I recently read an article from Binance explaining how to prevent DNS attacks, and I wanted to share some of the key takeaways here, along with a few real examples of crypto DNS attacks.

What is a crypto DNS attack?

A crypto DNS attack is a type of cyberattack that exploits vulnerabilities in the Domain Name System (DNS) to redirect users to malicious websites or apps. DNS is a protocol that translates domain names, such as binance.com, into IP addresses, which are the numerical addresses that computers use to communicate with each other.

How do crypto DNS attacks work?

There are a few different ways that crypto DNS attacks can work. One common method is called DNS cache poisoning. In this attack, the attacker sends poisoned DNS records to DNS servers, which are the servers that store and distribute DNS information. When a user visits a website, their computer will query a DNS server to get the IP address of the website. If the DNS server has been poisoned, it will return the attacker's IP address instead of the legitimate website's IP address. This will redirect the user to a malicious website or app, which can be used to steal their crypto assets.

Another common method of crypto DNS attack is called man-in-the-middle (MITM) attack. In this attack, the attacker intercepts the user's traffic and redirects it to a malicious website or app. This can be done by compromising the user's router or by exploiting a vulnerability in the user's operating system.

Real examples of crypto DNS attacks

Here are a few real examples of crypto DNS attacks:

• In 2020, the cryptocurrency exchange Binance was targeted by a DNS attack. The attacker poisoned the DNS cache of a number of Binance's customers, redirecting them to a fake Binance website. The fake website looked like the real Binance website, but it was actually controlled by the attacker. The attacker was able to steal millions of dollars worth of cryptocurrency from Binance customers.
• In 2021, the cryptocurrency exchange KuCoin was also targeted by a DNS attack. The attacker poisoned the DNS cache of a number of KuCoin's customers, redirecting them to a fake KuCoin website. The fake website looked like the real KuCoin website, but it was actually controlled by the attacker. The attacker was able to steal millions of dollars worth of cryptocurrency from KuCoin customers.
• In 2022, the cryptocurrency exchange Curve Finance was targeted by a DNS attack. The attacker poisoned the DNS cache of a number of Curve Finance's customers, redirecting them to a fake Curve Finance website. The fake website looked like the real Curve Finance website, but it was actually controlled by the attacker. The attacker was able to steal millions of dollars worth of cryptocurrency from Curve Finance customers.

How to avoid crypto DNS attacks

Here are some tips on how to avoid crypto DNS attacks:

• Use a reputable DNS service. There are a number of different DNS services available, but not all of them are created equal. Choose a DNS service that has a good reputation for security and reliability.
• Use a VPN. A VPN encrypts your traffic and routes it through a secure server. This can help to protect you from DNS attacks and other types of cyberattacks.
• Keep your software up to date. Software developers regularly release security updates to patch vulnerabilities. Make sure to install all software updates as soon as they are available.
• Be careful about clicking on links. If you receive a link in an email, text message, or social media post, do not click on it unless you are sure it is safe. You can hover over the link to see the actual URL that it will take you to. If the URL does not look like the legitimate website, do not click on it.
• Use two-factor authentication (2FA). 2FA adds an extra layer of security to your accounts. When you enable 2FA, you will be required to enter a code from your phone in addition to your password when you log in to your account. This can help to protect your account from unauthorized access, even if the attacker knows your password.

By following these tips, you can help to protect yourself from crypto DNS attacks and other types of cyberattacks.