DNSFilter aims to make the internet safer and more productive by providing AI-powered DNS security solutions. The company’s mission is to offer the best DNS filter on the market, focusing on effective threat blocking, ease of use, and strong customer support. DNSFilter was founded out of a need for a more effective and fairly priced DNS security solution than what was currently available. Its primary goal is to protect organizations from online threats such as malware, phishing, and other malicious content by filtering DNS requests.
The company is focused on a layered approach to cybersecurity and the adoption of Zero Trust principles. DNSFilter has a strong market reputation, underscored by positive reviews and awards for its protective DNS solution. It is known for being customer-focused, investing in comprehensive documentation and responsive support. The company serves a global customer base, including managed service providers (MSPs), and aims to continuously innovate its product offerings based on customer feedback.
Offerings, Capabilities, and Integrations
DNSFilter provides cloud-based security solutions centered around DNS filtering, threat protection, and content filtering. Its core competitive edge lies in its use of artificial intelligence and machine learning to identify and block threats, such as malware and phishing attacks, often more rapidly than competitors. This proactive approach to security is a key aspect of its market reputation. The company’s offerings are designed for scalability and ease of deployment, catering to a diverse client base. DNSFilter’s ability to integrate with various IT management and security tools enhances its value proposition by allowing for streamlined workflows and centralized management.
Products and Services
DNSFilter’s primary offering is its AI-powered DNS security platform, which forms the foundation of its product lineup. This platform provides real-time threat detection and content filtering. While DNSFilter does not designate a single “flagship” product, its comprehensive DNS filtering solution, which includes protection against malware, phishing, and other cyber threats, is its central offering. Key products and services include:
- DNS Filtering: The core service that blocks access to malicious and unwanted websites at the DNS level. It includes customizable policies and multiple filtering categories.
- Threat Protection: Utilizes AI and machine learning to proactively identify and block threats like malware, phishing, and ransomware. A specific feature, Malicious Domain Protection, targets domain generation algorithms and other advanced threats.
- Content Filtering: Enables organizations to block categories of websites to enforce acceptable use policies and improve productivity. This includes a specific category for generative AI sites.
- AppAware: A feature that allows for the blocking of specific applications at the network level with a single click.
- Roaming Clients: Software for various operating systems that extends protection to devices when they are not connected to the company network.
- Guardian: Following an acquisition, DNSFilter offers Guardian, a consumer-focused application that provides firewall and VPN capabilities for privacy protection.
- Data Export and Reporting: Provides real-time insights and the ability to export DNS query data to external security information and event management (SIEM) tools.
- Integrations: DNSFilter offers integrations with a variety of platforms, including Professional Services Automation (PSA) tools like ConnectWise and Halo, as well as Microsoft Active Directory and Microsoft Entra ID.
Target Customers
DNSFilter’s products and services are designed for a range of customers, from small businesses to large enterprises, with a significant focus on serving Managed Service Providers (MSPs). The company also has a strong presence in the education sector.
- Managed Service Providers (MSPs): DNSFilter provides MSPs with a multi-tenant platform that is easy to deploy and manage across multiple clients. The platform’s reporting and management capabilities are built with MSPs in mind, offering flexibility and opportunities for recurring revenue.
- Enterprises: For larger organizations, DNSFilter offers scalable and affordable DNS security and web content filtering. It helps enterprises mitigate risks, protect against threats, and secure public Wi-Fi across multiple locations.
- Education (K-12 and Higher Education): DNSFilter provides educational institutions with solutions to achieve CIPA compliance, protect students and faculty from inappropriate content and online threats, and manage internet access on school-issued devices, both on and off-campus. The company offers education-specific pricing.
- Businesses with Public Wi-Fi: Organizations such as retailers and hospitality providers use DNSFilter to secure their public Wi-Fi networks, blocking both security threats and inappropriate content.
Cloud Integrations and Marketplaces
DNSFilter does not have a direct presence on the AWS, Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud marketplaces. However, the company provides several cloud integrations to connect its services with tools used in cloud environments.
- Microsoft Azure Active Directory: DNSFilter integrates with Microsoft Azure Active Directory (now Microsoft Entra ID). This allows for the synchronization of user and group information from Azure AD to the DNSFilter dashboard, enabling policy application based on user groups. Any changes made to the on-premise or cloud Active Directory are reflected in the DNSFilter dashboard, including for dynamic groups.
- Amazon S3: DNSFilter offers a data export feature that integrates with Amazon S3. This allows users to export their query log data to an S3 bucket, which can then be used with Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tools or other data analysis platforms that can pull data from S3.
- SIEM & SOAR: DNSFilter supports integration with SIEM and SOAR tools. This is facilitated through its data export feature to Amazon S3 or directly via a Splunk-style HEC API, allowing organizations to aggregate DNS query data with other security data for analysis and action.
- Single Sign-On (SSO): DNSFilter integrates with OIDC compatible single sign-on providers, which includes cloud-based identity services like Azure AD, Okta, and OneLogin. This allows users to authenticate to the DNSFilter dashboard using their existing corporate credentials.
Key People
- Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder: Ken Carnesi
- Chief of Staff: Aliese Alter
- SVP, Sales: Shawn Brady
- Chief Product Officer: Brett Cheloff
- Chief People Officer: Mandy Cole
- Corporate & Business Development Executive: Karl Hutter
- Chief Technology Officer: TK Keanini
- Chief Financial Officer: Mike Okoth
- Chief Legal Officer: Lauren Romer
- Chief Marketing Officer: Chris Smith
- Chief Architect & Co-Founder: Brian Gillis
Key Facts
- Headquarters Location: Washington, D.C., USA.
- Number of Employees: Approximately 175.
- Annual Revenue: Estimated to be $38.4 million.
- Parent Company: None.
- Subsidiary Companies: Zorus, Guardian, and Webshrinker.
- Publicly Listed: No.
Analyst Recognition
Based on available information, DNSFilter is not currently featured in the primary technology category reports from Gartner, Forrester, IDC, or Everest Group, such as the Gartner® Magic Quadrant™, Forrester Wave™, IDC MarketScape, or Everest Group PEAK Matrix®.
While DNSFilter has a presence on Gartner Peer Insights, a platform for customer reviews, it does not appear in Gartner’s formal analyst research reports for DNS security or related categories. Similarly, searches for DNSFilter within the research of Forrester, IDC, and Everest Group do not indicate its inclusion in their respective market evaluation reports for the DNS security sector.
