DNS over HTTPS (DoH) is a protocol that encrypts your DNS queries, enhancing your online privacy by preventing your internet service provider (ISP) and other potential eavesdroppers from seeing which websites you visit. Kaspersky, a leading cybersecurity company, offers DoH features within its products, but understanding the implications is crucial before enabling it.
Kaspersky's implementation of DoH typically routes your DNS queries through their own secure servers. This means your DNS requests are encrypted and sent to Kaspersky, which then forwards them to the appropriate DNS servers to resolve the website address. The exact method may vary depending on the specific Kaspersky product (e.g., Kaspersky Total Security, Kaspersky Internet Security) and its version. Check your application's settings for details on how DoH is configured.
While DoH enhances privacy by concealing your browsing activity from your ISP, you should consider that Kaspersky now has access to your DNS queries. Kaspersky's privacy policy should be reviewed carefully to understand how they handle this data. This includes looking at their data retention policies, data usage practices, and data sharing agreements.
Trusting a third-party provider like Kaspersky with your DNS traffic involves a degree of trust in their security practices and their commitment to user privacy. Understand that they have access to a record of the websites you visit, although it's arguably more secure than your ISP having that information.
Using DoH might introduce slight performance overhead, although often negligible. The encryption and extra hop to Kaspersky's servers could, in some scenarios, marginally increase latency. However, modern infrastructure is often optimized to minimize this impact. You might notice a difference in speeds on slower connections or in areas with high latency, but for most users, the performance impact is insignificant.
The exact steps to enable or disable DoH vary depending on the Kaspersky product and its version. Generally, you'll find the relevant settings within the application's network or privacy settings. Look for options related to "DNS settings," "Network protection," or similar terms. Consult Kaspersky's official documentation or support website for precise instructions.
There are alternative DoH providers you can use if you prefer not to rely on Kaspersky, including Cloudflare's 1.1.1.1, Google Public DNS, and others. These offer similar privacy benefits, but you'll need to configure your DNS settings manually. Remember that choosing an alternative provider also involves considering its privacy policy and security practices.
Using DoH with Kaspersky offers a balance between enhanced security and privacy, but it's crucial to carefully weigh the implications. Understanding Kaspersky's privacy policy and assessing the trade-off between privacy and trust in a third-party provider is essential before enabling this feature. Consider your individual needs and risk tolerance when making your decision. Always keep your Kaspersky software updated to benefit from the latest security patches and features.