Secure DNS Resolution

South Texas College has implemented a secure Domain Name Service (DNS) resolution service to protect devices on the college network from accessing known malicious content. Devices attempting to reach a website with known malicious content will be redirected to a safe block page. The safe block page will provide additional information related to the malicious content.

Below are some examples of known malicious content:

• Malware
• Botnets
• Phishing Attacks
• Potentially Harmful Domains
• Cryptomining

FAQs

• How does the secure DNS resolution service work?

  A DNS server will resolve a website address to the corresponding IP address of the webserver (e.g. www.Google.com = 172.217.1.142). South Texas College has implemented a secure DNS resolution service to validate a website address based on security reputation. This security service protects computer systems by redirecting the browser to a safe block page instead of to the malicious content.

• Are websites blocked based on content?

  Websites are not blocked based on their content (i.e. philosophical, ideological, theoretical, etc).

• If I am redirected to a safe block page does that mean I am blocked from the internet?

  Internet access has not been blocked. You will not be able to access the known malicious content from within the college network. Please take caution in attempting to access the known malicious content from outside the college network.

• Is my college-owned device protected off-campus by this security service?

  College-owned devices will have a roaming client installed to protect the device when browsing the internet outside the college network.

• Can I use this security service on my personal device(s)?

  A consumer version of the secure DNS resolution service is available here.

• What if I am trying to reach a legitimate website or in need of further assistance?

  Please report any wrongful redirects to the IT Service Desk at (956) 872-2111. A website can be allowed in case of false-positive blocking. Once a website’s security reputation is verified by the secure DNS resolution service, it will automatically be allowed.