OpenDNS Releases DNSCrypt

By Amber Ankerholz

OpenDNS, a leading provider of DNS services, has released an open source tool to encrypt DNS traffic to protect network connections between the user’s computer and the company’s servers.

DNS is a fundamental building block of the Internet. It’s used whenever you visit a website, send email, or do anything else online.

According to the press release, the lightweight DNSCrypt is software everyone should use to boost online privacy and security. It works by encrypting all DNS traffic between the user and OpenDNS, preventing any spying, spoofing, or man-in-the-middle attacks.

“Encrypting all DNS traffic means a fundamental change to the security of the system on the whole and a strong improvement. It’s not the only solution, and there’s still an important place for verification and validation of domains like DNSSEC provides, but it’s a very strong first step,” said OpenDNS Founder and CEO David Ulevitch.

DNSCrypt is available now for review. The software is still being developed, but it’s currently available for Mac – with PC support coming soon. You can download the software from the OpenDNS website, and the company has also made the DNSCrypt code base available on GitHub. You can read more details at http://www.opendns.com/technology/dnscrypt/.

12/13/2011