NetSkope and DNS over HTTPS (DoH): A Comprehensive Guide

DNS over HTTPS (DoH) is a privacy-enhancing technology that encrypts DNS queries, shielding them from potential eavesdropping and manipulation. This guide explores the interaction between NetSkope, a leading cloud security platform, and DoH, addressing common concerns, benefits, and configurations.

Understanding the Dynamics: NetSkope and DoH

NetSkope's primary function is to secure access to cloud applications and web resources. It achieves this through various mechanisms, including Secure Web Gateway (SWG) functionalities. DoH, on the other hand, operates at the DNS layer, encrypting communication between a device and the DNS resolver. The relationship between these two technologies is crucial for organizations aiming to balance security and user privacy.

The Challenge: DoH and Visibility

A major concern with DoH is the potential loss of visibility for security solutions like NetSkope. Traditionally, SWGs inspect DNS queries to identify malicious domains, block unwanted traffic, and enforce security policies. When DoH is enabled, this visibility is obscured because the DNS traffic is encrypted. This can create a blind spot for security teams, potentially leaving organizations vulnerable to threats.

NetSkope's Approach: Maintaining Visibility and Control

NetSkope addresses this challenge through several strategies:

• Integration with DoH resolvers: NetSkope can be integrated with various DoH resolvers, allowing it to intercept and inspect DNS traffic even when encrypted. This ensures that NetSkope retains visibility into user activity and can apply its security policies effectively.
• TLS inspection: NetSkope's advanced TLS inspection capabilities can decrypt and inspect DoH traffic if configured correctly. This involves establishing a level of trust and managing the associated certificate handling.
• Policy enforcement: Even with encrypted DoH traffic, NetSkope can enforce security policies based on other factors such as URL categorization, user identity, and application usage. This allows maintaining control over access to web resources, despite the encryption of DNS queries.
• Data loss prevention (DLP): NetSkope's DLP features remain effective even with DoH, ensuring that sensitive data isn't leaked through encrypted channels. This requires configuration to ensure that DLP policies are comprehensive enough to consider all potential encrypted communication channels.

Benefits of Using NetSkope with DoH (When Properly Configured)

While DoH presents initial challenges, when properly integrated with NetSkope, it offers several benefits:

• Enhanced user privacy: DoH protects DNS queries from eavesdropping, benefiting both employees and the organization by ensuring privacy compliance.
• Improved security against DNS manipulation: DoH makes it more difficult for attackers to perform DNS spoofing and other attacks that rely on manipulating DNS traffic.
• Resilience against censorship: In some regions, DoH can enhance resilience against censorship efforts, ensuring users maintain access to legitimate resources.
• Maintain security posture: With appropriate NetSkope configuration, organizations can maintain a robust security posture while benefiting from the privacy advantages of DoH.

Configuration and Best Practices

Proper configuration of NetSkope to work effectively with DoH is critical. This typically involves:

• Selecting a compatible DoH resolver: Choose a resolver that is compatible with NetSkope's integration capabilities.
• Configuring TLS inspection (if required): Carefully configure TLS inspection to avoid breaking legitimate connections while maintaining visibility.
• Deploying NetSkope's DoH inspection features: Utilize the specific features within NetSkope designed to inspect and manage DoH traffic.
• Regularly review and update policies: Ensure that security policies remain effective even with the added layer of encryption provided by DoH.

Note: Specific configuration details may vary depending on the version of NetSkope and the chosen DoH resolver. Consult NetSkope's official documentation for the most up-to-date instructions.

Conclusion

The combination of NetSkope and DoH requires careful planning and configuration. However, when implemented correctly, it offers a strong balance between user privacy and robust security. Organizations should leverage NetSkope's capabilities to maintain visibility and control, mitigating the inherent security challenges associated with encrypted DNS traffic while simultaneously providing users with the benefits of DoH.