What is the role of DNS in network security?

The role of DNS (Domain Name System) in network security primarily revolves around its foundational function of translating domain names into IP addresses. This process is crucial because users typically input easy-to-remember domain names like www.example.com, while computers and networking devices communicate using numeric IP addresses.

When a user requests access to a website, the DNS system resolves the domain name into the corresponding IP address, enabling the connection to the web server hosting the content. This translation process is essential for the functionality of the internet, as it allows users to navigate web resources without needing to remember complex numerical addresses.

Additionally, the security of the DNS system itself is vital, as it acts as a point of vulnerability. If DNS integrity is compromised, attackers can redirect users to malicious sites through methods like DNS spoofing or phishing attacks. Therefore, while DNS translation is a primary function, it also plays a significant role in ensuring secure and trustworthy navigation on the internet through measures like DNSSEC (Domain Name System Security Extensions), which helps protect against attacks targeting the DNS infrastructure.