What Is a DNS Leak?

When you use the internet, your device relies on the Domain Name System (DNS) to translate website names (like octohide.com) into IP addresses that computers understand. Normally, your Internet Service Provider (ISP) handles these DNS requests, which means they can see every website you visit.

A DNS leak happens when, your DNS requests are sent outside the secure VPN tunnel - usually to your ISP’s DNS servers. This exposes your browsing activity, undermining the privacy and security a VPN is supposed to provide.

Why Are DNS Leaks a Problem?

• Privacy Exposure: Your ISP (and potentially others) can see which websites you visit, even if your VPN is active.

• Location Leaks: Your real IP address and location can be revealed through DNS requests.

• Tracking and Profiling: Advertisers, governments, or malicious actors can monitor your online behavior.

How Do DNS Leaks Happen?

DNS leaks can occur for several reasons:

• Operating System Features: Some systems (like Windows 8 and later) use features that can send DNS requests over all available network interfaces, bypassing the VPN.

• Manual DNS Settings: If you’ve set custom DNS servers on your device, these may override your VPN’s settings.

• Split Tunneling: If only some of your traffic goes through the VPN, DNS requests might escape the tunnel.

How to Check for DNS Leaks

You can test for DNS leaks using online tools. Simply connect to your VPN and visit a DNS leak test website. If the DNS servers shown belong to your VPN provider, you’re safe. If you see your ISP’s DNS servers, you have a leak.

How to Prevent DNS Leaks

1. Use a VPN with Built-In DNS Leak Protection

Choose a VPN that offers robust DNS leak protection and operates its own DNS servers. Octohide VPN, for example, routes all DNS requests through its encrypted tunnel and uses secure DNS over HTTPS (DoH) to keep your queries private.

2. Enable the Kill Switch

A kill switch ensures your internet connection is cut off if the VPN disconnects, preventing any data - including DNS requests - from leaking outside the VPN tunnel.

3. Regularly Test for Leaks

Periodically check for DNS leaks using trusted online tools, especially after changing VPN settings or updating your system.

4. Manually Configure DNS Settings

If your VPN doesn’t handle DNS requests, set your device to use privacy-focused DNS servers (like Cloudflare or OpenDNS) and ensure all DNS traffic is routed through the VPN.

5. Keep Software Updated

Update your VPN client, operating system, and browser regularly to patch vulnerabilities that could cause DNS leaks.

How Octohide VPN Protects You

Octohide VPN is designed with privacy in mind:

• DNS over HTTPS (DoH): Encrypts DNS queries for maximum privacy.

• No-Logs Policy: Your browsing activity is never stored or tracked.

• Kill Switch & Firewall: Prevents accidental leaks if your connection drops.

• Ad Blocking: DNS-based filtering blocks ads and trackers before they reach your device.

Final Thoughts

DNS leaks are a hidden threat that can compromise your privacy, even when using a VPN. By choosing a VPN like Octohide with built-in DNS leak protection, regularly testing your connection, and following best practices, you can ensure your online activity stays private and secure.

Stay safe, stay private - choose Octohide VPN.