Summary Points
- DNS is a critical security point, as nearly all malicious actions begin with a DNS query; disrupting this flows blocks threats early.
- Infoblox’s Protective DNS (PDNS) uses Response Policy Zones (RPZ) to check queries against threat intelligence, preventing malicious connections before they occur.
- Their approach targets cybercrime cartels by tracking infrastructure rather than individual domains, enabling preemptive blocking of 82% of threats with minimal false positives.
- Integrated into the core DDI platform, PDNS provides rich context and reduces network load, transforming DNS from a passive utility into a strategic, proactive security sensor.
Key Challenge
Recently, security experts showcased how Infoblox’s Protective DNS (PDNS) transforms an often-overlooked utility into a formidable line of defense against cyber threats. Traditional perceptions view DNS as a simple internet directory, but in reality, nearly every malicious activity—like phishing, command-and-control callbacks, or data theft—begins with a DNS query. Infoblox’s innovative approach integrates advanced threat intelligence directly into DNS servers via Response Policy Zones (RPZ), enabling these servers to preemptively block malicious domains by checking every query against a constantly updated list of threat actor infrastructure, rather than chasing individual malicious domains. This method leverages insights from tracking cybercrime cartels—large, organized groups that build and maintain malicious networks—allowing Infoblox to identify and shut down entire infrastructures up to 68 days before traditional tools spot trouble, drastically reducing false positives and blocking 82% of threats before they reach the network.
This strategy is further strengthened by Infoblox’s integration of PDNS within their full DDI (DNS, DHCP, IP Address Management) platform, providing operational clarity and comprehensive context—such as device identity and user info—when threats are detected. Consequently, security teams can react quickly and precisely, isolating malicious devices and enforcing granular Zero Trust policies with ease. By shifting from a reactive to a proactive, infrastructure-focused security paradigm, Infoblox not only halts threats more effectively but also disrupts the economic viability of cybercriminal cartels, transforming DNS from a passive utility into a powerful, aware security asset already present in every network.
Potential Risks
The issue of defending DNS with Infoblox and Protective DNS can severely impact your business by exposing it to malicious cyber threats, such as malware, phishing, and data breaches, which can compromise sensitive information, disrupt operations, and erode customer trust. Without robust DNS security, your business becomes vulnerable to sophisticated attacks that can hijack legitimate traffic, manipulate online services, or cause costly downtime, ultimately leading to financial losses, damage to reputation, and legal liabilities. In today’s hyper-connected landscape, neglecting such protection leaves your enterprise defenseless against evolving cyber threats that threaten not just your systems but your entire digital footprint, making proactive DNS defense an essential cornerstone of business resilience.
Possible Action Plan
Timely remediation in defending DNS with Infoblox and Protective DNS is crucial because delays can leave organizations vulnerable to cyber threats, such as malicious traffic and data exfiltration. Rapid response minimizes the window of opportunity for attackers and helps maintain the integrity and availability of DNS infrastructure, which is vital for overall cybersecurity posture.
Mitigation Steps
- Identify & isolate compromised DNS zones
- Block malicious domain queries
- Update DNS filtering policies
- Enhance DNS monitoring and alerts
- Implement access controls for DNS management
- Apply security patches and updates promptly
- Conduct regular security audits
Remediation Steps
- Remove malware or malicious configurations
- Restore DNS services from secure backups
- Conduct thorough forensic analysis
- Communicate with security teams and stakeholders
- Document incident response actions
- Review and strengthen DNS security measures
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Disclaimer: The information provided may not always be accurate or up to date. Please do your own research, as the cybersecurity landscape evolves rapidly. Intended for secondary references purposes only.
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