Should You Enable DNS over HTTPS (DoH)? A Comprehensive Guide

The question of whether to enable DNS over HTTPS (DoH) is a complex one, balancing enhanced privacy with potential drawbacks. This guide explores the pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.

What is DNS over HTTPS (DoH)?

DNS, or Domain Name System, translates human-readable domain names (like google.com) into machine-readable IP addresses that your computer uses to connect to websites. Traditionally, this communication happens over unencrypted DNS (UDP/TCP port 53). DoH encrypts this communication using HTTPS, the same protocol that secures your web browsing.

Instead of your DNS requests being sent in plain text, potentially intercepted by your ISP or other third parties, they're now encrypted within an HTTPS connection. This added layer of security offers several advantages.

Advantages of Enabling DoH

• Increased Privacy: This is the primary benefit. Your ISP and other network observers cannot see which websites you're accessing. This protects your browsing history from unwanted surveillance or data collection.
• Improved Security: Encryption prevents DNS spoofing and other attacks that can redirect you to malicious websites. This is particularly beneficial on public Wi-Fi networks.
• Faster DNS Resolution (Potentially): Some DoH providers offer faster DNS resolution due to optimized infrastructure and caching. However, this is not always guaranteed, and performance can vary.
• Circumvention of Censorship: In regions with internet censorship, DoH can help bypass restrictions by encrypting DNS requests and making it harder to block access to specific websites.

Disadvantages of Enabling DoH

• Potential for Tracking (Depending on the Provider): While DoH protects your requests from your ISP, it doesn't inherently protect you from the DoH provider itself. Choose a reputable provider with a strong privacy policy.
• Compatibility Issues: Older devices or software might not fully support DoH. While support is increasingly widespread, compatibility issues could arise.
• Parental Control Issues: DoH can make it harder for parents to monitor their children's online activity through parental control software that relies on inspecting DNS traffic.
• Potential for Interference with Network Management: Some network administrators might find DoH interferes with their ability to manage and monitor network traffic, potentially affecting features like firewalls and content filtering.
• Reduced Local DNS Caching Benefits: Since the requests are encrypted, some local caching mechanisms used by your router or operating system might not function as efficiently.

Choosing a DoH Provider

If you decide to use DoH, carefully choose your provider. Consider factors such as:

• Privacy Policy: Review the provider's privacy policy to understand what data they collect and how they use it.
• Reputation: Opt for established and reputable providers with a strong track record of protecting user privacy.
• Location: Consider the provider's location and its legal jurisdiction.

How to Enable DoH

The method for enabling DoH varies depending on your operating system and DNS provider. You can usually configure it through your operating system's network settings or your router's settings. Many browsers also offer built-in DoH support.

Consult your operating system's documentation or your router's manual for specific instructions. Popular options include using Cloudflare's 1.1.1.1 or Google's Public DNS, both of which offer DoH.

Conclusion

The decision of whether to enable DoH depends on your priorities. If privacy is paramount and you're comfortable with the potential drawbacks, then enabling DoH is a strong consideration. However, carefully research potential providers, understand the implications, and make an informed choice based on your specific needs and circumstances.