What Is 1.1.1.1 & Does It Really Make Your Internet Safer? | Okta (2024)

1.1.1.1 is a free, public DNS resolver from Cloudflare and Asia Pacific Network Information Centre (APNIC) that could make your searches faster and more secure. But the product won't work for everyone, and some have concerns about how it will use their data.

What Is 1.1.1.1?

Cloudflare's 1.1.1.1 product is a DNS resolver. Chances are, you use a tool like this dozens of times each day.

You open a browser window, and you tap in www.okta.com. Your computer understands the query, but it can't complete it without help. Enter a domain name system (DNS) resolver. It translates your human-friendly query into an IP address, which is a series of numbers and dots.

Your internet service provider typically chooses your DNS resolver. But if you configure your settings or download an app, you can decide what product you'd like to use. Cloudflare hopes you'll choose 1.1.1.1.

When you use 1.1.1.1, the system will:

  • Resolve queries. Like any DNS resolver, 1.1.1.1 will take your human-friendly address and find the numeric version. It will connect you to the site you’re looking for.
  • Hide your queries. Use 1.1.1.1, and your internet service provider can't see where you're going.
  • Remove you from a VPN. Cloudflare won't completely protect your privacy. For example, if you're on a public WiFi connection, hackers could still step in and see what you're doing. A VPN could offer protection from that, but you can't use one at the same time as 1.1.1.1. You'll have to choose between one product and the other.

If you choose to experiment with 1.1.1.1, you can follow Cloudflare's instructions to load it on your Mac or PC. You can also head to app stores for both Apple and Android devices and download the tool there.

Pros & Cons of DNS 1.1.1.1

Should you switch from the DNS you've always used to a Cloudflare DNS? Let's walk through the risks and benefits so you can make an informed decision.

Benefits of 1.1.1.1, as defined by Cloudflare, include:

  • Security. The company uses query name minimization, meaning that they include only the information required to resolve your query. They discard everything else.
  • Privacy. The company keeps logs for 24 hours, and then they purge everything.
  • Speed. Cloudflare claims the product is the fastest one available. If you've ever spent long minutes waiting for a website to load, speed could compel you to change.

Drawbacks associated with 1.1.1.1 include:

  • Overconfidence. 1.1.1.1 isn't a foolproof VPN product. Your data is somewhat exposed, and hackers can steal it. If you're not completely aware of that fact, you could do things online that may come back to haunt you later.
  • Poor performance. Bloggers say their internet service providers block the use of 1.1.1.1. Rather than seeing sites load, they see endless warnings that they can't connect. A secure tool won't help you if you can't get it to work.
  • Research uses. Cloudflare made the 1.1.1.1 product in partnership with APNIC to help researchers understand how to improve DNS systems. If you use 1.1.1.1, you're contributing to that work. Some people feel uncomfortable with giving up even randomized data for projects like this.

The best way to truly protect yourself while you browse is to use a VPN. If you're not sure what these tools are and how they work, check out this blog post from Okta.

References

What Is 1.1.1.1? Cloudflare.

Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 (for Android) Review. (December 2020). PC Magazine.

Five Reasons Cloudflare's Rollout of 1.1.1.1 Has Been a Disaster. (April 2018). SQL Server with Mr. Denny.

1.1.1.1: Cloudflare's New DNS Attracting 'Gigabits Per Second' of Rubbish. (April 2018). ZD Net.

What Is 1.1.1.1 & Does It Really Make Your Internet Safer? | Okta (2024)

FAQs

What Is 1.1.1.1 & Does It Really Make Your Internet Safer? | Okta? ›

1.1.1.1 is a public DNS resolver operated by Cloudflare that offers a fast and private way to browse the Internet. Unlike most DNS resolvers, 1.1.1.1 does not sell user data to advertisers. In addition, 1.1.1.1 has been measured to be the fastest DNS resolver available.

Does 1.1.1.1 make Internet safer? ›

Your Internet service provider can see every site and app you use—even if they're encrypted. Some providers even sell this data, or use it to target you with ads. 1.1. 1.1 with WARP prevents anyone from snooping on you by encrypting more of the traffic leaving your device.

Does 1.1.1.1 make wifi faster? ›

1.1. 1.1 is currently the fastest DNS resolver and is designed to reduce these delays. Typically, 1.1. 1.1 responds in about 10-20 milliseconds; other resolvers may take well over 100 milliseconds.

