DNSFilter Review: AI-Powered DNS Security for Businesses of All Sizes

About

What is DNSFilter?

DNSFilter is a leading provider of DNS-based security solutions designed to protect organizations from online threats. Its primary purpose is to safeguard networks and sensitive data by blocking access to harmful websites and preventing malware infections. The target audience includes businesses of all sizes, ranging from small to large enterprises, particularly those concerned with cybersecurity and data protection. DNSFilter addresses critical problems like zero-day vulnerabilities, phishing attacks, and unwanted online distractions, thus enhancing productivity and security.

Summary of DNSFilter Software

DNSFilter offers an intuitive platform that leverages artificial intelligence and machine learning to provide effective threat detection and response. Key features include:

• AI-powered threat detection that blocks threats on average 10 days faster than traditional threat feeds.
• Real-time blocking of malicious websites to prevent user access to harmful content.
• Customizable security policies that allow organizations to tailor filters based on their specific needs.
• Detailed reporting and analytics to monitor network activity and threat patterns.
• Easy integration with existing IT systems, making deployment straightforward and efficient.

Why Choose DNSFilter Over Competitors?

• Advanced Threat Detection: DNSFilter uses cutting-edge AI technology to identify and neutralize threats more effectively than many competitors.
• Comprehensive Protection: It provides extensive DNS filtering capabilities that protect against various forms of cyber threats, including phishing and ransomware attacks.
• User-Friendly Interface: The platform is designed for ease of use, allowing IT teams to manage security settings without extensive training.
• Customization Options: Organizations can create tailored security policies, making it adaptable to different business needs.
• Proven Efficacy: DNSFilter has demonstrated success in protecting over 4 million end users, showcasing its effectiveness in real-world applications.

Ideal User Groups for DNSFilter

User Group	Description	Use Cases
Small Businesses	Organizations looking for affordable cybersecurity solutions without extensive IT resources.	Protecting against phishing and malware attacks.
Large Enterprises	Companies with complex networks needing robust and scalable security solutions.	Comprehensive threat management across multiple locations.
IT Professionals	Teams responsible for managing cybersecurity tools and policies within organizations.	Implementing and monitoring DNS filtering policies.
Remote Workers	Individuals working from home who require protection against online threats while browsing.	Safe browsing and protection from harmful sites.

In conclusion, DNSFilter not only enhances cybersecurity but also promotes productivity by minimizing distractions and securing users from online threats. Its unique AI capabilities and user-friendly design make it a strong contender in the cybersecurity landscape, catering to diverse needs across various business sectors.

Features

Reporting

DNSFilter offers an advanced reporting feature known as Insights Reporting. This dashboard provides businesses with an at-a-glance view of their network activity, enabling them to quickly assess the health and security of their systems. Key metrics tracked include the number of blocked threats, user activity, and domain queries. Businesses can utilize these reports to identify potential security risks, optimize their content filtering strategies, and make informed decisions on security policies.

Integrations

DNSFilter supports a variety of integrations with tools commonly used by businesses, such as PSA platforms like ConnectWise and Halo, as well as automation tools like Zapier. These integrations enhance functionality by streamlining workflows, allowing for automated reporting, and improving incident response times. This connectivity ensures that businesses can easily incorporate DNSFilter into their existing security and operational frameworks.

Mobile Apps

DNSFilter provides Roaming Clients that are compatible with all operating systems. This feature allows users to maintain DNS threat protection while using mobile devices on any network. The Roaming Client ensures that users are protected from malicious domains regardless of their location, making it an essential feature for organizations with remote or hybrid work environments.

Single Sign-On (SSO)

The Single Sign-On feature enables users to securely access their DNSFilter accounts with a single click using third-party identity providers. This capability not only enhances security but also improves user experience by reducing the number of login credentials needed. SSO simplifies the authentication process for users, allowing for efficient access management within organizations.

Automation

Automation is a key feature of DNSFilter, particularly through its Universal Lists functionality. Administrators can create lists of domains to block or allow across their deployments, saving valuable time and reducing the potential for human error. This automation aids in maintaining a secure environment while streamlining the management of content filtering policies.

Security

DNSFilter employs machine learning models for its Malicious Domain Protection feature, which helps to identify and block threats more effectively. This proactive approach allows the system to detect new and potentially zero-day threats before they can cause damage. Additionally, DNSSEC is utilized to prevent DNS spoofing attacks, ensuring that DNS queries are authentic and secure.

