malware using drive-by download (What is the drive-by download?), even when we do not initiate any download from the malicious website.

How to prevent DNS hijacking?

There are a couple of steps that we can take to prevent DNS hijacking.

• Keep your operating systems updated with recent patches. In most cases, malware infects a computer by exploiting the security vulnerabilities of operating systems. The more updated an operating system is, the fewer known vulnerabilities it has.
• Keep your browser or other commonly used software updated with recent patches so that they have fewer security vulnerabilities.
• Keep your computer updated with an anti-malware program from a trusted source.
• Do not download any software from any untrusted sources. They are very likely to contain malware.
• Use a good firewall. Though a hardware-based firewall is the best, a router firewall is also good.
• In case you are a victim of DNS hijacking, do not panic! Recovering from DNS hijacking is fairly simple. Look into your DNS settings and check whether it contains any suspicious-looking blacklisted DNS Servers. If yes, change the DNS settings as per your ISP’s guidelines and remove the malware with a good anti-malware program.

This article gives a very brief overview of DNS hijacking. Interested readers who want to know more about various malware and cyberattacks may want to refer to the book “A Guide To Cyber Security.” And interested readers who want to know more about various web application vulnerabilities may want to refer to the book “Web Application Vulnerabilities And Prevention.”

Security Fundamentals Practice Tests

The Security Fundamentals Practice Tests test one’s fundamental knowledge of cyber security. The practice tests are good for those who are preparing for various certification exams like the CCNA, CCNP, or CompTIA. They are also good for students and IT/security professionals who want to improve their understanding of cybersecurity.