Source: csonline.com

When it comes to the Web's domain name system (DNS), many otherwise vigilant CSOs heed the adage of leaving well enough alone. It's understandable, as DNS has for years reliably allowed people to use domain names with their Web browsers rather than having to remember remarkably non-mnemonic IP addresses .

Unfortunately, for all its success, DNS is one area in which what you don't know can hurt you-badly. Despite well-publicized attacks on domain name servers in 2000 and 2001, evidence suggests that many companies simply have not taken the steps necessary to protect this vital part of their networks. Experts differ on just how much danger companies generally face. However, they seem to agree that, depending on the circumstances and the company, the results could include electronic attacks and unknowingly providing confidential information to competitors. Some companies aren't just leaving the back door unlocked-they're taking out the hinge pins and removing the door entirely.

"There is a lack of appreciation of just how damned vulnerable DNS is," says Lloyd Hession, CSO for BT Radianz. Indeed, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Computer Emergency Readiness Team (CERT) has recently reported a rise in distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks using DNS. No matter how safe DNS may seem, companies need to stay alert. Here's a quick roundup of DNS vulnerabilities and attack methods CISOs should understand.

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