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Millions of customers rely on our domains and web hosting to get their ideas online. We know what we do and like to share them with you.
The internet, as we know it, runs on DNS, the Domain Name System. Every time a user visits your website, their browser makes a DNS query to convert your domain (e.g., example.com) into an IP address. Historically, these DNS queries have been unencrypted, exposing them to snooping, tracking, and potential manipulation.
Enter DNS over HTTPS (DoH). This evolving standard encrypts DNS requests, shielding them from third parties and increasing user privacy. But what does this mean for domain owners and website operators? How does it impact your users' experience, and should you do anything to support it?
In this article, we break down DNS over HTTPS and explore its implications for domain privacy, branding, and the broader internet ecosystem.
Traditionally, DNS queries are sent in plaintext. This means:
DNS over HTTPS encrypts these requests using the HTTPS protocol. Instead of using port 53 (standard for DNS), DoH uses port 443, the same as regular HTTPS traffic.
This means:
While DoH is largely implemented on the user/client side (browsers, OS, apps), it has significant implications for domain owners:
When users feel protected, they are more likely to trust your domain. Supporting privacy-focused practices helps your brand align with modern expectations around:
DoH protects your domain's DNS queries from:
This ensures users always reach your real website, not a spoofed or hijacked version.
Google and other search engines increasingly favor:
While DoH is not a direct ranking factor, a privacy-forward infrastructure supports your site’s overall credibility.
It’s easy to confuse DoH with DNSSEC (Domain Name System Security Extensions). Both enhance DNS security, but in different ways:
For maximum security, domain owners should support both:
As a domain owner, you don't directly control whether users use DoH; that happens in browsers and operating systems. However, you can:
If you use a managed DNS service or CDN (like Cloudflare or Google DNS), ensure it supports DoH. This ensures compatibility with:
If your audience is tech-savvy or privacy-focused (e.g., developers, crypto users, journalists), highlight that your DNS provider supports DoH. This could be a trust-building point.
Create a layered security posture:
This trifecta positions your domain as safe, secure, and modern.
DoH is part of a larger movement toward internet privacy:
Being proactive as a domain owner keeps your brand ahead of the curve and avoids being perceived as outdated or careless.
Some network administrators argue that DoH:
These are valid concerns, especially in corporate or parental control environments. However, from a public internet and user-rights perspective, DoH represents a net gain for transparency and safety.
DNS over HTTPS is changing how the internet handles one of its most fundamental processes. While implementation is mostly browser-side, domain owners still play a vital role.
By understanding how DoH works and aligning with secure DNS providers, you can:
At NameSilo, we’re committed to helping you build a secure and resilient online presence. Every domain comes with free DNSSEC support to protect against DNS tampering, as well as advanced DNS tools. If you're looking to establish a privacy-first foundation for your domain, there's no better place to start than with NameSilo.
