How Subdomain Takeovers Turn Forgotten DNS Into Full-Blown Breaches

In the world of the internet, many websites use something called DNS (Domain Name System) to help users find their websites. Sometimes, companies create subdomains, which are like a mini-website under the main website. For example, if a company’s website is called "example.com," a subdomain could be "blog.example.com." However, if a company forgets about a subdomain, it can become a big problem. This is called a subdomain takeover, and it can lead to serious security breaches.

What is a Subdomain Takeover?

A subdomain takeover happens when an attacker takes control of a subdomain that a company no longer uses or has forgotten. This can happen if a company removes a service but forgets to update their DNS records. The attacker can then point the subdomain to their own server and use it to host harmful content or steal data. This can lead to a full-blown security breach.

"Subdomain takeovers can turn forgotten DNS into a serious security risk for companies."

How Does This Happen?

There are a few steps involved in a subdomain takeover. First, an attacker looks for subdomains that are no longer in use. They use tools to check for these forgotten subdomains. Once they find one, they see if it can be taken over. This often happens if the DNS settings point to a service that the company has stopped using, like a cloud hosting platform. The attacker can then claim that subdomain for themselves.

Why Should You Care?

If a subdomain is taken over, attackers can use it to send phishing emails, host malicious content, or even steal sensitive information from users. This can seriously damage a company’s reputation and lead to a loss of trust from customers. In some cases, it can even lead to legal issues if customer data is compromised.

How to Protect Your Company

To prevent subdomain takeovers, companies should regularly check their DNS records. It’s important to remove any subdomains that are no longer in use. Companies should also consider using services that alert them if their DNS records change. Keeping a close eye on your digital assets is key to maintaining security.

In conclusion, subdomain takeovers can turn forgotten DNS into major security breaches. By staying vigilant and regularly checking DNS records, companies can protect themselves and their customers from potential threats.