In today’s digital age, the Domain Name System (DNS) server plays a critical role in your online experience. By default, your Internet Service Provider (ISP) automatically assigns a DNS server to your devices. However, did you know there’s a way to potentially improve your internet speed, security, and even add extra protection for your family? Enter Cloudflare DNS server.
Cloudflare, a well-known internet infrastructure company, offers a public DNS resolver that focuses on speed and privacy. Some ISPs and network providers even partner with Cloudflare to enhance the browsing experience they offer to their customers. But you don’t have to rely on your provider. You can easily configure your devices or router to use Cloudflare’s DNS servers directly.
For those seeking an added layer of security, especially for households with children, Cloudflare provides 1.1.1.1 for Families. This service builds upon Cloudflare’s core DNS infrastructure to offer protection against malware and adult content. Leveraging Cloudflare’s global network, 1.1.1.1 for Families is designed to be fast, secure, and respects your privacy, adhering to the same strong privacy commitments as Cloudflare’s standard 1.1.1.1 service.
1.1.1.1 for Families: Customized Protection for Your Home Network
1.1.1.1 for Families is designed with flexibility in mind, offering two distinct options to cater to different needs:
1. Block Malware:
This option focuses on security, preventing access to websites known to distribute malware, engage in phishing, or pose other security threats. To activate malware blocking, configure your devices or router to use these DNS resolvers:
1.1.1.21.0.0.22606:4700:4700::11122606:4700:4700::1002
2. Block Malware and Adult Content:
For comprehensive protection, this option includes malware blocking and extends to prevent access to websites with adult content. To enable both malware and adult content blocking, use these DNS resolvers:
1.1.1.31.0.0.32606:4700:4700::11132606:4700:4700::1003
When 1.1.1.1 for Families identifies a domain name or IP address in a DNS query as malicious or adult content (depending on the option you choose), it will return 0.0.0.0, effectively blocking access to that site.
Verify Your Setup: Testing 1.1.1.1 for Families
After configuring 1.1.1.1 for Families, it’s wise to ensure it’s functioning correctly. Cloudflare provides test URLs to help you confirm your settings are active and working as intended. (Please refer to Cloudflare’s official documentation for the most up-to-date testing procedures and URLs.)
Enhance Privacy with DNS over HTTPS (DoH)
For users looking to further enhance their privacy, especially on networks you may not fully trust, DNS over HTTPS (DoH) offers an encrypted connection for your DNS queries. By encrypting your DNS traffic, DoH makes it significantly harder for malicious actors, advertisers, or even your ISP to monitor or manipulate your DNS requests.
If your router or device supports DoH, you can configure 1.1.1.1 for Families to use encrypted DNS queries over HTTPS. Use the following URLs in your DoH settings, depending on your desired level of protection:
Block Malware (DoH URL):
https://security.cloudflare-dns.com/dns-queryBlock Malware and Adult Content (DoH URL):
https://family.cloudflare-dns.com/dns-querySecure DNS with DNS over TLS (DoT)
Similar to DoH, DNS over TLS (DoT) provides another method to encrypt your DNS queries, offering protection against eavesdropping and manipulation. If your device or router supports DoT, 1.1.1.1 for Families is also compatible.
To set up an encrypted DoT connection for 1.1.1.1 for Families, enter the appropriate URL below into your DoT-compliant client:
Block Malware (DoT URL):
security.cloudflare-dns.comBlock Malware and Adult Content (DoT URL):
family.cloudflare-dns.comBy choosing Cloudflare DNS server and specifically 1.1.1.1 for Families, you can take control of your DNS settings to potentially improve your internet speed, enhance your online security, and provide a safer browsing environment for your family. Whether you opt for basic malware protection or the combined malware and adult content filtering, Cloudflare offers a robust and privacy-focused DNS solution.