Does 1.1.1.1 hide your IP address? ›

In a significant update to Cloudflare's 1.1. 1.1 + WARP VPN service, the company added more precise geolocation to its free and premium account levels. The update now returns localized search engine and site results without exposing a user's public IP address.

How does 1.1 work? ›

1.1 is a DNSSEC validating resolver. 1.1. 1.1 sends the DO ( DNSSEC OK ) bit on every query to convey to the authoritative server that it wishes to receive signed answers if available.

Is Google's DNS safe? ›

Is Google DNS safe? Both the Google DNS servers, though public, are safe to use. They don't provide any additional blocking or filtering; however, they are secure.

Should I use Google or Cloudflare DNS? ›

Cloudflare DNS is an authoritative DNS service that offers significantly better query response performance than Google Cloud DNS. Coupling that performance with robust security and unparalleled redundancy, Cloudflare DNS is a better choice for most organizations.

Is 1.1.1.1 better than VPN? ›

1.1. 1.1 isn't a foolproof VPN product. Your data is somewhat exposed, and hackers can steal it. If you're not completely aware of that fact, you could do things online that may come back to haunt you later.

Can I use 1.1.1.1 for free? ›

1.1.1.1 is completely free. Setting it up on a desktop computer takes minutes and requires no technical skill or special software.

Is 8.8 8.8 or 1.1.1.1 better? ›

According to DNS Performance, 1.1. 1.1 is the fastest public DNS resolver. But, for you the answer might differ according to the area where you live and it might be possible that 8.8. 8.8 is faster for you.

What hides your IP address? ›

A VPN hides your IP address and encrypts your online activity for increased privacy and security. It assigns you a new IP address by connecting you to an encrypted, private VPN server instead of the ones owned by your ISP.

Can 1.1.1.1 be blocked? ›

1.1 impossible on those systems. Additionally, 1.1. 1.1 is blocked on many networks and by multiple ISPs because the simplicity of the address means that it was previously often used inappropriately for testing purposes and not legitimate use.

How does 1.1.1.1 block malware? ›

Protecting home Internet connections from malware

1.1.1.1 for Families is built on top of the same site categorization and filtering technology that powers Cloudflare's enterprise products. It uses Cloudflare's Internet intelligence to filter content on your home Internet network.

Does 1.1.1.1 protect your privacy? ›

The 1.1.1.1 public DNS resolver was designed for privacy first, and Cloudflare commits to the following: Cloudflare will not sell or share Public Resolver users' personal data with third parties or use personal data from the Public Resolver to target any user with advertisem*nts.

Is Cloudflare trustworthy? ›

As Cloudflare is considered an infrastructure provider, rather than a hosting provider, they have broad legal immunity for the content created by their customers, even in cases of offensive content.

What is the fastest DNS server in the world? ›

What are the best DNS servers to use?
  1. Cloudflare. Primary DNS (preferred DNS): 1.1.1.1. ...
  2. Google Public DNS. Primary DNS (preferred DNS): 8.8.8.8. ...
  3. Quad9. Primary DNS (preferred DNS): 208.67.222.222. ...
  4. NextDNS. Primary DNS (preferred DNS): 45.90.28.190. ...
  5. NordVPN. Primary DNS (preferred DNS): 103.86.96.100.
Jan 15, 2024

Is 1.1.1.1 or 8.8 8.8 faster? ›

While Google's 8.8. 8.8 DNS server is more popular, according to DNSPerf, Cloudflare's 1.1. 1.1 DNS server is faster.

Does Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 block malware? ›

Automatic malware protection

Attackers often hide harmful code in sites and emails that seem normal. These attacks can put your family's private information in the wrong hands. 1.1.1.1 for Families adds a layer of malware protection to your home Wi-Fi, automatically blocking access to known malicious sites.

How much of the Internet does Cloudflare protect? ›

Just under 6% of global traffic was mitigated by Cloudflare's systems as being potentially malicious or for customer-defined reasons. In the United States, 3.65% of traffic was mitigated, while in South Korea, it was 8.36%. Malicious bots are often used to attack websites and applications.

Which is the most secure DNS? ›

Top 8 Leading Free DNS Providers
  • Google.
  • Cloudflare.
  • CleanBrowsing.
  • Control D.
  • Quad9.
  • OpenDNS.
  • Alternate DNS.
  • AdGuard DNS.
Mar 19, 2024

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