Alphabet's Jigsaw Unveils Intra App to Protect Against DNS Manipulation

Alphabet's Intra app encrypts DNS queries to help users bypass online censorship
New Intra app adds DNS-over-HTTPS support for older Android versions.
Google's cyber technology incubator Jigsaw has rolled out a new application called Intra to the Google Play store to protect users from Domain Name System (DNS) manipulation attacks. "Intra protects you from DNS manipulation, a cyber-attack used to block access to news sites, social media platforms and messaging apps," Jigsaw said on its dedicated page for the app.
DNS is the phonebook of the Internet from where users access information online through domain names. It translates domain names to IP addresses so browsers can load Internet resources.

"Intra lets you access websites and apps blocked by DNS manipulation, one of the most common forms of censorship online... Intra helps protect you from phishing and malware. These attacks are used to steal personal information like usernames and passwords or install software on your device by redirecting you to fake websites... Intra couldn't be simpler to use - just leave it on and forget about it. Intra won't slow down your Internet connection and there's no limit on data usage... Intra keeps your information private. We don't track the apps you use or websites you visit... Intra lets you customise your DNS server provider. You can use your own server, or pick from popular providers like Cloudflare or Google," Jigsaw explained.

Jigsaw added, "Intra encrypts your Internet connection to a public Domain Name System (DNS) server. DNS servers work like a contact list - when you use the Internet, your DNS server provides the exact addresses you need to visit a website or open an app. However, DNS servers can be altered to block access or redirect you to fake websites. By encrypting your connection to DNS servers on your Android device, Intra helps ensure that the results can't be manipulated, so you can safely access the Internet."

The Intra app is compatible with devices running Android 4.0 and later. It is an open source project, and developers can discuss Intra on Reddit, apart from contributing to its code on GitHub. There are no details about when the app will become available for iOS.

October 08, 2018