ClearCloud DNS

somersethillbilly

A big thanks to RussJK for flagging this up :T
http://www.clearclouddns.com/

I have recently set up a few routers for friends and family and have set this up on their routers by default. I've set it on the router to protect both wired and wireless connections, and also protect any machines not present in the house when I set up the router. Thanks again RussJK, all working fine, not that the users notice , which I guess is a good thing .

HoofeHearted

I have just read this thread and configured my router to use ClearCloud's DNS servers to try it. I normally use OpenDNS.

After re-configuring, I tried the test website to see if it was blocking correctly; which it did.

However after telling me that it had blocked this site I read the note at the bottom of the page.

Effective September 1, 2011, GFI's ClearCloud DNS service will be discontinued and no longer available for consumer use. While we have many loyal ClearCloud DNS users, we have found that most customers prefer the more robust web filtering solution available as a feature in our VIPRE Premium product. We would like to thank all of the beta testers for their valuable feedback throughout this last 12 month evaluation period. To discontinue using the ClearCloud DNS service, you will need to reconfigure your network connection. If this is not done prior to September 1, 2011, your Internet connectivity will be interrupted. Learn how to remove ClearCloud DNS from your computer by clicking here.

So I think I will be sticking with OpenDNS, which also has a list of suspect sites to block you from accessing.

Announcement is also here on their forum.

somersethillbilly

I read about the discontinuation too, but would n't be suprised if it turned out to be a bluff....and a "due to public demand, we have decided to continue.." type statement comes out nearer the due date. After all it's a gateway for users to their paid for products. seen it before, so hopefully it will happen in this case too.

RussJK

Good to know it's been helping people Thanks for the info HoofeHearted; I'll stick at it until September nears and see what changes.

I'd previously used OpenDNS long enough to set up and test a package for someone else, but for me it made youtube unusable. OpenDNS isn't as good for pure malware blocking as other DNS providers, as it's more of a content filtering service (e.g. blocking !!!!!!) with some malware blocking.

If ClearCloud truly decide to cancel, then I'll consider something like NortonDNS or ComodoDNS instead.

RussJK

I doubt they'll change their minds on it TBH, if you read the post from the man who ostensibly made the decision:
http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showpost.php?p=1883928&postcount=143

It was a great service while it lasted, I'll use it until the last possible moment. Good to know now before I get too many people hooked on it!

HoofeHearted

I also use WebOfTrust addin on firefox to flag up suspect sites. So OpenDNS +WOT will have to do for now. (along with MSE & MBAM)

geordieracer

The practical reality is that DNS has its limitations. It will probably get about 70%-80% of malicious sites, as it can only work on the domain level, not the URI/URL level (which is what you need a web filter for). Don't rely on a DNS product as your total protection against malware and phishing sites.

Just to add the balance from what he said

somersethillbilly

RussJK wrote: »

If ClearCloud truly decide to cancel, then I'll consider something like NortonDNS or ComodoDNS instead.

Yeah, NortonDNS is my first reserve to use from September if ClearCloud goes. Just the malware blocking element though, not the full content part. I've used it in the past and found it was OK.