Categories: Privacy

What a Third-Party DNS Service Can Do For You

While browsing your Wi-Fi settings, you may have noticed something called “DNS.” It definitely looks complicated at first, and it is easy to get confused about what it is for. Well, “DNS” is short for “domain name system,” and it is the translation bridge between your Internet service provider and your IP address, i.e. those numbers and colons that point to your computer’s location. Depending on the DNS service, the new server may actually be worse off — it may be slower and it may have terrible phishing protection. This may make your device more vulnerable to viruses and other malware. Click here to scan your phone and SD card for malicious threats with Full Virus Scan:

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Normally, DNS is just a function of your smartphone’s Wi-Fi, doing nothing special but controlling your Internet speeds and server’s security. However, many Android users have decided to adopt third-party DNS servers to replace the DNS they receive from their Internet service provider. But what does this mean and how could a DNS service affect you?

One of the reasons some people might download a DNS service to their phone is because they are unhappy with their Internet’s speed or functionality. Depending on their geographical location and the DNS service they choose, their Internet may actually improve all around. A DNS service can affect how your phone receives your Internet. A third-party DNS service can actually increase your Internet speed by a decent percentage. The only variable is the location of the new DNS server in proximity to you; the closer you are, the faster it will be.

If you have children who have access to your Android phone, you can create a parental block on specific websites that may not be safe for them. By using a third-party DNS service, you may have more parental control settings than offered by your Internet service provider. This will allow you to customize how many “not safe for work” (NSFW) sites will be blocked from your children.

After downloading a third-party DNS system, you can change your domain name system in your Wi-Fi settings. After some trial and error, you may see some significant improvement in your Android’s Internet speed and functionality, especially if your Internet service provider’s DNS is disappointing.

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The dfndr blog is an informative channel that presents exclusive content on security and privacy in the mobile and business world, with tips to keep users protected. Populated by a select group of expert reporters, the channel has a partnership with dfndr lab's security team. Together they bring you, first-notice news about attacks, scams, internet vulnerabilities, malware and everything affecting cybersecurity.