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When people access the web within your app, their privacy is paramount. Safeguard that information by leveraging encrypted DNS across our platforms to deliver private and secure connectivity within your app. Discover how you can use system DNS settings to connect to encrypted servers or enable encrypted DNS within an app using standard networking APIs. Enabling encrypted DNS is yet another way your app can help preserve privacy for your customers and provide them with a better and more secure experience.
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Hello, and welcome to WWDC.
Hi. I'm Tommy Pauly. Encrypted DNS is a key technology for improving internet privacy. And it's supported natively on Apple platforms as an underlying technology that you as a developer can enable for users.
If you provide a public DNS service, you can write an app, or a configuration profile, to let people use your encrypted DNS server.
You can also opt in to encrypted DNS for specific connections within your own apps.
Before we dive into how you use encrypted DNS on Apple platforms, let's talk about what DNS is, and why it matters for privacy. DNS is the domain name system. It's what takes a name that you see for a web page in Safari, and turns it into the actual IP addresses of servers on the internet.
Your devices are using DNS every time you access the internet. When your app accesses a website, the system asks a question, a DNS query, to turn that name into a set of addresses. Generally, the question is sent to a DNS server configured by your local network. So where does privacy come into the picture? One concern is that DNS questions and answers are usually sent over an unencrypted transport, UDP. That means that other devices on the network can not only see what names you're looking up, but they can even interfere with the answers. The other privacy concern is that you may not trust the DNS resolver on your local network. If you've joined a public Wi-Fi network, your internet usage could be tracked or blocked.
So how does encrypted DNS improve this situation? Encrypted DNS, simply put, is using encryption to protect your DNS questions and answers.
And if you don't trust the network you're on, it can also involve sending your questions to a DNS server that you do trust.
Starting this year, Apple platforms natively support encrypted DNS.
There are two supported protocols. DNS over TLS, also called DoT, and DNS over HTTPS, also called DoH.
Both of these use TLS to encrypt DNS messages. DoH additionally uses HTTP to improve performance.
There are two ways that encrypted DNS can be enabled. The first way is to choose a single DNS server as the default resolver for all apps on the system. If you provide a public DNS server, you can now write a NetworkExtension app that configures the system to use your server.
Or, if you use mobile device management, MDM, to configure enterprise settings on devices, you can push down a profile to configure encrypted DNS settings for your networks. The second way to enable encrypted DNS is to opt in directly from an app.
If you want your app to use encrypted DNS, even if the rest of the system isn't yet, you can select a specific server to use for some or all of your app's connections.
Let's start by looking at how the system-wide DNS settings work.
System DNS settings can be configured either by a NetworkExtension app that uses NEDNSSettingsManager, or an MDM profile that contains a DNSSettings payload.
Both of these methods allow you to specify the same content.
A DNS server configuration that identifies which server to use, and which protocol the server supports, and a set of Network Rules that allows you to customize when your DNS settings should apply.
Let's look at how you specify the server configuration using NetworkExtension.
Use the shared NEDNSSettingsManager object to first load in any existing configuration.
Next, you can define settings for either a DNS over HTTPS server, or a DNS over TLS server.
In this example, we're using DoH.
You can provide the server's IP addresses, which are optional, and the server URL, which is required.
You set this object into the 'dnsSettings' property.
You then call saveToPreferences to apply the configuration to the system.
At this point, a user can enable your DNS server in the settings app.
Next, let's look at the Network Rules part of the configuration. Specifying Network Rules allows you to ensure that your DNS settings are compatible with different networks. Encrypted DNS can be great for privacy, but a public DNS server isn't able to resolve private names that are only known to local networks. For example, only a DNS server on an enterprise Wi-Fi network can resolve certain private names that are accessed by employees.
Some aspects of compatibility are handled for you automatically. For these, you don't need to specify Network Rules.
Captive network detection, like when someone logs on to a café network is automatically granted an exception.
