Domain Name System and Its Connection to Digital Fraud

The Domain Name System (DNS) is one of the most crucial components of the internet infrastructure. It is responsible for translating human-readable website addresses, such as "www.example.com", into IP addresses, which computers use to identify and communicate with each other on the network. Let's explore in detail how DNS works and why it is essential for web navigation.

What is the Domain Name System (DNS)?

DNS is a hierarchical and decentralized system that allows the conversion of domain names into numerical IP addresses. Basically, it acts like the internet’s phone book, making it easier to locate websites and online services using names instead of numbers.

The Domain Name System operates through user queries. When you type a website address, such as "www.example.com", into your browser, the computer needs to find the corresponding IP (Internet Protocol) address of that domain name in order to connect to the site.

How Does DNS Work?

DNS operation involves several steps but can be simplified into a query and response process that happens in fractions of a second:

Name Resolution

When you type a website address into your browser, it doesn't immediately know where to go. So, the browser asks the DNS: "What is the IP address of www.example.com?"

Query to the Recursive DNS Server

This question is sent to a recursive DNS server, usually maintained by your Internet Service Provider (ISP) or by public DNS services, such as Google DNS (8.8.8.8).

Cache Check

The recursive DNS server first checks whether it already has the answer stored in its cache — that is, a saved response from recent queries. If it does, it immediately returns the IP address.

Hierarchical Lookup

If the server doesn’t have the answer, it begins a hierarchical search through the DNS structure:

• Root Servers: These are queried first and indicate which Top-Level Domain (TLD) server to consult next (e.g., for ".com", ".org").
• TLD Servers: These servers identify which authoritative server should be consulted for the specific domain.
• Authoritative Server: This server has the definitive answer regarding the IP address of the domain — for example, the IP of "www.example.com".

Response to the Browser

The authoritative server provides the IP address, which is then passed back through the path until it reaches your browser. With the IP address in hand, the browser connects to the website’s server.

What is the Connection Between Domains and Digital Fraud?

Fake websites — also known as fraudulent or phishing sites — are created to deceive users by imitating legitimate pages, with the aim of stealing personal, financial, or login information.

One of the main strategies of these scams is the use of domains that closely resemble those of real companies, but with small variations that go unnoticed at first glance.

For example, instead of “www.yourcompany.com”, a fake site might use variations such as “www.yourcompany-secure.com” or “www.your-company.com”.

Fraudsters exploit these domains to carry out various types of scams, directly impacting customers and damaging your brand’s reputation.

Some of the most common practices include:

• Fake Ads: These promise exclusive discounts or unbeatable deals from your brand but redirect to fraudulent websites.
• Fake E-commerce Sites: These sell nonexistent or counterfeit products, or offer irresistible prices to trick consumers and divert their payments.

These actions exploit users’ trust in domains that appear familiar, ultimately causing financial and reputational harm to companies.

Therefore, protecting your brand’s domain is crucial to maintaining the integrity of your online presence.

Below are some essential measures to prevent your company and your customers from falling victim to such scams.

How to Prevent and Combat Threats to My Domain?

Maintaining continuous control over your domain is essential to your brand’s digital security. This involves regularly renewing the registration to prevent it from expiring and being acquired by fraudsters, as well as constant vigilance against phishing attempts and other types of domain-targeted scams.

Relying on specialized brand protection services, such as those offered by Branddi, is essential for effective monitoring against digital threats.

These services include continuous monitoring of domains and ads that may be misusing your brand, combining cutting-edge technology with the expertise of qualified professionals.

Actions include:

• Reporting to Over 5,000 Platforms: Including registrars, servers, online stores, payment gateways, browsers, and ad platforms.
• Instant Analysis of Over 2,000 TLDs, Google Ads, and Customer Service Channels: Quickly detecting potential threats.
• Up to 80% Reduction in Fraud-Related Complaints: Thanks to a proactive approach.
• 99% Takedown Success Rate: Ensuring that fraudulent domains and ads are swiftly removed.

Domain protection goes far beyond the initial registration. With a robust strategy and the support of brand protection experts, your company can not only establish a strong online presence but also keep it secure.

Constant monitoring and proactive actions to defend your digital identity are key — and Branddi offers the tools and support necessary to navigate the digital landscape with confidence.

Contact our team and learn how to stay one step ahead of digital threats.