API

The API capabilities of DNSFilter allow organizations to integrate DNSFilter’s functionalities directly into their systems. This integration facilitates real-time data transmission and enhances the overall security posture by enabling customized monitoring and reporting. Businesses can leverage the API for tailored solutions that fit their specific operational needs.

Deployment

DNSFilter offers flexible deployment options, accommodating various organizational structures. Whether a business is fully remote, hybrid, or back in the office, DNSFilter can be easily set up to secure their network. The software supports both cloud-based and on-premises deployment strategies, making it adaptable to the unique requirements of different organizations.

This comprehensive overview of DNSFilter’s core features illustrates its capabilities in reporting, integrations, mobile apps, SSO, automation, security, API, and deployment. Each feature is designed to enhance the overall security and efficiency of an organization’s network management.

Location

Locations and Branches

Headquarters Location	Additional Branch Locations	Addresses	Countries
80 M St SE, Suite 100, Washington, DC	N/A	80 M St SE, Suite 100, Washington, DC 20003	United States

Support

Type of Support	Contact Details	Response Times/Support Hours
Email	support@dnsfilter.com	Typically responds within 24 hours
Phone	N/A	N/A
Chat	Available at help.dnsfilter.com	24/7 customer support

DNSFilter provides comprehensive customer support, focusing heavily on accessible documentation and responsive email communication.

History and Team

Year Founded

DNSFilter was founded in October 2015.

Number of Employees

As of now, DNSFilter has grown to over 150 employees worldwide.

Team

Name	Position
Ken Carnesi	Co-Founder & CEO
Brian Gillis	Co-Founder & Chief Architect
Mike Schroll	Co-Founder & CTO

DNSFilter is a cloud-based web content filtering and threat protection solution that utilizes AI-powered domain analysis to enhance its security features. The founders aimed to create an effective and user-friendly solution to address existing gaps in the DNS security market.

Pricing

Pricing Plans

Plan	Monthly Cost (Per User)	Annual Cost (Per User)	Features
Basic	$1.15	$1.00	Real-time threat detection, content filtering, malicious domain protection, scheduled reporting, and more.
Pro	$2.30	$2.10	Includes everything in the Basic plan plus AppAware, Windows & macOS Roaming Clients, Active Directory Support, Zapier Integration, API Access, and more.
Enterprise	$3.00	$2.70	Includes everything in the Pro plan plus iOS and Android Roaming Clients, 90-day report retention, 9-day query log retention, and additional add-ons available.
MSP Pricing	Starts at $150/month	Varies	Managed Service Provider pricing with tiered plans available. This includes discounted pricing, multi-tenancy, white labeling, and other specially designed capabilities.
Education	Starts at $4/year per user	Varies	Affordable pricing for qualified educational institutions, with advanced capabilities including mobile roaming clients for both iOS and Android.

Additional Information:

• Free Trial: DNSFilter offers a 14-day free trial with access to all available capabilities.
• Add-ons: Additional capabilities can be purchased per user per month on top of any subscription plan.
• Support Options: Premium support options are available, which include prioritized case handling, enhanced SLA, and Zoom consultation calls.
• Minimum User Requirement: For education pricing, a minimum of 125 users is required.

Special Features:

• Real-time detection of phishing, malware, and botnet threats.
• Multiple deployment options including network, Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android clients.
• Integration with Active Directory and Zapier for enhanced functionality.

Conclusion:

DNSFilter provides tiered pricing based on features and user needs, catering to both individual users and organizations, including MSPs and educational institutions. Their competitive pricing model combined with a robust feature set makes them a strong choice for DNS filtering and threat protection.

Funding and market

Industry

DNSFilter operates primarily in the cybersecurity industry, focusing on protective DNS services. Their solutions cater to various sectors, including Education, Enterprise, Finance, Government, Healthcare, Higher Education, Internet Service Providers (ISP), Manufacturing, Managed Service Providers (MSP), Non-Profit organizations, and Small and Medium Businesses (SMB). Their services are designed to protect networks from malicious threats and unwanted content, making them a key player in the cybersecurity landscape.

Market

DNSFilter is a leading provider of DNS security solutions, protecting over 4 million end users from online threats using artificial intelligence. The company specializes in DNS-based content filtering and threat protection, serving organizations of all sizes to safeguard their networks and sensitive data.