Similarly, if a VPN is active, resolution within the VPN tunnel will use the VPN's DNS settings and not your system-wide settings.
However, handling cases like private names on enterprise Wi-Fi networks requires setting up Network Rules. Your Network Rules can define behavior for specific network types, like Wi-Fi or cellular, and specific Wi-Fi SSIDs.
On matching networks, you can disable your DNS settings entirely, or only grant exceptions for specific private domains. Here's how to set up some Network Rules in your app. Your app should allow users to configure these kinds of rules.
To create an exception for a work network, define a rule for a Wi-Fi network with a particular SSID.
The list of connection rules defines a domain, in this case, enterprise.example.net, that should not use your DNS settings.
Overall, this rule says that your DNS settings should be used on the work Wi-Fi network for everything other than the private enterprise domain.
You can also set up rules to disable your DNS settings on an entire category of networks using a Disconnect rule.
Here, we're disabling DNS settings on all cellular networks.
The last rule you should set should always be a catchall. In this case, let's make sure your DNS settings are on by default by using a Connect rule.
You store your Network Rules as an ordered list, and then can save the configuration.
Now we're ready to see a DNS Settings app in action.
Here's an example project that configures the system-wide DNS settings. In our app, we use NEDNSSettingsManager.
Here, we can define the server configuration, and we can also set up the Network Rules based on the user preferences.
This particular app supports enabling or disabling on both cellular and Wi-Fi networks.
Before we run the app, we need to make sure that the DNS Settings capability is enabled in Xcode.
To check this, go to your Project Settings, and then over to Signing & Capabilities.
The DNS Settings capability is one of the NetworkExtension capabilities.
And since we're configuring a protocol that's supported by the system, we don't need to implement an extension point. We only need to build an app.
Let's look at that app now.
When we run the app, the configuration is installed, but not active immediately.
We can enable or disable our settings on Wi-Fi or cellular, and then enable the entire configuration in the settings app.
We go to Settings, General, and look at VPN & Network.
Here, there's a section for DNS where your app will show up once you've installed your configuration.
If you select your settings, they will be automatically applied to the whole system. And if you go back to your app, you can now see that the configuration is active.
That's all you have to do. At this point, your DNS settings will apply to all apps on the system.
Be aware that some networks may block using your encrypted DNS server by policy. These networks might be trying to filter traffic by looking at DNS queries.
If this occurs, a Wi-Fi network is marked with a privacy warning. Connections in apps will fail rather than compromise your privacy.
If you don't provide a DNS service that the entire system can use, but you still want to use encrypted DNS in your app, you can enable encrypted DNS throughout your app, or for specific connections.
This approach works no matter what system APIs you use: URLSessionTasks, Network framework connections, or POSIX APIs like getaddrinfo.
Let's take a look at enabling encrypted DNS with Network framework. You select your options with a PrivacyContext. You create one PrivacyContext for every set of connections that share DNS settings.
When you require encryption, you can provide a DNS server configuration to use as a fallback. That means that any system-wide DNS configuration will take precedence, but your app's fallback will kick in otherwise.
Here, we use the URL of a DoH server.
When you create parameters for your connections, set the PrivacyContext you created earlier.
Then, start your connections, and they will use encrypted DNS.
You can also check whether encrypted DNS was used on a given connection.
Once a connection is ready, request an EstablishmentReport.
This report has a list of resolution steps.
You can check which protocol was used for DNS: HTTPS, TLS, UDP, or TCP.
Note that answers that came from a cache may not have any protocol set. If you want to use encrypted DNS throughout your app, you can configure the default PrivacyContext.
This applies your configuration to every DNS resolution initiated by your app, either when you use URLSessionTasks, or when you use lower-layer APIs like getaddrinfo.
Now you're ready to try out encrypted DNS.
If you provide a public DNS service, write an app that uses NEDNSSettingsManager to deliver your settings.
If you have an enterprise MDM solution, use profiles to enable encrypted DNS on your networks.
