What is a DNS security stack?
A layered approach that combines a privacy-minded resolver, encrypted DNS on the wire, and policy enforcement to block malicious or unwanted domains before connections happen.
Quick comparisons
Layer
Pros
Cons
Notes
Quad9
Blocks malicious domains with threat intel, privacy-oriented, nonprofit, free
Limited policy granularity vs enterprise tools
Great default for personal/home and SMB upstream
DoH
Encrypts DNS queries in transit, thwarts interception/tampering
Can bypass corporate DNS inspection if pointed to external resolvers
Use enterprise DoH or gateway DoH at work
Umbrella
DNS-layer protection plus optional SWG/CASB/Firewall, rich reporting and policies
Commercial licensing; agent or network integration required
Best for enterprises with roaming users
Meraki MX Filtering
Talos-powered categories, simple to deploy, integrated with Meraki
Requires MX hardware/licensing; fewer features than full Umbrella stack
Strong branch/campus option
How they work
Quad9Recursive DNS resolver that blocks known malicious domains, operated by a Swiss-based nonprofit with a privacy policy focused on limiting personal data.
DoHIETF-standard protocol that sends DNS over HTTPS to add confidentiality and integrity on the wire.
UmbrellaCloud DNS-layer security with options for secure web gateway, CASB, DLP, firewall and more, with policies and reporting.
MerakiMX appliances apply Talos-curated URL categories for easy content filtering at branch and campus edges.
Recommended deployment patterns
Small teams and personal: Quad9 as upstream resolver, enable DoH in the browser or local resolver.
SMB: Meraki MX with content categories and SafeSearch; send upstream DNS to Quad9 or Umbrella.
Enterprise: Umbrella with agents for roaming devices, integrate with SWG/CASB; allow only enterprise DoH endpoints and block external DoH resolvers.
Top Free and Public DNS Servers You Should Use in 2025
Discover expert-recommended DNS alternatives to Google for faster, more secure browsing in 2025.
Provider
Primary / Secondary (IPv4)
IPv6
Best For
Quad9 (Secured)
9.9.9.9 / 149.112.112.112
2620:fe::9 / 2620:fe::fe
Privacy + malware blocking
Cloudflare
1.1.1.1 / 1.0.0.1
2606:4700:4700::1111 / ::1001
Low latency, reliable anycast
CleanBrowsing (Family)
185.228.168.168 / 185.228.169.168
2a0d:2a00:1:: / 2a0d:2a00:2::
Adult/malware filtering by default
AdGuard DNS (Default)
94.140.14.14 / 94.140.15.15
2a10:50c0::ad1:ff / ::ad2:ff
Ads/tracker blocking
OpenDNS (Cisco)
208.67.222.222 / 208.67.220.220
2620:119:35::35 / ::53
Custom filtering & stats (account optional)
Tip: Prefer DNS over HTTPS (DoH) where possible. Most providers above also offer DoH endpoints that integrate with modern browsers and OS resolvers.
Why public DNS helps at home and in the office
Home
- Faster page loads by using nearby anycast resolvers
- Built-in malware and phishing protection (e.g., Quad9, CleanBrowsing)
- Parental controls without installing software
- Privacy-forward options that avoid query logging
How to apply: Set DNS on your home router’s WAN or LAN DHCP so all devices inherit it automatically.
Office
- Consistent policy enforcement and visibility with Umbrella/OpenDNS
- Secure remote users with DoH and agent-based policies
- Reduce helpdesk noise by blocking malicious lookups early
- Combine with firewall and SWG for layered control
How to apply: Push DNS via DHCP Option 6, Group Policy, MDM profiles, or SD-WAN/branch gateways. Allow only approved DoH resolvers.
FAQs
Is DoH always better than classic DNS? It encrypts traffic, but unmanaged external DoH can bypass your security stack. Use enterprise DoH resolvers or gateway-based DoH.
Can I use Quad9 and Umbrella together? Use Umbrella for policy and reporting. Quad9 is best as a privacy-focused resolver if you don’t need enterprise controls.
Does Meraki still use BrightCloud? Newer MX firmware uses Cisco Talos categories globally.
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