Josh Elledge - Chief Executive Angel
Even with internet security software you've purchased, or that may come bundled with your internet, you're still vulnerable to countless internet attacks, scams, and malware. Installed software can only do so much ““ and only for devices on which it's installed. But what about mobile devices? And all those gaming devices? Every time they are on without protection, predatory sites and malware can be finding their way in. You need protection that starts at the modem for all your devices!
How do I block the threat?
OpenDNS is the answer. This easy-to-use, and FREE protection is NOT software. It works at your modem, and therefore across your whole home network, so it is covering every device”“ including phones, gaming devices (like Wii, Playstation, Xbox, DS), and tablets. OpenDNS gives an extra layer of protection against what comes into your home; blocking phishing sites, possibly fraudulent sites (it will warn you if you even mistype a site's name), identity theft possibilities, adult content, and more.
How does it work? Will it slow everything down?
OpenDNS works by using DNS site address information that already exists, and matching it to ensure correct site access ““ as well as flagging and blocking threats that don't match where you really meant to go. With OpenDNS right at your modem, devices receive a warning any time a site is mistyped, or is a known shady, threatening, or infected site.
To break it down, every site name uses a DNS (Domain Name System) given IP address. But we don't type in the string of numbers and dots to get to our favorite site, we type in the name. The name is then translated by the DNS to the IP address internally, to get us where we want to go. Large sites, such as Facebook, often have multiple IP addresses in order to smoothly handle the volume of traffic. OpenDNS handles knowing what the site should be, so your family doesn't end up at a shady “look alike” site if they accidentally type “facbook”, instead of “facebook”.
Amazingly, routing your network through OpenDNS actually improves internet speed, making for the icing on the cake of getting your devices and family better protected. To put on the cherry: OpenDNS will also auto-correct mistyped sites, to help prevent mistakes in the first place.
How do I get it?
Although you can pay for higher (more intuitive) levels of protection, the home / family levels are both free. Get it at OpenDNS.com. There is no software to install, you simply access your router through a device on your network (computer works best). OpenDNS will walk you through the steps, so don't be intimidated. Choose one of the two free home levels, then create a free account with OpenDNS. Follow the steps from there and you're all set!
OR, if you don't want to create an account with them, you can also access the instructions area just below the sign up information, and do it without setting up any kind of account. Notice that if you choose to set it up without the OpenDNS walkthrough, the two sets of IP numbers you'll need are different for FamilyShield (which gives a higher level of Adult Content protection). Be sure to read the information on FamilyShield in the instructions section for the correct set of numbers.
