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Home/ Blog/ How does the nginx proxy manager prevent DNS leaks?

How does the nginx proxy manager prevent DNS leaks?

PYPROXY PYPROXY · Jul 14, 2025

In today's digital age, maintaining online privacy and security is of utmost importance. One of the most common threats to online privacy is DNS leakage, which can expose sensitive user data, including browsing history and personal information. When using proxy services, such as Nginx Proxy Manager, it's crucial to ensure that DNS queries are handled securely to prevent unintended leaks. DNS leaks can occur when a proxy service or VPN fails to route DNS queries through its secure tunnel, leaving your real IP address exposed. This article will explore how Nginx Proxy Manager can be configured to prevent DNS leaks, enhancing your online security and privacy.

Understanding DNS Leaks and Their Risks

Before diving into the specifics of Nginx Proxy Manager's configuration, it's important to understand what DNS leaks are and why they pose a significant risk. DNS, or Domain Name System, is the service that translates domain names into IP addresses so that web browsers can load websites. When a user accesses a website, their DNS request is usually sent through a VPN or proxy to protect the user’s real IP address.

However, DNS leaks occur when the DNS request bypasses the secure tunnel, and instead of going through the proxy or VPN, it is sent directly to the ISP’s (Internet Service Provider) DNS servers. This means that the ISP can see the websites a user is accessing, compromising their anonymity and privacy. DNS leaks can also reveal a user's real location and browsing habits to external entities, exposing them to various security threats.

How Nginx Proxy Manager Helps Prevent DNS Leaks

Nginx Proxy Manager is a popular open-source tool for managing proxies and reverse proxies. It allows administrators to easily configure and secure their web servers while enhancing privacy features like DNS leak prevention. By following a few key steps, users can ensure that their DNS requests are properly routed and protected, thereby mitigating the risk of leaks.

1. Use DNS over HTTPS (DoH) or DNS over TLS (DoT)

One of the most effective ways to prevent DNS leaks is by using DNS over HTTPS (DoH) or DNS over TLS (DoT). Both of these protocols encrypt DNS queries, ensuring that they cannot be intercepted or altered by third parties. When using Nginx Proxy Manager, you can configure DNS queries to go through DoH or DoT, securing your DNS requests even when you are connected to a proxy or VPN.

To configure DoH or DoT in Nginx Proxy Manager, users need to specify the DNS resolver's endpoint and ensure that traffic is routed securely through the encrypted connection. This guarantees that DNS queries are not exposed to the ISP or other external parties.

2. Proper Configuration of DNS Resolvers

To avoid DNS leaks, it's critical to use trusted and secure DNS resolvers. When configuring Nginx Proxy Manager, make sure to set up reliable DNS resolvers that support secure protocols such as DoH or DoT. You can use publicly available DNS services that prioritize privacy, such as those provided by major security-focused companies.

In Nginx Proxy Manager, you can define the DNS resolver addresses in the configuration files. By specifying trusted DNS servers, you can ensure that DNS requests are routed through secure channels and are not leaked to the ISP or other untrusted parties.

3. Avoid DNS Requests Going Directly to the ISP

One of the main causes of DNS leaks is when the DNS query bypasses the proxy or VPN and is sent directly to the ISP’s DNS server. This happens when there is a misconfiguration or failure to route DNS queries properly. In Nginx Proxy Manager, you can configure the server settings to block direct access to external DNS servers, forcing all DNS queries to pass through the secured proxy tunnel.

To achieve this, administrators can configure firewall rules or use DNS filtering mechanisms that block DNS requests to external servers unless they go through the encrypted proxy tunnel. This ensures that DNS requests remain private and protected from outside interference.

4. Regular DNS Leak Testing

After setting up Nginx Proxy Manager, it is essential to test your setup regularly to ensure that no DNS leaks are occurring. Several online tools allow users to check if their DNS requests are being properly routed through the proxy and whether their real IP address is exposed.

If a DNS leak is detected, administrators should quickly investigate the issue and correct the configuration. This may involve checking firewall rules, ensuring the correct DNS resolver is specified, and verifying that DNS over HTTPS or DNS over TLS is enabled.

5. Configure VPN or Proxy for Full DNS Leak Protection

Another critical step in preventing DNS leaks is to ensure that the proxy or VPN service itself is correctly configured for leak protection. While Nginx Proxy Manager can secure DNS queries, it is also essential to use a VPN or proxy that includes built-in DNS leak protection. Many modern VPN services offer this feature, which forces all DNS requests to be routed through their encrypted tunnel, preventing them from reaching external DNS servers.

In some cases, you may need to combine Nginx Proxy Manager with a VPN or advanced proxy settings to provide a multi-layered defense against DNS leaks. When set up correctly, this combination offers a robust solution for protecting user privacy.

Conclusion

Preventing DNS leaks is crucial for maintaining online privacy and security. With Nginx Proxy Manager, users can implement several strategies, such as using DNS over HTTPS or DNS over TLS, configuring trusted DNS resolvers, blocking direct access to ISP DNS servers, and regularly testing for leaks. By following these best practices, individuals and organizations can significantly reduce the risk of DNS leaks and ensure that their browsing activities remain private.

As online privacy concerns grow, it’s essential to be proactive in securing DNS queries. With the right configuration and tools, including Nginx Proxy Manager, users can safeguard their digital footprint and prevent DNS leaks from compromising their privacy.

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