DNS Meaning: What is DNS?

DNS, or Domain Name System, is the internet’s way of translating website names into machine-understandable numbers. When you type a domain like EasyDMARC.com into your browser, a DNS converts it into a numeric IP address that computers use to locate and connect with each other.

This process occurs almost instantly behind the scenes, making it possible for users to browse the web using easy-to-remember URL names instead of complex numbers. Without DNS, accessing any website would require typing in long strings of digits, making the internet far less user-friendly and efficient.

How does DNS work?

When a user types a website URL into their browser, the DNS kicks in to find the corresponding IP address. This process starts with the browser sending a request to a recursive DNS resolver, which searches for the matching address. If the resolver doesn’t already have the answer cached, it begins a lookup process.

First, the resolver queries a root server, which directs it to the correct top-level domain (TLD) server. For example, the server responsible for ".com" domains.

The TLD server then points the resolver to the authoritative DNS server for the specific domain.

This final server holds the actual DNS records and returns the correct IP address.

Once the resolver gets the IP, it sends it back to the browser, which uses it to connect to the website’s server and load the page. This entire process typically happens in milliseconds.

Why DNS Matters for Email Security

DNS isn’t just used for directing web traffic, but plays a decisive role in securing email servers and messages. Most email authentication protocols rely on DNS to function, including the SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records that are stored in a domain’s DNS. These records help receiving mail servers verify whether an email is legitimate and actually sent from the domain it claims to be from.

If these DNS records are missing, misconfigured, or outdated, it can lead to serious issues, including email delivery failures, spam filtering, or even allowing spoofed emails to pass as legitimate. That’s why properly managing DNS records is a key part of maintaining email security and protecting your domain’s reputation.

DNS record checker tools can help you regularly monitor and validate these configurations to avoid vulnerabilities and ensure your email authentication is working as intended.

Relevant Terms

DNS Meaning: What is DNS?

How does DNS work?

Why DNS Matters for Email Security

Relevant Terms

Relevant Resources

What is SPF PermError? How to Fix SPF Too Many DNS Lookups Errors

What is an A Record and How to Add A Records to DNS

From DNS to Deliverability: Why IT and Marketing Should Talk More Often

Email Security Protocols and Why They’re Important

The Ultimate Guide to Email Sender Requirements for Google, Yahoo, Microsoft, and Apple iCloud Mail