DNS over TLS (DoT) is a security protocol for encrypting Domain Name System (DNS) queries, aiming to increase user privacy and security. Traditional DNS queries are sent over User Datagram Protocol (UDP) or Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) in plain text, meaning that they can be intercepted and read by third parties. This poses a significant privacy risk, as anyone monitoring the network can see the websites a user is visiting.
DoT encrypts these DNS queries using Transport Layer Security (TLS), the same protocol that secures HTTPS connections. By encrypting DNS traffic, DoT makes it much harder for eavesdroppers to see which websites a user is accessing. This helps prevent surveillance and protects sensitive information from being exposed.
The adoption of DoT has been growing as part of a broader effort to enhance online privacy. Several operating systems and browsers now support DoT, allowing users to enable it in their settings. Additionally, many DNS providers offer DoT servers, giving users a choice of which provider to use.
While DoT improves privacy, it’s important to note that it doesn’t provide complete anonymity. The DNS server still knows the user’s IP address and the websites they are visiting, unless additional privacy measures like a VPN are used.
