Secure DNS

Access this feature from: Menu ▸ Settings ▸ Components ▸ Secure DNS

Secure DNS protects against DNS (Domain Name System) hijacking to ensure you get to the actual website you want to visit. This feature is designed to require minimal input from you. To ensure you are protected, all you need to do is keep Secure DNS turned on.

Note: Secure DNS is available in AVG Internet Security only.

Manage Secure DNS activity

To ensure your full security, Secure DNS is enabled by default. We recommend you keep Secure DNS turned on at all times unless you need to temporarily disable it for troubleshooting purposes.

To disable Secure DNS, go to Menu ▸ Settings ▸ Components ▸ Secure DNS, then click the green slider (ON) and select a listed time duration. Click Yes to confirm your action. The slider then switches to red (OFF). We do not recommend you turn this feature off permanently by selecting the Stop indefinitely option.

Learn more about DNS hijacking

DNS hijacking (or DNS redirection) is a type of malicious attack that redirects you from the site you want to visit to one that may look just like it. The most common method of DNS hijacking is to install malware that redirects you from an authentic website URL (web address) to a fake website which can steal information such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details. This type of attack is especially dangerous when used with banking and shopping websites. In some cases, DNS hijacking may be recognized only after your sensitive data has been compromised.

Learn more about Secure DNS

Every time you enter the URL (address) of a website, such as www.example.com, into the address bar of your browser, the URL is translated to the IP address (Internet Protocol address) of the web server where the web page that you want to access is stored. Secure DNS provides an encrypted connection between your web browser and AVG's own DNS server to prevent hijacking. In other words, Secure DNS ensures that the displayed website is the authentic one.

Troubleshoot issues

Certain network configurations or policies may not allow you to control DNS settings and use Secure DNS. If your Secure DNS status says Not available, we recommend the following:

  • Ensure that your network firewall allows UDP port 443, and that UDP port 53 allows DNS with encryption. If your firewall blocks these ports, Secure DNS tries to connect to them by TCP protocol.
    By default, AVG Firewall is configured to work with Secure DNS. If you use a third party firewall, contact the relevant vendor or refer to the product's documentation and support pages.
  • Consult your network administrator or internet service provider (ISP) to ensure your DNS settings are protected.