Online privacy is important to anyone especially when you have private information on a cloud or passwords to online accounts. While the Internet can indeed offer privacy through reliable encryption, there are improvements that promises better security and this is what DNS over HTTPS (DoH) is all about.
What is DNS Over HTTPS?
DNS is a database that changes your online searches into a series of numbers called IP address to make it computer friendly. For example, if you type in the name of a website, it is like to an IP address that the computer understands so it can look up or find the website for you. This makes searches effective and easier.
However, the original process of DNS look ups are also performed on encrypted sites even without encryption. If that is the case, it is prone to potential hacking.
DNS over HTTPS is a new feature that resolves this encryption problem. It aims to improve the reliability and security of DNS look ups in your browsers. Through the process, users can use DNSCrypt, or switch to a different DNS provider. As of now, DNS over HTTPS is under testing by Mozilla, Google, and Cloudflare.
How Is It Helpful?
Many hackers and online threats perpetrators are using the limitations of DNS look ups to collect data from other users. With DNS over HTTPS, DNS look ups will be more secured, hiding history and information from attackers.
DNS over HTTPS will perform DNS lookups in encrypted HTTPS connection. DNS requests are sent in encrypted form to DNS server that are compatible so it is hidden from third parties.
How to Configure DNS Over HTTPS in Firefox Browser?
- Open your Firefox browser.
- On the menu bar, click the three lines and select Preferences.
- Go to the General tab and look for Network Settings.
- click Settings.
- Then, look for Enable DNS Over HTTPS.
- Check the box to enable the function.
- Click OK to save the changes.
When enabling DoH, you can choose between providers. These are trusted resolvers of the function. You will have two options: Cloudflare and NextDNS. Cloudflare is the default provider.
But, if you want to switch providers, follow the steps below:
- In your Firefox browser, go to the menu bar and click Preferences.
- Select Network Settings and click Settings.
- Under the Enable DNS Over HTTPS option, you can find Use Provider. Click to open drop down menu.
- Select Cloudflare or NextDNS.
- Click OK to save the changes.
Conclusion
What do you think of DNS over HTTPS? We would love to hear your thoughts about it. Send us some love in the comments section below.