The market for DNS security solutions is growing due to the increasing need for cybersecurity across industries. While specific market size figures are not available, DNSFilter holds an estimated market share of 0.06% in the threat detection and prevention category, ranking 82nd among competitors. Major players in this market include Trustwave, Forcepoint, and DomainTools.

Funding

DNSFilter has raised a total of $50.5 million over 4 funding rounds. The detailed funding history is as follows:

1. Seed Round (2018)
   • Amount Raised: $20,000
   • Investors: Techstars, Arthur Ventures
2. Series A Round (December 10, 2019)
   • Amount Raised: $5.5 million
   • Investors: Not specified
3. Series A Round (July 21, 2021)
   • Amount Raised: $30 million
   • Investors: Insight Partners
4. Series A Extension (August 10, 2023)
   • Amount Raised: $15 million
   • Investors: Insight Partners

Insight Partners has played a significant role in DNSFilter’s funding journey, contributing to the major rounds. The company continues to grow its innovative cybersecurity solutions with the support of these investments.

Stocks

DNSFilter is a private company and is not publicly traded. As such, they do not have a stock ticker symbol. According to sources such as ZoomInfo and CB Insights, DNSFilter remains privately held while actively growing its market footprint through funding and partnerships.

Latest news

DNSFilter 2025 Predictions: Zero Trust is No Longer Optional

Read the full article here

DNSFilter has shared its cybersecurity predictions for 2025, emphasizing that Zero Trust is no longer an optional strategy for organizations. Based on insights from its extensive network data, DNSFilter discussed the rising trends in cybersecurity, highlighting the increasing sophistication of cyber threats and the critical need for organizations to adopt a Zero Trust architecture to mitigate risks effectively.

DNSFilter Ends a Banner Year with 41% Revenue Growth, Processing 2 Million DNS Queries Per Second

Read the full article here

DNSFilter announced remarkable achievements at the end of the year, including a 41% growth in revenue and the ability to process 2 million DNS queries per second. This marks their third consecutive year of impressive growth. The company also highlighted its success in blocking significant numbers of threats and unwanted content, showcasing the effectiveness of its DNS-based security solutions in protecting users worldwide.

DNSFilter Blog: Latest Trends and Updates

Browse the DNSFilter Blog

The DNSFilter blog features a variety of topics, including cybersecurity tips, best practices for content filtering, and insights into emerging cloud trends. Recent posts focus on:

• The DNS-Based Threats Your Firewall Ignores
• Using DNS to Combat AI-Driven Cyberattacks
• Staying Ahead of Cyber Threats

These articles provide valuable information for IT professionals and decision-makers aiming to enhance their network security.

DNSFilter Newsroom: Latest Updates and Industry Insights

Visit the DNSFilter Newsroom

The DNSFilter newsroom is a hub for the company’s press releases and articles featured in major media outlets. Some highlighted features include:

• A German court case with repercussions for online privacy (The Hill)
• DNSFilter’s acquisition of iOS firewall app Guardian to expand its threat detection technology (TechCrunch)
• A discussion on the inefficacy of incognito mode for online privacy (The Wall Street Journal)

For more detailed information, you can explore their newsroom and review their collaborations with media like Forbes, CSO, and BuzzFeed.

These resources provide a detailed view of DNSFilter’s latest updates, achievements, and insights into the cybersecurity landscape.

Search Trends

Search Volume Analysis for DNSFilter

Search Volume Data Table

The table below showcases the search volumes for keywords related to DNSFilter and highlights their popularity:

Keyword	Search Volume	Competition	Competition Index	CPC (Cost Per Click)
DNS filtering	5400	LOW	21	$16.55
Protective DNS	480	LOW	27	$16.53
Content Filtering	1600	LOW	15	$13.25
Malicious Domain Protection	No data available	N/A	N/A	N/A
Threat Detection	1000	LOW	19	$18.86
DNS Security	1900	LOW	19	$18.94
MSP DNS Solutions	No data available	N/A	N/A	N/A
Enterprise DNS Solutions	20	LOW	16	Not provided
DNSFilter	5400	LOW	21	$16.55

Key Observations

• Keywords such as “DNS filtering” and “DNSFilter” have the highest search volumes at 5400, signifying strong interest in the company’s core offerings and brand.
• Other keywords like “DNS Security” and “Content Filtering” also show notable search volumes, indicating user interest in cybersecurity and filtering solutions.

