About the DNS filtering service at IU

Indiana University's DNS filtering service helps protect computers and mobile devices on the IU network from security problems caused by accessing malicious websites. The service is designed to redirect people using web browsers at IU away from domains that are known or potential security risks, helping users prevent network-related security incidents and compromises that can cause loss, corruption, or inappropriate access of data. As an intended result, UITS expects fewer personal and departmental devices at IU will need to be rebuilt due to malicious online attacks.

DNS filtering is similar in concept to spam filtering for email accounts. The service checks DNS queries on the IU network against a threat intelligence repository compiled by the Research and Education Networking Information Sharing and Analysis Center (REN-ISAC). The repository lists approximately 20,000 domains identified as malicious, based on security event information collected from REN-ISAC member organizations and various public data sources.

Note:

Top-level IU domains and top internet domains (identified by analytics from Alexa) are added to an allowlist.

If you try to access a malicious domain from a device on the IU network, the DNS filtering service will redirect your web browser to a DNS sinkhole page. You'll see an error message informing you that you've been automatically redirected from a malicious domain. If you're sure the site you're trying to access is safe, click the link provided on the sinkhole page to report a "false positive" to the University Information Security Office (UISO).

Important:

Although IU's DNS filtering service helps protect your computer and mobile device from malicious online threats, it does not eliminate all cybersecurity risks:

It does not prevent infections caused by opening malicious files received as email attachments, or downloaded from removable media devices (for example, USB flash drives) or other sources.
It does not block ad servers or advertisements used in online marketing.
It does not block high-profile or critical sites that serve malware.

For information about protecting computers, mobile devices, and the data stored on them from cybersecurity threats, see:

If you need help or have questions, contact your campus Support Center or your department's local UITS support person.

Note:

To learn the name of your department's local UITS support person, consult your supervisor, your departmental website, or IT People. If you still cannot identify your local UITS support person, call the UITS Support Center at 812-855-6789 (Bloomington) or 317-274-4357 (Indianapolis).

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