DNS History — The Largest Historical Database of DNS Servers Data in the World
DNS History The Domain Name System is the Internet’s phonebook. DNS converts IP addresses into human-readable domain numbers. This allows us to surf the internet and send emails, without having to know what’s happening behind the scenes. Domain names are easy to use on any online service and work for nearly all web-based products.
Every device connected to the Internet has a unique IP address that is used by other machines for finding it. With DNS servers, we need not memorize IP addresses like 192.168.1.1 (in IPv4), or more complicated newer alphanumeric IP addresses such as 2400:cb00:2048:1::c629:d7a2 (in IPv6).
DNS
A DNS server responds to a request from outside the domain that requests information about an address or name within the domain. If a server is asked by an outsider for information about an address, name, or other details, it will pass the request to the internet service provider. If the server does not know the answer or has an authoritative source, the request will be sent to the DNS servers of the top-level domain. The request is then passed to the authoritative server. The same process is repeated for the response.
Types of DNS Queries
A typical DNS history lookup can include three types of queries:
- Iterative query
A DNS server can return the best possible answer by using the DNS client. If the query DNS server does not match the query name it will return a referral to another authoritative DNS server for the lower domain namespace. The DNS client will then send a query to the referral address. The process continues until an error or timeout occurs. - Non-recursive query
This happens when a DNS resolver client requests the DNS server for a record it has access. Either because the DNS server is authoritative for the record, or because the record is already in its cache. To avoid additional bandwidth consumption and load on downstream servers, DNS servers will usually cache DNS records. - Recursive query
A DNS client will be required to answer this query.DNS server will respond to the client with the requested resource record, or an error message if it cannot be found.
DNS History
If you have a very strong DNS history working with the same clients over many years means that it is very likely that someone will modify a DNS record on a site. Then, this individual might also wish to make changes back. Sometimes people forget to record things. You may find yourself in a position where you need to determine what IPs your custom-set nameservers were assigned to or what their old nameservers were.
While DNS history and domain names are used for legal purposes, others use them to focus on the dark side. They create DDoS botnets and set up phishing domains. Send SPAM, spread viruses and malware.
Security experts from both public and private agencies collaborate to track these corrupt individuals. They analyze internet services and gather details that can help them. Here are some key areas to look at when conducting a DNS and domain name audit.
- Perform a record enumeration
- Find all subdomains
- Analyze DNS records like MX, NS, A records, etc.
- Check out the PTR response
- Look up the history of DNS records
- Locate related domains using IP neighbors
- Find out about past and current web hosting providers
- Find past and current DNS servers
- Locate related domains to an email address
DNS Improves Web Performance
Servers can store the answers they have received for a specified time to increase their efficiency. Servers can store the answers they receive for a specific time period to make it easier to respond to the next request. If everyone in an office wants to access the same training video from a particular website on the same date, the local DNS server will only need to resolve the name once and then it can serve all requests out of its cache. You can set the length of the record. Longer values load less on servers, while shorter values ensure the best response.
Comodo cWatch Web is considered to be the only solution available that offers a complete web security stack that incorporates more than just a managed CDN and DNS History. The following web security features are available in this web security tool:
- Secure Content Delivery Network (CDN).
cWatch is home to a network of distributed servers around the world that helps improve the performance of websites and web applications. - Web Application Firewall (WAF)
The cWatch WAF is a powerful, real-time edge security solution for web applications and websites. It provides intrusion protection, filtering, and security. - Security Information and Event Management (SIEM).
The SIEM can be used with enhanced intelligence to leverage existing events and data from over 85M+ domains and over 100M+ endpoints. - PCI Scanning
This scanner allows merchants and service providers to remain in compliance with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard, (PCI DSS). - Malware Monitoring and Resolution
This feature not only detects malware but also gives you the tools and methods to remove it and prevent future attacks. - Cyber Security Operations Center (CSOC).
The CSOC is a group of certified cybersecurity professionals who are available 24/7 to provide surveillance and remediation services.