What is DNS Hijacking and How to Prevent It 

The internet works a bit like a vast, virtual phonebook. Whenever you type in a website address, the Domain Name System (DNS) translates that name into the correct IP address to connect you to the right site. Like the contacts on your phone, each name corresponds to a phone number that connects you to a person when you call them. Without DNS, navigating the internet would be like calling someone without knowing their number. But, just like any part of the internet, DNS isn’t immune to cyber threats, and one of the most serious is DNS hijacking.  

DNS hijacking happens when attackers manipulate a DNS request to redirect unsuspecting users to malicious websites. Instead of reaching the intended destination, users land on counterfeit sites designed to steal information, install malware, or generate ad revenue for hackers.   

But how can you protect your domain name? How can you prevent DNS hijacking? Fortunately, there are ways to strengthen security and minimize your risk against a DNS hijacking attack?  

How does DNS hijacking work?  

When you type a website address into your browser, your device sends a DNS query to a DNS server to retrieve the correct IP address for that site. This retrieval connects you to the server hosting the website’s content, allowing the page to load. However, this process is where DNS hijacking attacks happen. Instead of connecting you to your website, attackers intercept or manipulate this query to redirect you to a malicious DNS server instead. 

Here’s how: attackers look for weak spots in your network settings or devices, allowing them to hijack your request. Instead of taking you to the real website, they’ll send you to a fake one that looks legitimate. Once there, they can secretly capture your login credentials, install harmful software, or even spy on your activity—all without you realizing it.  

The stealthy nature of DNS hijacking is what makes it so dangerous. Because the redirect is invisible, most people have no idea they’ve been sent somewhere else. Knowing how it works is a great first step toward keeping your information safe online. 

Types of DNS hijacking  

There are various DNS attacks that hijackers can do. But their end goal is to try to manipulate your DNS queries. We don’t want to be a victim of DNS hijacking, so it’s best to know your enemy’s attacks and be ready to counter them.   

Local DNS hijacking  

With local DNS hijacking, cybercriminals install malware directly on the user’s device, altering local DNS settings. The software may seem legitimate, but in truth it’s a Trojan malware that gives hackers access to the network system. Once they gain access, they steal data and alter DNS settings that redirect users to malicious content or phishing sites each time a DNS query is made.  

Router DNS hijacking  

Router DNS Hijacking is a bit more widespread, often exploiting default passwords or outdated firmware. Attackers change the router’s DNS settings, which affects every connected device. That’s why you need to constantly change your router’s password. Once the router is hijacked, cybercriminals can redirect all users to harmful sites without altering individual device settings. It’s like a domino effect; you topple the source, and everything goes down.  

Man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks  

In MITM attacks, cybercriminals sneak into the conversation between your device and the DNS server. This means they can intercept your requests and redirect them to rogue IP addresses. MITM usually happens due to the lack of encryption present in many DNS requests.  

What’s alarming about this type of attack is that it doesn’t require access to the device or router. Instead, attackers use specialized tools to interrupt the user and server communication, making it particularly sneaky and hard to detect.  

Rogue DNS server  

Rogue DNS server is another type of attack that involves a hijacker who compromises legitimate DNS servers. The cybercriminal alters DNS records to redirect subsequent DNS requests to malicious websites they unsurprisingly own. This method affects a large number of users who rely on the hijacked server, which in turn enables widespread DNS redirection to malicious sites.  

ISP DNS Hijacking 

Sometimes, even governments or Internet Service Providers (ISPs) get involved in DNS hijacking, often for censorship or ad targeting. Instead of sending users to the intended site, DNS queries are redirected to government-approved pages or ISP-controlled sites that display ads. 

DNS Hijacking vs. DNS Cache Poisoning  

DNS hijacking and DNS cache poisoning are two sneaky methods cybercriminals use to mislead users and divert them to malicious sites, but they operate differently. While both tactics exploit vulnerabilities in the DNS process, understanding how they work can help in identifying and preventing a DNS attack.  

Let’s break down the key differences between DNS hijacking’s real-time manipulation and the cached modifications seen in DNS cache poisoning.  

DNS Cache Poisoning  

DNS cache poisoning, also known as DNS spoofing, involves inserting false information into the DNS cache on a server or device. Instead of intercepting each query in real-time, attackers “poison” cached entries with incorrect IP addresses. So, when users request specific sites, the DNS server retrieves the cached data and unknowingly directs them to counterfeit sites until the cache is refreshed. This means that one the false information is in there, future requests will continue to lead you to the wrong address.  

DNS Hijacking  

In contrast, DNS hijacking involves real-time manipulation of DNS queries. Rather than relying on cached data, attackers redirect users by altering DNS settings directly on a device, router, or DNS server. This allows for immediate redirection each time a user makes a request, typically through malware, router exploitation, or compromised DNS servers. Unlike cache poisoning, DNS hijacking gives attackers more dynamic and continuous control over DNS requests.  

