Description
DNSCrypt-Proxy is a tool developed to enhance the security and privacy of DNS (Domain Name System) resolutions. It acts as a DNS client that encrypts DNS queries between the user's device and a compatible DNS server, protecting against attacks such as eavesdropping, spoofing, or data manipulation.
Main features
- Encryption of DNS queries:
- Utilizes encryption (based on algorithms like Salsa20 or Curve25519) to protect DNS queries, preventing internet providers, hackers, or others from intercepting the data.
- Ensures that DNS responses are authentic and come from the configured DNS server.
- Authentication:
- Uses cryptographic signatures to verify the integrity and origin of DNS responses, protecting against spoofing attacks.
- Support for multiple protocols:
- In addition to DNSCrypt, it supports DoH (DNS over HTTPS) and DoT (DNS over TLS), which are modern secure DNS protocols.
- Allows configuring custom DNS servers, such as Cloudflare (1.1.1.1), Google Public DNS, or others that support these protocols.
- Flexibility and customization:
- Can be configured to block malicious domains, ads, or trackers using blocklists.
- Supports conditional forwarding of DNS queries based on specific rules.
- Allows the use of anonymous DNS servers for greater privacy.
- Local cache:
- Stores DNS responses in cache to improve resolution speed and reduce load on DNS servers.
- Lightweight and efficient mode:
- Consumes few resources, making it ideal for low-capacity devices, such as routers or IoT devices.
How does it work?
- DNSCrypt-Proxy is installed on the user's device or on a router.
- It intercepts all DNS queries made by applications or the operating system.
- The queries are encrypted and sent to a DNS server compatible with DNSCrypt, DoH, or DoT.
- The server responds securely, and DNSCrypt-Proxy delivers the response to the requesting application.
Pros
- Privacy: Prevents ISPs or third parties from monitoring the websites you access.
- Security: Protects against attacks such as DNS cache poisoning.
- Flexibility: Can be configured for different use cases, from basic security to blocking unwanted content.
- Free and open-source: Available for everyone, with an active community maintaining the project.
Cons
- Dependence on compatible servers: Not all DNS servers support DNSCrypt, although DoH and DoT are more widely accepted.
- Initial setup: Can be complex for non-technical users, especially when configuring blocklists or advanced rules.
- Performance: Encryption may introduce a slight latency, although local caching mitigates this.