Reasons to Consider Disabling DNS Over HTTPS

Introduction: The DoH Dilemma

Okay, so you've probably heard about dns over https (doh) and how it's supposed to be like, super secure and private. And, yeah, it can be... but it's not always sunshine and rainbows, ya know?

• Doh encrypts dns queries, cool, making it harder for snoopers to see what websites you're visiting. Think of it like sending your mail in a sealed envelope instead of a postcard.
• But, there's a catch—it kinda centralizes your dns traffic through specific providers. It's like trusting one mailman with all your secrets, instead of spreading the risk around.
• Disabling doh? Hear me out! It might actually make sense in some situations, especially if you're trying to keep a tighter grip on your network or have specific security needs.

For example, in a corporate environment, it teams might wanna monitor network traffic for security reasons. Encrypting everything can make that harder. So, yeah, sometimes disabling doh is a valid choice.
We'll explore some legit reasons why disabling doh might be the right move for you.

Centralization Concerns: Who Do You Trust?

It's kinda wild how much we're told to trust big tech these days, isn't it? I mean, who really has your back?

• Doh shifts your dns resolution from your isp to, like, Cloudflare or Google. Suddenly, one company sees everything.
• Think about hospitals; sensitive patient data is already a huge target. Centralizing dns could make them even more vulnerable if that provider gets compromised.
• These providers? They could log and analyze your data. Is that a privacy win? Maybe not.

Is your isp really that much worse? They're often subject to local laws, after all. These laws might offer a different kind of oversight or protection for how your data is handled compared to global tech companies, though it's a complex comparison.

Performance Overhead: Is DoH Slowing You Down?

Okay, so, does doh actually slow things down? It's a fair question, right? I mean, all that encryption can't be free.

• Encrypting those dns queries with https does add overhead. Think of it like adding extra layers to a package; it's more secure, but takes longer to wrap.
• tls handshakes adds latency, and bigger packets? Well, that just makes things a bit slower, you know?
• And remember, it's not always consistent. Performance? It's gonna vary, depending on your doh provider and your network.

Next, we'll look at how this impacts local caching—which, honestly, is something a lot of people probably don't even think about anymore.

Loss of Network Control: Bypassing Local Policies

Doh, it sounds great in theory, right? Encrypt everything! But what if you need to see what's goin' on?

• Doh? It can bypass firewalls, making it harder to block bad stuff, like malware. Think of schools trying to block certain sites, for instance.
• It messes with content filters, too. Parents trying to keep their kids safe online? It makes it harder.
• Apps can just ignore your network's dns settings. It's like they're doin' their own thing, no matter what you say.

So, yeah, it's a trade-off. What's next? Let's talk debugging.

Alternatives to DoH: Exploring Other Options

Thinking 'bout ditchin' doh? There's options, believe it or not! It's not all or nothing, ya know?

• dns over tls (dot) encrypts using tls; like doh, but uses a dedicated port (853). Using a dedicated port can make it easier to distinguish dns traffic from other web traffic, potentially avoiding some blocking mechanisms that might target port 443 for doh.
• Running your own? This means setting up and managing your own dns server. it requires technical knowledge and resources, but gives you maximum control over your dns resolution and data. the benefits include enhanced privacy and custom filtering, but the drawbacks are the complexity, maintenance overhead, and potential for misconfiguration.
• Choosing the right path? Depends on your needs, really.

Next, we'll dive deeper into each alternative.

Configuration Tips: Disabling DoH Where Possible

Okay, so you're thinking about disabling doh? Cool, let's talk about how to actually do it, 'cause it's not always super obvious.

• Most browsers, like firefox and chrome, have a setting for this. You'll usually find it buried in network settings or privacy & security sections. Just poke around!
• Keep in mind that the exact steps might change depending on your browser version. So, if you can't find it right away, don't freak out.
• If you're lost, check your browser's documentation. They usually have up-to-date instructions.

It's, uh, trickier to disable doh at the os level. Some systems might let you force all apps to use the system's dns settings, but not all. This is often because built-in browser features can override os settings, or the operating system simply doesn't offer a straightforward way to disable it universally.

• It's not always possible to shut it down at the os level, unfortunately.
• If you're serious about it, you can try using firewall rules to block doh traffic; this blog post from Black Hills Infosec gives some good tips, but it can get pretty technical, fair warning. This might involve creating rules that specifically identify and block traffic to known doh servers on port 443.

Anyway, next up, we'll wrap things up with some final thoughts - so stick around!

Conclusion: Making an Informed Decision

It's kinda funny how much we debate tech stuff, right? But when it comes to something as fundamental as dns, making the right call really matters.

• Disabling doh? It's about weighing privacy against control. Think businesses needing to monitor network activity for security, they're gotta see what's goin' on.
• Consider performance, too. that extra encryption can slow things down. It's like adding weight to your car; secure, but not as fast.
• Remember, it's not one-size-fits-all. For some orgs, keeping tight control is key.

Ultimately, it's about doing your homework. Understand your needs and what you're willing to trade-off. Then, make a choice that makes sense for you.