DNS Neglect Can Cost You: Don’t Let Your IPs Dangle

Your Domain Name System (DNS) records are a crucial component of your online presence. They guide browsers to your websites, direct emails to the appropriate inboxes, and ensure that essential services operate smoothly. In today’s digital economy, DNS is foundational, but it is also vulnerable. When records are misconfigured, outdated, or exploited, the consequences can range from minor disruptions to significant security breaches.

DNS serves as both vital infrastructure and a potential target for cyberattacks. Modern threats like ransomware and phishing often exploit vulnerabilities in DNS, which means organizations need better visibility and control over their network traffic. DNS-based attacks, including ransomware, phishing, and malware, are causing widespread disruption, from service downtime to data theft and damage to brand reputation. However, many organizations lack the tools, automation, or expertise to effectively analyze and act on DNS data.

Why DNS Matters—and Where It’s at Risk

DNS is frequently compared to the Internet’s phonebook, mapping domain names to IP addresses. Yet, it is also a potential weak point. Cyberattacks such as ransomware, phishing, and malware often target DNS vulnerabilities. The IDC Global DNS Threat Report, conducted with EfficientIP, found that in 2023, 90% of organizations experienced DNS-related attacks, leading to an average cost of $1.1 million per incident. As of April 2025, this remains the most comprehensive data available and highlights an ongoing and growing challenge.

Many organizations struggle to manage DNS effectively. Without proper tools or processes, they are left exposed to risks that can disrupt services, compromise data, or harm their reputation. DNS security isn’t merely a technical requirement; it is a key element of a broader cybersecurity strategy.

Common DNS Vulnerabilities

DNS records may seem like just another task on your IT to-do list, but to cybercriminals, they represent a goldmine of opportunities. Here are some common—and dangerous—DNS-related issues that could expose your organization to trouble:

• Misconfigured Records: A typo in an A record or an outdated MX entry might redirect traffic incorrectly or disrupt services.
• Dangling DNS Entries: Records tied to decommissioned services can be claimed by attackers to host phishing pages or malware under your domain.
• DNS Spoofing: Unsecured DNS responses can be manipulated, sending users to fraudulent sites.
• Neglected Maintenance: Many enterprises lack a routine DNS audit process, leaving gaps unnoticed for too long.

These risks are not just technical; they can harm customer trust and lead to significant financial or legal challenges.

Real Examples of DNS Trouble

Imagine a scenario where a dangling CNAME record inadvertently points to an abandoned cloud bucket. An attacker seizes this opportunity, claiming the resource and setting up a convincing phishing page, all while masquerading under your brand’s legitimate domain. Or consider the risks posed by a misconfigured TXT record that inadvertently leaks important SPF or DKIM configurations. This oversight provides threat actors with the necessary blueprint to spoof emails, paving the way for a sophisticated business email compromise (BEC) attack.

Take, for instance, a Fortune 500 company that, in 2024, suffered a staggering $2.4 million loss due to an attacker hijacking a dangling CNAME record, which facilitated a phishing campaign under its domain. Similarly, a misconfigured TXT record could expose SPF settings, making it easier for attackers to impersonate the company through email spoofing. According to Gartner's 2025 Security Outlook, it's predicted that by 2026, 25% of cloud breaches will stem from poorly managed DNS records—an alarming increase from 15% in 2023. These real-life cases starkly illustrate how seemingly minor oversights in DNS management can spark serious security incidents that have far-reaching consequences.

So, take a moment to reflect: Are your current DNS records unknowingly placing your organization at risk for a security breach?

The Role of DNS in Enhancing Security

When approached with diligence and expertise, DNS can significantly bolster your organization’s security posture. Here are several ways it contributes:

• Threat Intelligence: Monitoring DNS traffic can provide crucial insights that help detect malware or ransomware threats at an early stage.
• Zero Trust: DNS supports access control and policy enforcement across increasingly complex IT infrastructures, aligning with the Zero Trust model to reinforce security barriers.
• Ransomware Prevention: Advanced filtering and anomaly detection mechanisms can effectively identify and block access to malicious domains, thwarting potential attacks.
• Network Visibility: DNS plays a critical role in tracking various assets and ensuring uniformity across hybrid cloud environments

Despite these advantages, many organizations fail to fully capitalize on the capabilities of DNS, opting for manual efforts that lack the efficiency of automation.

How ZeroFox Can Enhance Your DNS Security

ZeroFox provides a suite of robust solutions specifically designed to secure your DNS and extend your protection beyond. Here’s how ZeroFox can make a difference:

• Comprehensive Asset Discovery: ZeroFox identifies and inventories all internet-facing assets, including DNS records, to uncover unmanaged or unknown assets that may pose security risks. This thorough process ensures every potential entry point is recognized and fortified.
• Continuous Monitoring: The external attack surface, including DNS configurations, is continuously monitored. This ongoing oversight helps detect changes or anomalies in DNS records that could indicate security issues, allowing for timely remediation actions.
• Risk Assessment and Prioritization: By rigorously evaluating the security posture of DNS records and their associated assets, ZeroFox External Attack Surface Management (EASM) risk scores, including CVSS and EPSS, are used to identify vulnerabilities. This prioritization enables security teams to focus their efforts on the most pressing threats first, effectively reducing the overall attack surface.
• Mitigation and Response:  When DNS-related threats are identified, Digital Risk Protection (DRP) services enable rapid response through various mitigation strategies. These may include takedown services to remove malicious websites, correct online postings, and address fraudulent social media accounts, all aimed at preserving brand reputation and maintaining user trust.

Moreover, ZeroFox extends its protective reach to social media and other external surfaces, offering a comprehensive approach to digital risk management.

Take Control of Your DNS Today

While your DNS records may be out of sight, they should never be out of mind. A minor oversight can quickly escalate into a significant security incident, leading to considerable losses in time, money, and trust. By partnering with ZeroFox, you can turn a potential vulnerability into a powerful line of defense:

• Strengthen DNS threat intelligence for proactive defense initiatives.
• Enhance visibility and management for large-scale enterprises.
• Improve detection capabilities for ransomware and data breaches.
• Refine management practices for Shadow IT.
• Optimize Security Operations Center (SOC) efficiency and support wide-ranging protection efforts.

Choosing ZeroFox allows you to move beyond a reactive defense posture. You gain a proactive partner dedicated to monitoring, protecting, and securing your digital perimeter—DNS included. Moreover, ZeroFox's external security platform extends its protective capabilities to social media, the dark web, and other external attack surfaces, providing comprehensive safeguards against all forms of digital risks.

Not sure where your DNS stands? Now is the perfect time to assess its security. ZeroFox offers thorough audits and expert guidance to help fortify your defenses. Contact us today to learn more—because in the world of DNS security, taking a proactive stance can truly pay off.