The Domain Name System (DNS) is one of the most critical technologies that makes the Internet work. It is also one of the most misunderstood technologies. However, identifying emerging trends and patterns can help you not only understand and manage DNS more effectively but also prevent and mitigate DNS-based attacks.
Vercara’s UltraDNS platform offers a wealth of data that provides valuable insights into internet usage, security trends, and protocol adoption. To help you and your organization stay up to date on the world of DNS, we’ve provided a deep dive into the key findings from Vercara’s 2023 UltraDNS Traffic and Analysis report.
Overall trends for 2023.
In 2023, Vercara’s UltraDNS platform processed an astounding 41.97 trillion DNS queries with a daily average of 115.01 billion queries per day. This is indicative of the internet’s growing reliance on DNS for seamless operation.
After reviewing the UltraDNS data for 2023, two key trends emerged:
A gradual shift towards IPv6: While traditional “A” records continue to dominate, there is a noticeable trend towards the “AAAA” records. This shift underscores the gradual adoption of IPv6 as the internet infrastructure evolves to overcome the limitations of IPv4. IPv6 offers a larger IP (Internet Protocol) address space and enhanced security features, making it crucial for future-proofing internet connectivity.
A heightened focus on security: The surge in “NS” record queries signifies a heightened focus on security within the DNS ecosystem. Several factors contribute to this trend, including the adoption of Query Name Minimization (RFC-9156) by recursive resolvers, the implementation of shorter Time-to-Live (TTLs) for load-balancing and failover, and the influx of niche/low-volume domains. These developments reflect a proactive approach to fortifying DNS infrastructure against potential vulnerabilities and threats.
DNS query types and trends.
Vercara’s UltraDNS, a leading authoritative DNS provider, hosts critical zone information for various domains, providing valuable insights into internet usage patterns. In 2023, we saw a notable increase in DNS queries, with the “A” record maintaining its dominance and accounting for 55.42% of all DNS queries.
However, the growing prevalence of the “AAAA” record signals a gradual transition towards IPv6 adoption. “AAAA” record type saw a 16.47% increase compared to the start of the year. This shift aligns with the global initiative to mitigate IPv4 address exhaustion and embrace the benefits of IPv6, including improved network scalability and enhanced security features.
Furthermore, the rise in “NS” record queries underscores the importance of authoritative name servers in facilitating DNS resolution. Organizations adopting Query Name Minimization and implementing shorter TTLs for load-balancing and failover contribute to the increased demand for NS records. This trend reflects a proactive approach to optimizing DNS performance and bolstering network resilience against potential disruptions.
DNS response codes.
Analysis of DNS response codes provides valuable insights into server health, client behavior, and potential anomalies. The predominance of the “No Error” response code indicates smooth DNS query resolution, reaffirming the reliability and robustness of Vercara’s UltraDNS platform. Conversely, the occurrence of “NX Domain” responses highlights instances of queries for non-existent domains, misconfigurations, or potential attacks such as DNS water torture attacks, necessitating further investigation to address underlying issues.
Internet protocol adoption.
While IPv4 remains the dominant protocol, the gradual adoption of IPv6 reflects organizations’ efforts to embrace next-generation IP standards and future-proof their network infrastructures. The increasing prevalence of IPv6 queries underscores the industry’s commitment to overcoming IPv4 limitations and embracing the scalability and security benefits offered by IPv6.
Moreover, the widespread use of UDP (User Datagram Protocol) for DNS queries highlights its efficiency in handling query traffic and facilitating DNS resolution. The predominance of UDP emphasizes its suitability for real-time communication and highlights its role as a cornerstone of internet connectivity.
DNS queries by industry.
Analysis of DNS queries by industry gives us a glimpse into sector-specific usage patterns and requirements. The software/web services industry emerged as the most significant consumer of DNS services, reflecting its reliance on robust DNS infrastructure to support online applications and services. Similarly, the IT/technical services and manufacturing sectors demonstrated substantial DNS query volumes, underscoring the critical role of DNS in facilitating seamless connectivity and operations across diverse industries.
Moving towards a more secure and resilient DNS.
The comprehensive analysis of Vercara’s UltraDNS data for 2023 unveils complex trends shaping the internet’s infrastructure, security landscape, and protocol evolution. The sheer volume of DNS queries processed by UltraDNS highlights not only the internet’s reliance on DNS for seamless connectivity and operation but also the growing demand for DNS services.
It is imperative for DNS administrators to remain abreast of emerging trends and collaborate with others to foster a secure and resilient DNS ecosystem. By harnessing the power of data-driven insights and proactive measures, organizations can more easily navigate the complexities of operating online and stay a step ahead of bad actors.
For a deep dive into the data, read Vercara’s 2023 UltraDNS Traffic and Analysis report.
Visit our product page to learn more about how UltraDNS can transform your DNS management.
