Web Filtering via OpenDNS

In our attempts to minimize the affects of malicious attacks, it is important to recognize that taking a layered approach is vital.  A very simple, but also effective layer, is to use a web filtering service.  OpenDNS is an excellent and affordable filtering product.

Why use any DNS service?  When you connect to the internet, a service called Domain Name System (DNS) is used to navigate the internet.  By putting in a simple web address like www.google.com, DNS has a series of lookup capabilities to locate where google.com is located.  If it were not for DNS, you would have to know the specific IP (Internet Protocol) address of every server out there.  That would make the internet grind to a halt.  Thankfully, DNS provides us this great service.

When you connect to your local router (the device in your home that connects you to the internet), it provides the first level of DNS services.  What happens with OpenDNS is that you go into the administrative utilities of your router to reset the address of those DNS services.  You'll point them to the OpenDNS address so it can then do all of the routing of your internet traffic.  OpenDNS monitors bad web sites and works closely with other industry partners to give us a level of security.

To take advantage of their great service, go to www.opendns.com.  Click on "web filtering" and you should see a button "Get it Now".  You'll have a choice of Business or Consumer.  Select Consumer.  You'll then be presented with threee options, OpenDNS Home, OpenDNS Home VIP, and OpenDNS Family Shield.  Personally, I'm a big fan of the $19.95 version, VIP.  This version gives you the ability to track Internet usage, you can customize your filtering, built in phishing protection, and parental controls.

When you choose to use this filter, you'll be given very good instructions on exactly what to do to enable your router.  If you don't see your router, then is a general instructions.  Let me know if this is too technical for you or a family member, and I'll be happy to give assistance.  To me, this line of defense should be either number 1 or number 2.  The other line of defense is a good anti-malware / virus package.  You need both of these defenses.