A DNS leak is a security flaw that occurs when your online activities are exposed through your Domain Name System (DNS) queries. Think of DNS as the internet's phonebook; it translates human-friendly domain names like 'www.example.com' into IP addresses that computers use to communicate. Normally, these lookups should go through the DNS server provided by your internet service provider (ISP) or a chosen third-party. However, a leak happens when these queries travel outside the secure tunnel established by your privacy measures, such as a Virtual Private Network (VPN), and are sent through your ISP's DNS servers instead. This exposes the websites you visit to your ISP or any eavesdropper monitoring your ISP's DNS servers, thus compromising your privacy and potentially revealing your browsing habits.

A DNS leak can significantly affect your online privacy. If you're using a VPN to keep your internet activities private, a DNS leak can undermine this by allowing your ISP to see the websites you're visiting. This not only exposes your browsing habits but can also reveal your location and the type of content you access, which you might prefer to keep private. In regions with strict i nternet surveillance, this could lead to legal or social repercussions. Furthermore, it can also make you vulnerable to cyber threats like phishing, tracking, and digital profiling by third parties.

Preventing a DNS leak starts with selecting a secure and reliable DNS server. You can choose privacy-focused DNS services that don't log your queries. The next step is to use a trustworthy VPN provider. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and should route all DNS requests through its own servers, not just your direct internet traffic. However, not all VPNs are created equal; some might inadvertently leak DNS requests to your ISP. It's essential to choose a VPN that explicitly states it prevents DNS leaks and to test it using a service like our "DNS Leak Service."

To ensure your DNS isn't leaking:

1. Regularly check your VPN connection with our DNS Leak Service.
2. Use a VPN with built-in DNS leak protection.
3. Manually configure your device to use a trusted DNS server.
4. Keep your VPN software up to date to benefit from the latest security enhancements.

By taking these steps, you can help safeguard your online activities from being inadvertently exposed to your ISP or other prying eyes.