Benefits of using OpenDNS

Using OpenDNS offers several advantages:

• Enhanced security through real-time threat blocking

• Flexible and customizable content filtering

• Faster and more reliable DNS resolution

• Easy setup that works across all connected devices

• Centralized cloud management for remote administration

Getting started with OpenDNS

Setting up OpenDNS involves just a few simple steps:

1. Create an account at opendns.com

2. Configure your device or router to use OpenDNS DNS servers (for example, 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220)

3. Log in to the OpenDNS dashboard to customize settings

4. Test your internet connection to confirm that OpenDNS is active

The free version, OpenDNS Home, supports up to 300,000 DNS requests per day. This is sufficient for families or small businesses. Larger organizations should consider upgrading to Cisco Umbrella for additional features and higher capacity.

Conclusion

OpenDNS is a powerful and accessible cybersecurity tool that enhances online safety, blocks malicious content, and improves internet performance. By filtering traffic at the DNS level, it protects users from threats before they can reach their devices.

Whether you are an individual seeking safer browsing, a parent managing family internet use, or a business securing its network, OpenDNS offers a simple and effective solution.