ScoutDNS

ScoutDNS is a cloud-based DNS filtering solution provided by ScoutDNS, LLC. According to the vendor, it is designed to offer content filtering, threat protection, and network visibility for organizations of all sizes. The product is targeted towards IT professionals, network administrators, system integrators, managed service providers (MSPs), and educational institutions, including schools, colleges, and universities.

Key Features

DNS Content Filtering: According to the vendor, ScoutDNS provides content filtering capabilities that allow users to manage 67+ content categories. Users can create multiple allow/block lists that can be assigned globally or by policy.

Threat Protection: ScoutDNS offers robust threat protection features to safeguard organizations from malware, ransomware, and phishing sites. The vendor claims it blocks known threats and uses real-time DNS inspection to identify and block unknown zero-day site threats.

Network Visibility: ScoutDNS provides enhanced network visibility through its DNS layer monitoring capabilities. The vendor states that the Data Warehouse engine stores and reports detailed DNS activity, providing real-time logs, activity by domain, category, top-level domain, and record type.

Roaming Client Protection: According to the vendor, ScoutDNS ensures protection for client devices even when they are off the network or using VPN. The Scout360 feature offers dynamic policies for different rules in and out of the office.

TLD Threat List: ScoutDNS allows administrators to create custom top-level domain (TLD) lists to limit access to specific TLDs. According to the vendor, this feature helps implement a zero-trust approach to TLD access.

Advanced DNS Threat Management: ScoutDNS offers advanced DNS threat management features, including an allow list-only mode, logging-only mode for policy tests, and the ability to limit DNS rebinding and tunneling attacks, according to the vendor.

Custom Allow/Block Lists: ScoutDNS provides the flexibility to create and manage multiple object-based custom allow/block lists. According to the vendor, these lists can be applied globally or to specific policies, allowing users to have granular control over the allowed and blocked sites.

Application Filter: ScoutDNS allows users to control application access on their network, managing bandwidth and user behavior. The vendor claims it offers the ability to manage 12 application categories, filter bandwidth-heavy apps, control gaming and social media access, and block peer-to-peer (P2P) related sites.

Force Safe Search: According to the vendor, ScoutDNS allows users to enforce safe search across their network, ensuring protection from inappropriate content within search engine web, image, and video results.

Ad Blocker: ScoutDNS provides an ad blocker feature to prevent the display of embedded ads containing hidden malware and objectionable content. According to the vendor, this feature improves page load speeds and blocks most ad networks.