DNS cache is our topic today. We will see its primary purpose, why it is beneficial, and how to delete it. Let’s start.
What exactly is DNS cache?
The DNS cache is a temporary cache memory used to save Domain Name System records for domain names that have already been requested. This memory system can be found in a variety of equipment, including DNS recursive servers, PCs, mobile phones, and tablets.
The technique’s objective is clear: it is not to perform a DNS query every time a certain domain name is requested. Consider the news site you visit every morning. When you initially requested it, a DNS lookup was performed to find its matching IP address. A Recursive server could load the domain for you once it received its IP address, and the record was cached in the DNS cache. The next day, you typed the news domain name again, and it loaded easier and faster for you because its IP address was stored in the DNS cache. This time, a new DNS lookup was not required.
Benefits of using it
- DNS Cache caches DNS responses in order to protect your authoritative DNS servers against DDoS attacks and to minimize strain on your authoritative servers.
- It speeds up access by allowing you to connect to the closest node.
- DNS Cache aids you to save money by reducing bandwidth utilization if you have an on-premises Domain Name System.
- In addition, it allows you to use the service if an error occurs in authoritative domain names before the cached DNS records expire. This cuts down on the amount of time lost by failures.
Ways to delete a DNS cache
The friction process is also known as DNS cache flush. It is not something complicated. Depending on your Operating System, there are different ways to delete the DNS cache. We will see how to do it on the 3 most frequently using OS.
- mac OS
If you are an Apple user, find the Terminal. Then, at the command prompt, copy the code and paste it:
sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder
After that, type your password and hit Enter. Domain Name System cache flushing is ready!
- Linux
If you’re a Linux user, you should also launch the Terminal application. Type the following command after that:
sudo systemd-resolve –flush-caches
Following that, insert your sudo password and hit Enter. That concludes our discussion.
- Windows
If you’re using Windows, you first have to open the Command Prompt or Windows PowerShell. Type the following command after that:
/flushdns ipconfig
Finally, a confirmation message should appear. That’s all!
What is DNS cache spoofing?
Unfortunately, criminals have already figured out how beneficial Domain Name System cache can be, and they’ve devised a means to take advantage of it.
DNS can be poisoned by adding IP addresses or domain names into it to send people to hazardous websites.
The Domain Name System cache can become corrupted as a result of technical or administrative mistakes, but it can also indicate criminal activities. You can avoid this risk by clearing the cache on a regular basis.
Conclusion
Finally, we can all agree that the DNS cache is a helpful tool for streamlining and speeding up the DNS resolution process. However, note that if you want to delete it, it depends on your Operating System(Windows, macOS, Linux, etc.).