Quad9 – A public and free DNS service for a better security and privacy

### Abstract: Quad9 – A Public and Free DNS Service for Enhanced Security and Privacy **Introduction:** Quad9, a public Domain Name System (DNS) service, has emerged as a significant player in the realm of internet security and privacy. Launched in 2016, Quad9 is designed to provide users with a free and secure DNS resolution service that helps protect against malicious websites and enhances online privacy. This article delves into the core features, benefits, and implications of using Quad9, highlighting its role in the broader landscape of internet infrastructure. **Key Events:** 1. **Launch of Quad9 (2016):** Quad9 was introduced as a non-profit initiative aimed at improving internet security and privacy. The service is provided free of charge to users worldwide. 2. **Growing Adoption:** Over the years, Quad9 has seen increasing adoption by individuals and organizations looking for a more secure alternative to traditional DNS services. 3. **Privacy Enhancements:** Quad9 has continuously updated its service to enhance user privacy, including the implementation of DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) and DNS-over-TLS (DoT) protocols. 4. **Security Features:** The service uses threat intelligence from multiple sources to block access to known malicious websites, reducing the risk of cyber attacks. 5. **Community Feedback and Improvements:** Quad9 has been responsive to user feedback, making adjustments and improvements to its service based on community input. **Key People and Organizations:** - **IBM:** One of the founding members of Quad9, IBM provides significant technical and financial support to the project. - **PCH (Packet Clearing House):** Another founding member, PCH contributes to the operational and technical aspects of Quad9. - **Global Cyber Alliance (GCA):** A key partner in Quad9, GCA is a non-profit organization dedicated to reducing cyber risk and enhancing the security of the internet. - **Quad9 Team:** The dedicated team of professionals who manage and maintain the Quad9 service, ensuring its reliability and security. **Locations:** - **Global:** Quad9 operates globally, with DNS servers located in various countries to provide low-latency and reliable service to users worldwide. **Time Elements:** - **2016:** The year Quad9 was officially launched. - **2023:** The current year, reflecting the ongoing relevance and development of Quad9 as a DNS service. **Core Features and Benefits:** 1. **Threat Intelligence:** Quad9 integrates real-time threat intelligence from multiple sources, including IBM, to block access to known malicious websites. This helps in preventing users from falling victim to phishing, malware, and other cyber threats. 2. **Privacy Protection:** Unlike traditional DNS services, Quad9 does not log user data, ensuring that browsing history and activities remain private. The service supports advanced protocols like DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) and DNS-over-TLS (DoT), which encrypt DNS queries to prevent eavesdropping and tampering. 3. **Performance:** Quad9's global network of DNS servers is strategically placed to minimize latency and provide fast and reliable DNS resolution. This ensures a smooth and efficient browsing experience for users. 4. **User-Friendly:** Setting up Quad9 is straightforward, requiring minimal technical knowledge. Users can change their DNS settings to use Quad9's servers, which are accessible via the IP address 9.9.9.9. 5. **Open Source:** Quad9's threat intelligence data is available as an open-source project, allowing researchers and developers to contribute and benefit from the community's efforts. **Implications:** - **Enhanced Security:** By blocking access to malicious websites, Quad9 significantly reduces the risk of cyber attacks. This is particularly beneficial for individuals and small businesses that may not have advanced security measures in place. - **Improved Privacy:** The non-logging and encryption features of Quad9 help protect user data from being collected and misused by third parties. This is crucial in an era where online privacy is increasingly valued and regulated. - **Competitive Landscape:** The availability of a free, secure, and privacy-focused DNS service like Quad9 challenges traditional DNS providers to improve their offerings. It also provides an alternative for users who are dissatisfied with the current state of DNS services. - **Community Engagement:** Quad9's open-source approach fosters collaboration and innovation, encouraging the development of new security and privacy tools. This community-driven model can lead to more robust and effective solutions over time. **Challenges and Criticisms:** - **Ad Blocking:** Some users have reported that Quad9's threat intelligence can sometimes block legitimate websites, particularly those that use ad networks. This has led to debates about the balance between security and accessibility. - **Centralization Concerns:** While Quad9 is a non-profit service, its centralized nature and reliance on a few key partners have raised concerns about single points of failure and potential vulnerabilities. - **Government and Corporate Influence:** Critics have also pointed out that the involvement of large corporations like IBM and government-affiliated organizations could influence the service's policies and practices, potentially compromising its independence. **Conclusion:** Quad9 represents a significant advancement in the field of DNS services, offering a free, secure, and privacy-focused alternative to traditional providers. By integrating real-time threat intelligence and supporting encrypted DNS protocols, Quad9 helps protect users from cyber threats and ensures that their online activities remain private. Despite some challenges and criticisms, the service continues to evolve and improve, driven by user feedback and community engagement. As the demand for secure and private internet services grows, Quad9 is well-positioned to play a crucial role in shaping the future of DNS infrastructure.