Is It Safe to Use Quad9 DNS 9.9.9.9?

Yes, using Quad9 DNS 9.9.9.9 is generally considered safe. Quad9 is a public DNS resolver that focuses on security and privacy, offering a robust solution for those prioritizing these aspects. Here are some key points about Quad9 that highlight its safety and reliability:

Security

One of the main benefits of Quad9 is its security. It blocks access to malicious websites, thereby protecting users from malware, phishing, and other online threats. By filtering out these harmful sites, Quad9 ensures a safer browsing experience for its users. Additionally, Quad9 operates on a set of identical IPv6 addresses, offering secure and reliable services across both IPv4 and IPv6 networks.

Privacy

Quad9 takes user privacy very seriously. Unlike some other DNS services, it does not log personal data or IP addresses, enhancing user privacy. This makes it a preferred choice for individuals concerned about their online data security. The service supports multiple privacy-friendly protocols such as DNS-Over-TLS, DNS-Over-HTTPS, and DNSCrypt, ensuring that any communication between your computer and the Quad9 resolver is both authenticated and encrypted. This further protects your browsing activity from any intermediary entities, such as your Internet Service Provider (ISP).

Performance and Infrastructure

Performance is another aspect where Quad9 excels. It provides fast DNS resolution due to its distributed infrastructure. With servers in over 145 locations across 88 countries, Quad9 claims to have extensive coverage. The platform is largely hosted on IT infrastructure that supports authoritative DNS for approximately one-fifth of the world’s top-level domains. This ensures that Quad9 can deliver lower latency compared to traditional DNS servers. Quad9 also leverages Points of Presence (PoPs) in 20 Internet Exchange Points worldwide, enhancing its global reach and performance.

No Ads and Clean Browsing Experience

In addition to security and privacy, Quad9 is ad-free. This means that the service does not serve advertisements or track user behavior, providing a clean browsing experience. Unlike Google Public DNS and Cloudflare DNS, Quad9 does not support the DNS64 mechanism, which translates IPv4 addresses for IPv6-exclusive networks. This further enhances its reliability and security.

Quad9's Threat Intelligence and Whitelisting

Quad9 leverages threat intelligence from over 12 sources, including well-known entities such as Cisco, F-Secure Netlab, IBM X-Force, and the Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG). It uses this intelligence to block malicious domains and provide a safer browsing experience. While Quad9 implements whitelisting algorithms to ensure that legitimate domains are not accidentally blocked, it does not provide detailed information on these methods, ensuring that the filtering process remains robust and effective.

Usage and Implementation

Changing your DNS server settings to use Quad9 is straightforward. You can make changes in your router and endpoint devices to ensure continued use even when connected to untrusted networks. For Android users, the Quad9 Connect app allows a single-tap switch, routing all DNS queries to the Quad9 anycast servers over a secure DNS-Over-TLS encrypted connection. This ease of use makes Quad9 an accessible and convenient choice for enhancing your online security and privacy.

Conclusion

Overall, Quad9 is a reputable choice for a DNS resolver, especially for users who prioritize security and privacy. As always, it's advisable to research and confirm that the service meets your specific needs. With its robust security features, privacy-focused policies, and reliable performance, Quad9 offers a comprehensive solution for safeguarding your online experience.