Online Security – Web Search Encryption

The first step in web browsing can be risky

Secure your Web browsing by encrypting your DNS requests.

Almost all initial website interactions begin with translating a website domain into an IP address. This first step involves using a Domain Name Server (DNS) to do the conversion. Surprisingly, this initial step DOESN’T use HTTPS encryption at this time in all cases and is, therefore, insecure, exposing you and your device to hackers.

To correct this encryption “gap”, enable your Web browser to secure your DNS interactions, as follows:
● Chrome: paste chrome://flags/#dns-over-https into address bar → click Enter → enable the flag for “Secure DNS lookups” → restart Chrome.
● Firefox: Click on the (hamburger) icon → click Options → click Network Settings in General settings → click Settings → click “Enable DNS over HTTPS” → select Cloudflare.
It is expected over time that all Web browsers or operating systems will close this encryption gap as a standard feature. As of this writing, Windows 10 provides support for its “Insider” users.

FOR FURTHER READING:
CyberGuardian: a SecureTheVillage Guide for Residents is available on Amazon.
A complete Security Checklist is available: https://www.nerdsiview.com/security-checklist-2/
References for Village Residents are available at SECURE THE VILLAGE: https://securethevillage.org/residents

Supplemental Articles:
https://lifehacker.com/how-to-enable-dns-over-https-in-your-web-browser-1841909057?
https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/networking-blog/windows-insiders-can-now-test-dns-over-https/ba-p/1381282#