DNS Leak

What is DNS Leak?

A DNS leak occurs when your internet traffic, specifically the Domain Name System (DNS) requests, is sent outside of your proxy or VPN connection. This means that even though you're using a proxy to mask your IP address and enhance your privacy, your DNS requests may still be visible to your Internet Service Provider (ISP) or other third parties.

How Does It Work?

When you type a website address (like www.example.com) into your browser, your device needs to find out the corresponding IP address to load that website. This process is called DNS resolution. Normally, when using a proxy or VPN, these requests should go through the secure connection established by the proxy. However, if there’s a DNS leak, your device will send those requests directly to your ISP's DNS servers instead, revealing the websites you are visiting.

Why is it Important for Proxy Users?

For proxy users, avoiding DNS leaks is crucial for several reasons:

1. Privacy: A DNS leak can expose your browsing habits to your ISP and potentially to other entities, defeating the purpose of using a proxy for privacy.

2. Security: If sensitive information is accessed while the DNS requests are leaking, it could be intercepted by malicious actors.

3. Geo-restrictions: If you're using a proxy to access content available in a different region, a DNS leak could reveal your true location, preventing you from accessing that content.

Real-World Example

Imagine you are using a proxy server to watch a TV show that is only available in another country. You connect to the proxy and start browsing. However, due to a DNS leak, when you try to access the show, your device sends a DNS request directly to your ISP instead of through the proxy. The ISP sees that you're trying to access a site that is restricted in your country and may block your connection, or worse, they could share this information with authorities or advertisers. Thus, even though you thought you were anonymous, your true intentions and location were exposed.

To prevent DNS leaks, you can use tools or settings that ensure all DNS requests go through your proxy or VPN, safeguarding your privacy while browsing.