Learn how to protect yourself with DNS and VPN-level filtering, and discover why real-world phishing simulations are still essential.
Phishing remains the #1 threat vector in cyberattacks. Whether it’s stolen credentials, ransomware deployment, or internal fraud, most modern breaches still begin with a simple phishing email that leads to a malicious website.
The good news? You can block access to many of these dangerous domains before anyone clicks using DNS filtering and VPNs with threat protection. In this article, I’ll show you:
- How DNS filtering works.
- My favourite DNS and VPN providers that block phishing and malware domains.
- And why DNS alone won’t stop targeted attacks. Only phishing simulations can prepare your team for real-world threat
What Is DNS Filtering?
The Domain Name System (DNS) is like the internet’s phonebook. When you type a URL like baited.io, your device asks a DNS resolver for the actual IP address of the site.
With DNS filtering, this request is checked against a list of known malicious domains. If there’s a match for phishing, malware, spyware, or scams the connection is blocked before the site can even load.
This makes DNS filtering a simple but powerful layer of defense, especially at the network level. But it only works for threats that are already known and blacklisted.
My Favourite DNS Providers That Block Phishing and Malware
Here are my favourite widely trusted DNS services that offer built-in filtering for phishing and malicious content:
- Quad9 (9.9.9.9)
- Privacy-first and non-profit.
- Blocks domains using data from multiple threat intelligence sources.
- No-logging policy. Support DNS-over-HTTPs/TLS and DNSCrypt
- Cloudflare (1.1.1.2)
- Fastest public DNS resolver in the world.
- Privacy focused.
- Support DNS-over-HTTPs/TLS
VPN Providers That Include DNS Filtering
Modern VPN services do more than just encrypt traffic. Many now include DNS-based threat protection, blocking known phishing and malware domains directly within the VPN tunnel.Here are some of the best:
- ProtonVPN
- Free tiers available.
- Allows port forwarding.
- Swiss-based, with strong privacy focus.
- Mullvad
- Privacy-first: no accounts, no logs.
- Integrates with custom DNS resolvers like NextDNS or AdGuard.
- Supports Shadowsocks as a bridge protocol for censorship circumvention.
❗ DNS Filtering Isn’t Bulletproof
While DNS filtering and VPN-level protection are excellent layers of defense, they all suffer from the same limitation:
They only block what’s already known.
Today’s phishing attacks are:
- Short-lived. Many domains are live for a couple of hours/days.
- Highly targeted. Crafted for specific individuals or companies.
- Custom-built. Designed to evade traditional blocklists.
These attacks often use brand-new domains or compromised legitimate websites, bypassing DNS blacklists entirely.
✅ Real Protection Requires Real Testing
That’s why Baited exists.
At baited.io, we simulate real-world social engineering and phishing attacks to test your team’s awareness and response in a safe, controlled environment.
Our phishing simulations are:
- 🎯 Ultra-targeted, using AI and OSINT to mimic actual attackers.
- 🧠 Educational, helping teams learn from real engagement.
- 🔐 Private by design, Swiss-hosted, encrypted, and anonymized.
- 📈 Regulation-aligned, especially with DORA, which requires regular testing against real-world cyber threats.
Reminder: DORA (Digital Operational Resilience Act) doesn’t just recommend, it expects companies to test their defenses through exercises like phishing simulations. Passive protection is not enough.
How to Change Your DNS Settings
Ready to start using a DNS provider that blocks phishing and malware? Here’s how to change your DNS settings on any device:
- Windows 10/11
- macOS
- Linux (Ubuntu)
- Android (9+)
- iOS (iPhone and iPad)
- Also, you can set a custom on your router (and get network-wide protection). Most routers support custom DNS in LAN or Internet settings. Check your router’s manual or admin panel.
Final Thoughts
DNS filtering is a smart, easy way to block access to known phishing and malware domains. VPN-based DNS protection adds another strong layer, especially for remote workers and BYOD setups.
But don’t be fooled: these tools won’t stop the phishing sites built just for you.
Only by simulating real attacks you can see how your team responds, where your weaknesses are, and what needs to be improved before an actual attacker finds out.
🎯 Want to see how your team handles realistic social engineering and phishing attacks?
👉 Book a demo with Baited!
Let’s build a phishing defense that doesn’t just rely on filters but builds human resilience.
Founder and CEO
