When it comes to online privacy and security, the first tool that pops up in our minds is a VPN. However, many internet users do not adequately understand that a VPN can only ensure their privacy. It does not protect the user against malicious websites. For this, they need a DNS firewall. To save users from the hassle of arranging a VPN and DNS firewall separately, KeepSolid now offers a DNS Firewall with their VPN Unlimited app.
Quick Review Of KeepSolid DNS Firewall
KeepSolid DNS Firewall is a dedicated solution to protect KeepSolid VPN Unlimited users from malicious threats online. It not only provides safeguarding against DNS malware attacks but also allows users to customize their settings for blacklisting any undesirable domains.
Noteworthy Features
- Works as a cloud barrier between your device and the internet traffic from malicious servers.
- Protects against malware attacks from online sources.
- Blocks malicious websites from barraging your device with harmful content, including ads and pop-ups.
- Offers customized blacklisting of online content. These include protection against
- Adult content
- Drugs and alcohol
- Downloads and file hosting
- Gambling
- Fake news
- Games
- Malware and ads
- Social media
- Marketplace and shopping
- Allows blacklisting specific domains with custom settings.
Installation Process
Using the DNS Firewall is quite easy for KeepSolid VPN Unlimited users. If you do not have this app yet, you can download it from this link according to your device operating system. This requires creating an account on the website to access the subscribed features.
Click on the “Go to website” button under the VPN Unlimited tab to download the app. This is necessary to use the DNS Firewall.
After installing the downloaded executable file, you can launch the VPN Unlimited app. It comes with a neat and easy-to-use interface featuring accessible options. Choose your desired server from the range of options to start your VPN connection.
Once done, you are now ready to activate the DNS Firewall. Simply click on the “Network settings” option on the left panel of the screen. You will see the DNS Firewall turned off.
Clicking on the ‘OFF’ button will open the main DNS Firewall settings page in your browser. Here you can see the specific options to control how the Firewall will work.
At the bottom of the screen, you can view the feature to create custom rules for your preferred blacklisted domains.
By default, all the options are turned off. Hence, activating this feature first requires turning on the main option at the top, after which, all other settings become available. You can then choose the desired categories to block on your device, or additionally blacklist specific domains.
How It Works
To test how this feature works, I activated the ‘Market, shopping’ blocking feature. With my connection to a US server, this option worked perfectly well to automatically block some of the top US e-commerce websites on my device browser, such as Amazon, eBay, and Best Buy.
I then changed my VPN location to a UK server and got the same result.
However, I could still access the e-stores from other parts of the world, such as Myntra.com (India), and Daraz.pk (Pakistan). I also tried blocking a few other categories as well and got similar results. It means that the feature presently blocks the websites of the corresponding server location.
Pros And Cons
As far as the website blocking is concerned, KeepSolid DNS Firewall works remarkably well. Especially, the idea of blocking niche-based websites is easy to manage even for a less tech savvy user. Parents can also use this option to prevent their kids from accessing any undesirable content even while using the VPN.
Pricing Plans
Presently, KeepSolid DNS Firewall is available for FREE with KeepSolid VPN Unlimited. That means the current users of the VPN can swiftly access the DNS Firewall. New users can obtain this utility by subscribing to VPN Unlimited for as low as $9.99 per month for 5 devices (per account), or $14.99 for 10 devices. Whereas, users can also choose other pricing plans as well according to their preferences.
VPN Unlimited Pricing Plans for 5 devices
VPN Unlimited Pricing Plans for 10 devices
VPN Unlimited comes with a free seven-day trial. However, the DNS Firewall is presently not available with this version.
What Bunny Rating Does It Earn?
KeepSolid DNS Firewall comes integrated with the VPN Unlimited app, it has a neat UI with clear-cut options for managing content security.
Based on these observations, this tool safely earns 4.0 out of 5 bunnies.
Final Word
KeepSolid DNS is a nice and much-needed feature from the makers of VPN Unlimited. From offering niche-based site blocking to blacklisting specific domains and subdomains, it makes it easy for all VPN users to manage their privacy and security. Although it presently has a limitation of availability with the VPN Unlimited app only, the affordable pricing plans of the app let everyone use the DNS Firewall.
