Privacy

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Some DNS questions (lemmy.ml)

submitted 2 months ago by GolfNovemberUniform@lemmy.ml to c/privacy@lemmy.ml

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I already know that private DNS is important for privacy. I'm using Quad9 btw.

But recently I hear a lot about NextDNS and similar providers that give more advanced features such as custom filters and domain blocking. I'm getting interested in that topic now as I have to use some proprietary apps with a lot of trackers in them.

However I'm really struggling to find useful information about what domains to block, what settings to use in one or another use case etc. I don't have much experience with firewalls and server stuff either which makes it even harder.

So, could anyone share some good resources on this so I can get started? Or should I just not worry about it and use a whole other system such as firewall?

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[–] Cheradenine@sh.itjust.works 15 points 2 months ago (2 children)

Have a look at RethinkDNS, https://docs.rethinkdns.com/dns/ their wiki is pretty good. They have recommended block lists, and also have a feature that let's you search inside block lists to see what they actually cover.

If you are on Android they have a companion app, you do not need to use it though. The app adds a good firewall (capture and redirect port 53 for example) and detailed logs if you want. You can block domains and specific IP addresses.

It's all FOSS too

[–] N0x0n@lemmy.ml 7 points 2 months ago (1 children)

+1 for the android app ! If you're "paranoid" you can block all apps by default and only allow apps you trust to connect to the internet. You can even for each app allow certain domains or IP's, even wildcard domains for exemple to allow googles video chain like r3---sn-25glene6.googlevideo.com for only certain apps and not others... Like it's fully customizable !!!

You can even hook your personal wireguard connection with DNS server like pihole...

RethinkDNS is awsome !

[–] Cheradenine@sh.itjust.works 2 points 2 months ago

I really like the block all apps by default. I read release notes, download something, scan with App Manager. If that's all good then it can connect to the internet.

And I use the Wikipedia app so I can block intake-analytics.wikimedia.org and the app still works.

[–] f4f4f4f4f4f4f4f4@sopuli.xyz 1 points 2 months ago (1 children)

I was recommended by a well-known privacy guide to use Rethink with AhaDNS Blitz, but it seems to fail often; nothing resolves until the VPN is stopped and restarted. Any ideas or advice?

[–] Cheradenine@sh.itjust.works 2 points 2 months ago

I don't have any experience with AhaDNS Blitz.

With RethinkDNS I have had occasional failures on their Max resolver, changing to Sky then works. That has only happened two times though, and was fixed with a few hours.

Sorry I can't be more help.