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But does it truly deliver on its promises?
So, everything you read next is based on my experience with the platform.
This will help you decide if Control D is a good fit for your DNS filtering needs.
What Is Control D?
The platform helps block intrusive ads, harmful content, and cybersecurity threats on all connected devices.
Control D also provides data pipe-wide DNS filtering capabilities.
Control D is a part of Windscribe, a leading security and privacy company based in Toronto, Ontario.
Windscribe is privately owned and operated by its 3 foundersYegor Sak, Alex Paguis, and Mark Ulicki.
Control D operates as a no-log DNS provider.
It doesnt save any DNS queries data unless you choose to do so for analytics purposes.
Control D offers advanced DNS server management features through Profiles and Endpoints.
It allows you to add client (end-user gear) and server (routers and firewalls).
For this test, I will add a clientmy Windows PC.
AnEnforced Profileis a set of rules and prefs applied to an endpoint.
Any changes made to a profiles parameters and rules will automatically apply to all endpoints using that profile.
I will use Testing Profile throughout this article.
after you grab added your rig, you’re gonna wanna configure it.
You have two options to configure your added devicemanual and automatic using the app.
I have set up my PC via the automatic method.
you’re able to also set up your unit using CMD and PowerShell.
Now that my rig setup is done, I will explore the Control D features below.
Lets find out how good Control D is at web & service filtering.
To filter websites and services, go to theProfilesection.
Here, you will see menus to manage Filters, Services, Rules, and Profile Options.
To block crypto sites and crypto mining services, you should probably turn on the Crypto filter.
Now, as I have turned on the Crypto filter, my PC should not open any crypto website.
As expected, I cannot open Crypto.com on my PC.
As you’re able to see in the screenshot above, Control Ds filtering works as advertised.
Each Service menu has a list of websites whose access you’re able to manage.
For testing purposes, Im going to block Facebook.
As expected, Facebook is blocked on my PC.
In my testing, Control Ds web and service filtering abilities worked as advertised.
AI Malware Filter offers 3 settingsRelaxed Mode, Balanced Mode, and Strict Mode.
As this feature is experimental, it can show some false positive blocks.
Malicious actors also carry out DNS spoofing attacks to compromise your business security.
With Control Ds encrypted DNS, you’re able to tackle these security threats successfully.
Also, Control Ds encrypted DNS helps prevent data breaches by securing sensitive DNS queries.
Plus, it helps meet compliance with regulations that require the protection of personal data, including DNS queries.
DNS over HTTP/3 (DoH3) is an improved version of DoH that offers improved speed and security.
Real-time Monitoring & Analytics
Control D provides you with deep visibility into your users online activities.
it’s possible for you to sort visualized data by Filters, Services, and Locations.
The Statistics section shows you the following key insights into your users internet activities:
5.
As shown in the screenshot below, you could see all DNS queries historically in real-time.
The platform also allows downloading audit log data in CSV.
Control D keeps persistent records of all administrative actions.
Based on my testing, Im fully satisfied with Control Ds ability to track audit/admin logs.
It offers enough data to make informed decisions.
This helps you collect detailed information on DNS activity.
Consequently, it provides quicker incident response.
However, youll require the open-source Fluent Bit middleware to integrate Control D with your SIEM solution.
Traffic Management
Control D allows users to route DNS queries through predefined proxy locations.
These proxy locations are strategically selected to improve performance and optimize internet speed based on the users geographic region.
Traffic management is handled mainly in the following sections:
8.
What Problems Does Control D Solve?
Here are key privacy and security problems Control D solves.
How Fast Is Control D DNS?
Here is a feature comparison table for different Control D pricing plans.
you might start with a free trial (no credit card required) to explore its features.
The company also offers a free demo.
For general query, you’re free to write tohello@controld.com.
And business inquiries should be addressed tobusiness@controld.com.
The platforms support ticket is quick to offer resolutions.
They replied to my query within 30 minutes (that was fast!).
It was able to resolve most of my product-related queries.
I would suggest trying Barry chatbot first for technical help.
$2/endpoint/month
$1.99/month
$0.9/user/month
$300/year
$7/user/month
Who Should Use Control D?
After exploring the key features and alternatives of Control D, you might wonder who should use it.
Here are the ideal target audiences for Control D:
Who Shouldnt Use Control D?
Control D Verdict
Control D is a powerful and customizable DNS filtering solution.
However, its endpoint-based pricing may not be cost-effective for large enterprises.
Plus, you get to try it free for 30 daysno credit card required!
