**Description:** DNS malware refers to a type of cyber threat that affects the Domain Name System (DNS), which is fundamental for browsing the Internet. This type of malware can compromise network security by redirecting users to malicious sites, often without their knowledge. Attackers can manipulate DNS queries so that, instead of accessing the legitimate web address, users are sent to fraudulent pages that may steal personal information, install unwanted additional software, or propagate other types of malware. Key features of DNS malware include the ability to alter DNS settings on various devices and networks, as well as the potential to evade traditional security measures. The relevance of this type of malware has increased with the growing dependence on the Internet for everyday activities, making it an attractive target for cybercriminals. Protection against DNS malware is essential to maintain the integrity of information and the security of users online.
**History:** DNS malware began to gain notoriety in the late 1990s and early 2000s, when phishing attacks and the use of trojans became more common. One significant event was the discovery of the DNSChanger botnet in 2007, which affected millions of computers worldwide by changing users’ DNS settings to redirect them to malicious sites. Since then, the evolution of this type of malware has continued, adapting to new technologies and attack methods.
**Uses:** DNS malware is primarily used to redirect users to malicious websites, allowing attackers to steal personal information such as banking credentials and credit card data. It is also used to distribute other types of malware, such as ransomware, and to create botnets that can be remotely controlled to carry out Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks.
**Examples:** A notable example of DNS malware is the aforementioned DNSChanger, which redirected users to fraudulent sites and was responsible for one of the largest malware infections in Internet history. Another case is the Mirai botnet, which exploited vulnerabilities in Internet of Things (IoT) devices to manipulate DNS settings and carry out massive attacks.
