Domain Name System(DNS)
A system that converts domain names (like google.com) to IP addresses so browsers can find websites.
What is DNS?
In one sentence: DNS is like the phonebook of the internet — it takes the website name and gives you its number (IP Address).
Let me explain with an example. Imagine you want to call your friend. You have two options: either memorize their number (which is hard), or use a phonebook. DNS is exactly that phonebook for the internet!
When you type google.com in your browser, your computer doesn't know where this is! It needs to know its IP Address. This is where DNS comes into play. It asks "where is google.com?" and the DNS Server says "here: 142.250.185.78". Now your browser can go to that address.
How DNS Works:
- You type the address in your browser
- Your computer asks the DNS Resolver (usually ISP)
- Resolver searches through DNS Servers
- Finds the IP Address and returns it
- Browser connects to that IP
Why is it important for security?
Because DNS doesn't have inherent security! Attackers can:
DNS Spoofing: Fake the DNS response and send you to a fake site instead of the real one.
DNS Tunneling: Exchange data secretly through DNS.
DNS Hijacking: Take control of DNS and redirect all your traffic to wherever they want.
That's why secure DNS (like DNS over HTTPS) is important.