The tool, from OpenDNS, is considered a 'technology preview' and may still have some bugs A security company specializing in the Domain Name System has released a Windows version of a tool that encrypts DNS requests, which could be spied on to reveal a user’s browsing activity.Last December OpenDNS released its tool, called DNSCrypt, for Apple’s OS X operating system. The company has now released a technology preview of the same tool for Windows, wrote David Ulevitch, OpenDNS’ founder and CEO.The tool encrypts DNS lookups sent between a person’s computer and OpenDNS, which provides a free lookup service. DNS requests are an essential part of the Internet, translating a domain name into an IP address that can be called into a browser. SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe Most ISPs and other large organizations run their own DNS servers. But OpenDNS runs its own DNS lookup service, and someone can use their service by entering the company’s DNS servers into their network settings. The service is free, and OpenDNS claims its service is speedier and has better security. DNS requests are unencrypted, meaning that an interloper monitoring a person’s internet traffic, such as over an unencrypted public Wi-Fi access point at an airport or cafe, could see the requests and compromise a person’s privacy.“Anyone who knows what they’re doing can eavesdrop on your Internet activity and see exactly which domains you are resolving, and in many cases, what websites you’re visiting,” Ulevitch wrote. “Worse, sophisticated attackers can modify responses and redirect you to malicious sites.” About 10,000 people are using the Mac version of DNSCrypt. Ulevitch cautioned that the Windows version is a “technology preview” and may have some bugs, but it will be improved over time with feedback.Send news tips and comments to jeremy_kirk@idg.com Related content feature Mastercard preps for the post-quantum cybersecurity threat A cryptographically relevant quantum computer will put everyday online transactions at risk. Mastercard is preparing for such an eventuality — today. By Poornima Apte Sep 22, 2023 6 mins CIO 100 CIO 100 CIO 100 feature 9 famous analytics and AI disasters Insights from data and machine learning algorithms can be invaluable, but mistakes can cost you reputation, revenue, or even lives. These high-profile analytics and AI blunders illustrate what can go wrong. By Thor Olavsrud Sep 22, 2023 13 mins Technology Industry Technology Industry Technology Industry feature Top 15 data management platforms available today Data management platforms (DMPs) help organizations collect and manage data from a wide array of sources — and are becoming increasingly important for customer-centric sales and marketing campaigns. By Peter Wayner Sep 22, 2023 10 mins Marketing Software Data Management opinion Four questions for a casino InfoSec director By Beth Kormanik Sep 21, 2023 3 mins Media and Entertainment Industry Events Security Podcasts Videos Resources Events SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe