Complete guide on what OpenDNS is, configuration and security

OpenDNS is a DNS service that has become a benchmark when it comes to Internet security and speed. Founded in 2006 and currently owned by Cisco, it offers both free and paid solutions, tailored to home users and businesses. In this article, we will explore in detail what OpenDNS is, how it works, the advantages it offers, the modalities available, and how to configure it to improve both security and the Internet browsing experience.

The main function of a DNS system is to translate web addresses that we know (such as www.example.com) into IP addresses that devices can understand. OpenDNS goes beyond this simple translation, adding layers of protection against cyberthreats and offering faster loading speeds than we could get through standard DNS from our Internet providers. All of this makes it an excellent choice for those looking for a faster and safer way to browse the web.

What is OpenDNS and how does it work?

In essence, OpenDNS is a service that replaces the DNS that comes pre-established in our routers with other much more efficient and secure ones. OpenDNS DNS servers help make our Internet queries, such as accessing a web page or downloading content, faster thanks to their responsiveness.

In addition to speed, one of the most notable features of OpenDNS is its ability to prevent access to malicious sites. It uses filters that block websites with fraudulent or dangerous content, such as phishing pages or malware. This filtering system can be customized to block certain types of content, making it an ideal tool for homes, businesses, and educational centers.

OpenDNS also acts as a web content filter, which means that when you configure your DNS servers on a device or router, we can block entire categories of websites and protect vulnerable users, such as minors, from inappropriate content.

Main objectives of OpenDNS

OpenDNS has three clearly defined goals: improve browsing speed, increase security against online threats and offer customized content filtering settings. Its system is dynamic and can easily adapt to the needs of each user or company, making it a flexible solution.

The basic operating process is that when you type a URL into the browser, such as www.example.com, this query is translated into an IP address via a DNS server. If we use the OpenDNS DNS (208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220), we will not only get this translation, but the OpenDNS servers will also check whether the website we want to access is safe or not. If it is unsafe, access will be automatically blocked, avoiding potential problems with malware or phishing.

OpenDNS Modalities

OpenDNS adapts to the different needs of its users by offering various modalities, both free and paid.

OpenDNS Family Shield: This option is designed for the home and is completely free. It adds an extra layer of protection by automatically activating a filter that blocks access to adult content. It is ideal for families looking for simple and effective parental control.

OpenDNS Home: Also free, but it allows you to customize content filters so that you can block categories of websites that you consider inappropriate. It also provides statistics and usage logs so that you can monitor traffic on your network.

OpenDNS VIP Home: This plan, with a small annual subscription, offers all the features of Home and adds access to historical traffic data, blocking of specific domains and premium technical support.

OpenDNS Umbrella Prosumer: It is aimed at small businesses and offers more advanced protection against phishing and malware, as well as allowing simultaneous protection for up to 5 users. It also provides detailed reports and extensive configuration options for more demanding business systems.

Security and parental control with OpenDNS

One of the most appreciated aspects of OpenDNS is its parental control system. The Family Shield version, as we have already mentioned, allows you to automatically block access to adult content. This makes it an excellent option for families who want to prevent minors from accessing inappropriate content while browsing the Internet.

On the other hand, more advanced versions of OpenDNS allow you to create custom lists of domains to block or allow, allowing even more detailed control both at home and in educational or business environments. This means that we can not only block specific sites, but also groups of pages based on their category, such as games, social networks or adult content.

Protection against phishing and malware

In addition to its use as parental control, OpenDNS stands out for offering advanced protection against phishing. Phishing is a technique used by cybercriminals to trick users into stealing sensitive data, such as passwords or banking information. OpenDNS automatically blocks sites detected as fraudulent or dangerous, making your browsing much safer.

This system is powered by PhishTank, a community database that collects and verifies phishing sites. OpenDNS uses this information to update its security system and effectively protect its users.

OpenDNS Configuration

Setting up OpenDNS is a simple process that does not require any advanced computer knowledge. You can configure it in two ways: at the router level, so that all devices connected to your network use it, or at the individual level, on each device.

If you want to configure it on the router, the first thing you need to do is access your router's configuration through its IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1). Once there, in the DNS configuration section, you will have to replace the DNS provided by your Internet provider with those of OpenDNS: 208.67.222.222 (Primary DNS) and 208.67.220.220 (Secondary DNS).

To set it up on individual devices, the process is similar. For example, on Windows, just go to Network Settings and change the DNS of the network adapter. In iOS o Android, it can also be done through the device's network options.

Other DNS alternatives

Although OpenDNS is one of the most complete and popular solutions, there are other options that also offer free and secure DNS. Some of the most well-known are:

• Google Public DNS: Google's solution is easy to set up and promises greater privacy by deleting your IP in 24-48 hours. Their DNS are 8.8.8.8 y 8.8.4.4.
• Cloudflare DNS: Their proposal is to guarantee total privacy by not saving your IP and offering great performance. Their DNS are 1.1.1.1 y 1.0.0.1.
• Yandex. DNS: It offers both a basic service and advanced security filters and parental control. Basic DNS are 77.88.8.8 y 77.88.8.1, while safer options include 77.88.8.88 y 77.88.8.7.

Strengthening OpenDNS Security

Setting up a secure DNS isn't enough to protect your devices. To maximize security, it's a good idea to take some additional actions, such as regularly updating security patches on your servers and devices. Additionally, it's helpful to limit access to DNS servers to only those users who really need it, making sure that both internal and external DNS are configured correctly.

Another key measure to take is the use of additional DNS servers to separate internal resolution from the local network and external resolution from the Internet, which can help contain and mitigate malicious attacks.

Conclusion

OpenDNS is much more than just a DNS resolution service. Its ability to improve browsing speed, its flexibility in customizing filters and, above all, its focus on security make it one of the best options available for both individual users and companies. Its protection system against phishing, malware and inappropriate content has positioned it as an ideal solution for protecting minors, as well as for maintaining security on networks of all kinds.

With the different modalities available, both free and paid, OpenDNS offers a solution adapted to the needs of each user. Its ease of configuration and its capacity to filter content and offer detailed usage statistics make it an essential tool in any family, educational or business environment.