Why DNS resolvers are having a moment

In the wake of growing attacks, a number of organizations have stood up DNS resolvers: free services that block people from visiting websites that contaminate visitors with malware or pull their machines into a botnet.

Since launching in November, one such DNS resolver has seen strong growth. Quad9, which is run by nonprofits Global Cyber Alliance and Packet Clearing House, has seen its service grow 27-fold. It’s currently blocking around 2 million threats per day, with users stationed in 74 different countries.

Quad9 Executive Director John Todd talked with Greg Otto at the 2018 RSA conference about the service’s growth, and what it means in the quest to improve basic cyber-hygiene.