Definition:
The Domain Name System (DNS) translates human-readable domain names (e.g., www.example.com) into IP addresses that computers use to identify and communicate with each other on the internet.
Use Cases:
- Used by websites to route users to the correct IP addresses when they enter domain names.
- Employed in email services to ensure that emails are routed to the correct mail servers.
Related Terms:
- DNS Server
- IP Address
- DNS Spoofing
- DNSSEC (DNS Security Extensions)
Questions and Answers:
- What is the role of DNS in internet communication?
DNS translates human-readable domain names into IP addresses, allowing users to access websites and services without needing to remember numerical IPs.
- What are common DNS-related attacks?
Common attacks include DNS spoofing (or DNS cache poisoning), where attackers redirect traffic to malicious sites, and DDoS attacks targeting DNS servers.
- How can DNS security be improved?
DNS security can be enhanced by implementing DNSSEC, which adds a layer of authenticity to DNS records, preventing tampering or redirection.