Why do attackers perform DNS hijacking?  

Attackers exploit DNS hijacking for various malicious purposes, from stealing sensitive information to controlling what users see online. Here’s a look at the primary motivations driving DNS hijacking attacks. 

Phishing  

Phishing is one of the primary motives behind DNS hijacking. The term used to describe an attempt to get private information, usually in the form of bank account information, credit card numbers, usernames, passwords, or other critical data, intending to use or sell the obtained data. Just like a fisherman uses bait to catch a fish, an attacker tricks the victim by posing as a reliable source and making an alluring request.  

Pharming  

Another method is called pharming, which is a bit more complex. In a pharming attack, users are redirected to fake websites without their knowledge or have their computer systems tampered with to obtain private data. “Pharming” combines the terms “phishing” and “farming,” which highlights the larger scope of the attack.  

Data Theft  

Attackers also use DNS hijacking to steal personal data or financial information. By redirecting users to fake sites or intercepting their online activity, they capture valuable data, which may be sold on the black market or used for further attacks, such as identity theft.  

How to detect DNS hijacking  

By paying attention to these signs and using these tools, you can quickly identify and respond to possible DNS hijacking attacks.  

Signs of an attack  

Unusual changes in browsing behavior can often identify DNS hijacking. Look out for:  

• Unusual pop-ups. Frequent or unexpected pop-up ads may indicate DNS manipulation, especially on trusted sites.  
• Slow internet speeds. Redirected queries can add delays, leading to slower page loading times.  
• Redirected websites. DNS settings may have been compromised if you frequently land on incorrect or unexpected pages.  

Technical tools  

For a more thorough investigation, several technical tools can help you verify if your DNS settings have been compromised.  

• Ping commands. Use a ping command to verify if a website’s IP address matches the expected one. Mismatched addresses can indicate DNS hijacking.  
• Online tools (WhoIsMyDNS). Tools like WhoIsMyDNS can reveal which DNS server is handling your requests. If you see an unknown server, this could suggest a hijacked DNS configuration.  
• SSL Certificate warnings: When visiting a secure site, your browser checks the SSL certificate. A warning that the certificate doesn’t match the site name may mean you’ve been redirected to a malicious server.  
• Network monitoring tools: DNS traffic monitoring tools can flag anomalies like unexpected DNS queries or spikes in traffic to suspicious sites, indicating potential DNS hijacking activity.  

How to prevent DNS hijacking  

To prevent DNS hijacking, you need proactive security measures for both users and website owners. Here are vital steps to protect your DNS settings and minimize the risk of hijacking attacks.  

For website owners  

• Enable DNSSEC: DNS Security Extensions (DNSSEC) add cryptographic security to DNS queries, helping ensure requests aren’t tampered with.  
• Use Two-Factor Authentication: Add an extra layer of security by enabling two-factor authentication for DNS registrar accounts to prevent unauthorized access.  
• Lock DNS Settings (Client Lock): Use a registrar that offers client lock to prevent changes to DNS settings without proper authorization. Domain.com provides various SiteLock plans, equipping websites of all sizes with tools to combat DNS hijacking and cyber threats. SiteLock safeguards against DNS hijacking by scanning for malware, identifying vulnerabilities, and alerting users to suspicious activity, ensuring your site’s DNS remains secure.  
• Monitor DNS Traffic: Utilize DNS filtering and monitoring solutions to detect any unusual DNS activity that may indicate a hijacking attempt.  

For end users  

• Change router default passwords. Update your router’s default login credentials such as router to prevent unauthorized access to DNS settings.  
• Install antivirus software. Reliable antivirus software can detect and block malware used in DNS hijacking attacks.  
• Use VPNs. A VPN encrypts your DNS requests, making it harder for attackers to intercept or manipulate them.  
• Switch to alternative DNS services. Consider using secure options like Google Public DNS or OpenDNS to protect against potential DNS hijacking.  

Stay protected against DNS hijacking  

DNS hijacking poses a significant risk to both users and website owners. To safeguard your personal information online, knowing how attacks operate and being aware of their indicators is essential. By actively securing your DNS settings and remaining alert, you can lessen the likelihood of becoming a target of these threats.  

If you’re a business aiming to protect your site, having a trusted domain provider can make all the difference. Domain.com offers secure domain registration and add-on security services such as SSL certificates, SiteLock, and Domain Privacy + Protection, to strengthen your online defenses. Take the next step with Domain.com to ensure your website’s DNS settings stay safe, secure, and in your control.  

FAQs about DNS Hijacking