Adguard DNS (beta)

Status
Not open for further replies.

enaph

Level 28
Thread author
Verified
Honorary Member
Top Poster
Well-known
Jun 14, 2011
1,787
All our users know how to block ads. Be it Windows, Android, Mac or iOS – you simply install Adguard app, and the ads are gone. But now there is a different, yet very simple way to filter ads – Adguard DNS.

1_2.jpg



Probably, not everyone knows what exactly is DNS and how it can help us to block ads, so let us explain it real quick. Simplifying it a lot, one can say that DNS (Domain Name System) is a system that translates websites ‘names’ into something browser can understand – IP addresses. Thus, each time you go to a website, your browser sends a request to a special server. That server either redirects the request to another server or replies with an IP address.

But how can it help us block ads? We create our own DNS server, which you can tell your browser to send all requests to. Our server works as a redirect DNS server: each request will be directed to its original destination, except for ads. This way, instead of ads there will be only empty spaces. Simple, isn’t it?

But there are, of course, some drawbacks to this scheme compared to ‘traditional’ ad blocking. First and foremost, not all ads can be blocked this way. Some websites (like Facebook, for example) use same domain names for both its content and ads. By blocking ads there we will harm websites functionality, so they are whitelisted. Also, there are no filtering rules with this approach, and that means no ‘cosmetic’ rules (which are responsible for making the page look ‘clean’ after ads are blocked) either. Even if the ad is blocked, it will leave an empty space or a frame with an icon behind itslef.

Adguard DNS can work in two different modes:

‘Default’: Ad Blocking + Stealth Mode + Browsing Security
‘Family protection’: Ad Blocking + Stealth Mode + Browsing Security + Parental Control

We’ve already covered ad blocking, and the Stealth Mode is responsible for blocking trackers and analytics. Browsing Security and Parental Control work similar to each other. Each has its own ‘black list’ of domains, and every request to that domain is redirected to a neutral page. The difference is, Browsing Security looks for requests to phishing and malware websites, and the Parental Control cares about websites with adult content. These black lists are not customizable, though: you only select which DNS server to use.

You can easily configure Adguard DNS on any of your devices. Just open our setup guide and read the instruction for your platform. You can even set up your router to use Adguard DNS servers.

It is only left to say that Adguard DNS is completely free to use. Why free? Later we will introduce a Pro version that will have wider options and will be paid to use. We also plan to use this technology in our other products.

A couple of useful links:
  • If you want to follow development process, check out our GitHub repository;
  • To discuss Adguard DNS with other users, visit the forum thread.
Hope you will like a new member of Adguard family! As always, we encourage you to share your thoughts in the comment section.

Always yours,
Adguard Team.
 
N

NullByte

The ads still show up but you get 404 on them. You will still get the popups but the content inside will not load. If you use this DNS on a router you can protect your network from malware and from unwanted ads.

Overall, it's good and it worth using it, I will uninstall uBlock Origin too.
 

SpartacusSystem

Level 7
Verified
Well-known
Aug 6, 2015
306
The ads still show up but you get 404 on them. You will still get the popups but the content inside will not load. If you use this DNS on a router you can protect your network from malware and from unwanted ads.

Overall, it's good and it worth using it, I will uninstall uBlock Origin too.

So no cosmetic filtering then with this in comparison to the extensions and software version?
 

Azure

Level 28
Verified
Top Poster
Content Creator
Oct 23, 2014
1,712
Guys, please remember that this is still a beta.

Adguard DNS (beta)
"Regarding performance, there are two important notes:
1. Beta test just started, so servers caches are almost empty. We need some time to warm it up and for popular domains to get cached.
2. DNS servers are located in NJ, SF and Moscow, so for some locations ping may be huge."

I think the people who are going to test this should be aware of the statements above.
 

Ink

Administrator
Verified
Staff Member
Well-known
Jan 8, 2011
22,361
In terms of Adguard Filtering and customisation, from basic to best:
  • Adguard DNS (Set and Forget)
  • Adguard Adblocker (Basic Web and Tracking Protection)
  • Adguard Premium (Ultimate system-wide Protection)
Adguard DNS as good as they claim? Does Adguard have a VPN?
 
  • Like
Reactions: XhenEd
Status
Not open for further replies.

About us

  • MalwareTips is a community-driven platform providing the latest information and resources on malware and cyber threats. Our team of experienced professionals and passionate volunteers work to keep the internet safe and secure. We provide accurate, up-to-date information and strive to build a strong and supportive community dedicated to cybersecurity.

User Menu

Follow us

Follow us on Facebook or Twitter to know first about the latest cybersecurity incidents and malware threats.

Top