DNS (Domain Name System) hijacking is a type of cyber attack in which an attacker redirects a victim's internet traffic to a malicious server. This is done by manipulating the DNS settings on the victim's device, router, or network, causing the device to connect to the attacker's server instead of the intended website.
One of the most common ways that attackers perform DNS hijacking is by compromising the victim's router. This can be done by guessing or cracking the router's login credentials, or by exploiting known vulnerabilities in the router's firmware. Once the attacker has access to the router, they can change the DNS settings to point to a malicious server that they control.
Another way that attackers can perform DNS hijacking is by compromising the DNS server itself. This can be done by exploiting vulnerabilities in the DNS software, or by gaining access to the server through other means. Once the attacker has access to the DNS server, they can change the DNS settings to point to a malicious server that they control.
DNS hijacking can have serious consequences for the victim, as it allows the attacker to redirect the victim's internet traffic to a malicious server. This can be used to perform a variety of cyber attacks, including phishing, malware distribution, and data theft.
One of the most common ways that attackers use DNS hijacking is to redirect the victim's internet traffic to a phishing website. This can be used to steal personal information, such as login credentials or financial information, from the victim. Additionally, attackers can use DNS hijacking to redirect the victim's internet traffic to a malware distribution server, which can be used to install malware on the victim's device.
To protect against DNS hijacking, it is important to keep your router and DNS server software up to date and to use strong login credentials. Additionally, you can use a VPN or other secure tunneling protocol to encrypt your internet traffic, which can help to prevent attackers from intercepting your traffic and changing your DNS settings.
It is also recommended to use a public DNS service, such as Google Public DNS, OpenDNS, or Cloudflare, which can help to prevent DNS hijacking by providing an alternative DNS server that is not controlled by the attacker.
In conclusion, DNS hijacking is a serious cyber attack that can have serious consequences for the victim. By understanding how DNS hijacking works, and by taking steps to protect your router and DNS server, you can help to protect yourself from this type of attack.