And if you want to opt in directly from your app, adopt PrivacyContexts in Network framework.
For more information on this topic, please visit the following session URL. And thanks for watching.
By Gina Barrow, Last updated: April 24, 2020
Encryption is the safest and best way to protect data as it encodes a certain file or information in such a way that only authorized users or those with passwords can access. Information including bank details, sensitive personal records should be encrypted to avoid data theft.
My goal is to encrypt the MAC address inside the packet and send that packet to the router over the WiFi network. On the router side, I want to decrypt the MAC address from the packet and store it in such a way that no unauthorized user can see that MAC address, thus avoiding MAC spoofing. Add the ITSApp Uses Non Exempt Encryption key to your app’s Info.plist file with a Boolean value that indicates whether your app uses encryption. Set the value to NO if your app—including any third-party libraries it links against—doesn’t use encryption, or if it only uses forms of encryption that are exempt from export compliance.
Computer operating systems have built-in encryption features but these provide easy to medium form of security and still prone to expert hackers. You need to invest in encryption software if it is a requirement for your type of usage. Here are the top 5 best encryption software for Macin 2020. Check out which one works for your needs.
Part 1. Why Need to Encrypt Mac Files?
All vital files stored inside a computer including Mac need to be encrypted for security purposes. If you happen to hear, watch, and read the news, there are reported cases of stolen identities and bank information due to unsecured files saved inside people’s stolen laptops and computers.
To avoid such hassle, you can rely on encryption software for Mac but the main concern here is what the best software to use is.
Part 2. Apple’s Encryption Software for Mac for free
If you are concerned about data privacy and your Mac contains sensitive information that must be kept personal, then you should use encryption. Apple has its own encryption software that users can utilize for free. There are actually different ways on how to encrypt files on Mac.
Encryption via Disk Utility
- Use the spotlight search and type in Disk Utility. You can also go to Utilities under Applications.
- Go to File on the topmost tools and hover to New Image then click on Image from Folder
- Select the folder you wish to encrypt from the newly popped-up window
- Rename the file you want to encrypt and go to the bottom part where you can set the encryption settings
- You can choose between the 128 and the 256-bit. (The higher the encryption the better but it takes slower time to complete request)
- Once you have selected your encryption method, you need to provide and verify your password. (Note: Remember your password because it will never grant you access to the given folder until the correct password is supplied). Click Choose.
- For the Image format, you can choose compressed.
- Wait until the encryption is completed.
This type of encryption affects the folder and its file contents so anytime you wish to open the folder and the files inside, you need to provide the password.
- You can now see a new Archive folder on the desktop which was the same file you encrypted
- You can delete the old folder to remove any access to it
People Also ReadHow to Clean up A MacHow Do You Speed Up Your Mac?
Use FileVault
FileVault is full-disk encryption that uses XTS-AES-128 encryption with a 256-bit key to preventing unauthorized access to your personal information on the startup disk. Basically, you won’t be able to go through Mac unless you provide the password.
The FileVault2 is available in OS X Lion and later versions. All you need to take advantage of this feature is to turn on FileVault in your Mac. Here’s how:
- Go to Security & Privacy under System Preferences
- Click the FileVault tab and click on the lock icon
- Enter the administration username and password
- Turn on FileVault
If you are using multiple users on Mac, you can enable each user and type in their assigned password.
Print to PDF
Another file encryption method in Mac is the Print to PDF wherein you can do the security lock on the print window itself after creating or editing certain file/s.
- Go to Print
- Choose PDF
- Click Save as PDF
- Before saving it, go to Security Options
- Check the box for your desired password security measures
- Don’t forget to verify the password and click Save
Part 3. The Best Encryption Software for Mac in 2020
In the sea of many software and applications, there seems to be plenty of programs dedicated to single-use or single-function. They are good because they focus on one solution, however, they also cost more expensive.