Trend Analysis of DNSFilter’s Popularity

The search trends for DNSFilter’s keywords indicate a growing interest in the company and its services. The reasons behind this trend are linked to the company’s robust performance, technological advancements, and public recognition.

Reasons Behind the Popularity Trend

1. Strong Financial Performance and Growth
   

   DNSFilter reported a 41% revenue growth for the third consecutive year, processing 2 million DNS queries per second and blocking 7 billion threats in 2024. This growth has amplified the company’s reputation as a leading DNS filtering solution provider.
   
   – Source: PR Newswire Article

   
   
2. Technological Advancements
   

   The company has introduced several innovations, including integration with PSA platforms, a new query log user interface, and enhanced automation for MSPs. These advancements have made DNSFilter’s solutions more appealing to businesses and individuals seeking cutting-edge cybersecurity tools.
   
   – Source: DNSFilter Newsroom

   
   
3. Recognition and Awards
   

   DNSFilter has received numerous accolades, such as being named to The Tech Tribune’s 2024 Best Tech Startups in Washington, D.C., and its inclusion in Built In’s “Best Places to Work in 2025” lists. This recognition has boosted its visibility and credibility among potential users.
   
   – Source: DNSFilter Newsroom

   
   
4. Focus on Security and Threat Detection
   

   DNSFilter’s proactive approach to cybersecurity, including blocking 49% more malware and a 128% increase in blocking CSAM in 2024, demonstrates its commitment to protecting users. This focus has likely attracted attention from those seeking reliable security solutions.

   
   

Conclusion

The search volume data and associated trends reflect DNSFilter’s increasing popularity and relevance in the cybersecurity domain. The company’s consistent growth, technological enhancements, and commitment to security have solidified its position as a leader in DNS filtering solutions. For more details, please refer to the PR Newswire Article and DNSFilter Newsroom.

Review

Customers

Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU)
Located in Marion, Indiana, Indiana Wesleyan University is the largest private university in the state, with approximately 10,000 students enrolled as of 2022. The university offers over 80 undergraduate degrees and 57 graduate degrees, including 9 doctorate programs.

How IWU Leverages DNSFilter:

1. Security and Compliance: IWU uses DNSFilter to protect student data and comply with regulations such as Gramm-Leach-Bliley for financial aid data and GDPR for European students.
2. Addressing Shadow IT: The university faced challenges with “shadow IT” and used DNSFilter to tighten security across campus resources.
3. Differentiated User Controls:
   • For employees, an agent is installed to funnel all DNS queries through DNSFilter’s cloud for compliance and safety enforcement.
   • For students, DNSFilter controls are applied at the firewall and DNS levels without installing agents on their devices to respect their privacy.
4. Enhanced Visibility: DNSFilter provides critical insights to the IT team for monitoring user activity and detecting security threats, such as connections to malicious servers.

This case demonstrates DNSFilter’s effectiveness in bolstering cybersecurity for educational institutions. For more details, you can refer to DNSFilter’s case study.

Alternatives

Software Name	Features	Pricing	Target Audience
Cisco Umbrella	Advanced threat intelligence, secure web gateway, DNS-layer security, and cloud-delivered firewall.	Pricing starts at $2.25/user/month; tiered plans available.	Enterprises and small to mid-sized businesses.
OpenDNS	Malware protection, phishing prevention, and customizable content filtering.	Free for basic DNS; premium plans start at $20/year.	Home users, small businesses, and education.
Cloudflare Gateway	DNS filtering, Zero Trust network access, and firewall as a service.	Free for basic plans; paid plans start at $7/user/month.	Businesses and developers focused on Zero Trust security.
Zscaler Internet Access	Secure web gateway, cloud firewall, and data loss prevention.	Pricing available upon request; generally higher than competitors.	Large enterprises requiring robust security.
WebTitan	DNS filtering, malware protection, and real-time reporting.	Starts at $1.58/user/month for a minimum of 50 users.	SMBs, schools, and public sector organizations.

For example, Cisco Umbrella serves enterprises with advanced threat intelligence, whereas OpenDNS offers a more affordable option for home or small business users. Detailed pricing for solutions like Zscaler is available upon request. You can explore these alternatives further through resources like Cisco’s website or Cloudflare’s documentation.

This comprehensive overview should provide the necessary insights about DNSFilter’s customer applications and its competitive landscape.