CyberGuard dictionary / Network Security
Domain Name System
Also known as DNS
A distributed system that translates domain names into DNS records such as IP addresses.
In simple terms
DNS helps a browser find the network address behind a name like example.com.
Technical explanation
Recursive resolvers query authoritative servers and cache answers according to record time-to-live values; DNS also carries records beyond addresses.
Name resolution can involve caches, recursive resolvers, authoritative servers, and multiple record types. A DNS answer identifies where to connect; it does not by itself prove that the destination is trustworthy.
Examples in practice
A browser asks for the address record for a business website before connecting.
When the business changes hosting providers, its authoritative DNS record is updated. Some users still reach the old address until their cached record expires, so the team monitors both destinations during the transition.
Why it matters
Incorrect or manipulated DNS answers can send visitors to the wrong service.
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Sources and further reading
Published 2026-10-15 · Last updated 2026-10-15 · CyberGuard editorial content. Source links provide context; they do not imply endorsement.