If you browse thoroughly, you will discover that there are a few applications that offer sets of operations and toolkits specially designed for Mac. FoneDog PowerMyMac - Cleaner provides comprehensive modules dedicated to Mac OS. It has three powerful modules: Toolkit, Status, and Cleaner.
Inside FoneDogPowerMyMac-Cleaner Toolkit, there is a robust function called Hide and Encrypt Files. This feature allows you to create a password-protected folder and store sensitive files in it by drag and drop. It lets you turn on and off in case you may not use the feature.
- User-friendly
- Free download version
- Auto-lock setup
- Uses the safest encryption system
How cool is that? This program has made an easier way to protect you from possible data theft.
Part 4. Other Mac Encryption Tools
Apart from FoneDog PowerMyMac-Cleaner, there is other top performing software that also provides convenience and security.
Hider 2
Hider2 has the ability to hide and encrypt data on your Mac securely including notes, documents, photos, etc. One of its positive scores is the user-friendly interface which suits beginner to average users.
- Provides auto-lock feature when the user is inactive or idled
- Uses AES-256 encryption for the safest system
Cisdem AppCrypt
Cisdem AppCrypt offers both website and app encryption system that locks you apps and accessed websites with passwords. It creates a blacklist for suspicious access and whitelist for trusted users. However, it does not have the file encryption ability that sets passwords for the desired file and folders.
- Keeps a list of login attempts to let you know who opens your apps
- User-friendly
GNU Privacy Guard
GNU Privacy Guard is hybrid Mac encryption software that uses a combination of standard symmetric-key cryptography and public-key cryptography. It mainly features a versatile key management system to protect your personal privacy and the privacy of the people you are communicating with.
- Versatile (has Windows and Mac versions)
- Free Software
However, since it provides you with a private key for safekeeping, you might end up having a hard time figuring out how to decode it once the keys are lost.
Concealer
Concealer is another trusted name in terms of hiding files and encryption. It provides an automatic password assistant that generates “strong” passwords. One of its main advantages is providing and organizing folders by having default templates for various accounts such as bank accounts, email, software registration, and more.
- Customizable auto-lock system
- Easy to use with drag and drop features
- Uses the master password and assigns separate or individual passwords to each file inside
Part 5. Factors to Consider when Choosing the Best Encryption Software for Mac
Best Encryption Apps
I know you may have gotten confused on which program to use or will work best for you after reading through the different software you can choose from. There is plenty of encryption software for Mac; however, bear in mind that you need to consider quality and multi-function when it comes to having a “good buy”.
Wifi Encryption App Mac Download
You need a program that provides an all-in-one solution that you can rely on when things go rough on your device. I recommend using FoneDog PowerMyMac for the following factors:
- Security– It the important concern above all. You have to be keen about how these programs work to secure your files and your Mac overall.
- Encryption– Based on the above-mentioned encryption data, there are different types of password-protection format. Choose the one that provides the safest and considers your files their topmost priority.
- Encryption Speed- Consider a program that can encrypt even your large files at the shortest period of time. We know that large files take a while to be fully encrypted so you need software that can minimize the time constraints.
- Software License- Although free programs are good such as the GNU Privacy Guard, an open source software, you need to consider that free software is not entirely best for your needs since everyone can download it. The same thing goes for paid programs; you have to be extra cautious on how much it costs and its corresponding features. To be sure, you can take advantage of their free-trial versions first so you can determine if it works for you or not.
Part 6. Conclusions
We care so much about data privacy and we understand how crucial it is to be well-protected. You cannot simply store important files in your Mac especially when you have multiple users or you plan to sell it later on.
We know how much you want to protect your files from prying eyes and suspicious people that is why we have compiled and researched the different programs that can help you secure them. The encryption software for Mac we listed has their own Pros and Cons where you can assess according to their features.
Wifi Encryption App Mac Os
Simply choose a program that will password-protect your files, optimize your system, and provide you with complete troubleshooting toolkit. Do you have any other concerns regarding encryption software for Mac? Please write your concerns in the comments below!