Setting Up an Ubuntu DNS Server for BYOD and Safe Search

In today’s increasingly connected world, organizations often face the challenge of managing Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies while ensuring safe internet usage. A well-configured DNS server can act as a powerful tool to balance flexibility and security. By setting up an Ubuntu-based DNS server, you can forward internal domain requests to your organization’s true DNS servers while redirecting general internet queries through OpenDNS for Safe Search enforcement. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to setting up such a system.

Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up an Ubuntu DNS Server

Setting up a DNS server on Ubuntu is a straightforward process provided you follow the necessary steps. Start by installing the DNS software called Bind9, which is one of the most popular and efficient DNS server tools available for Linux systems. Open your terminal and execute the following commands to update your repositories and install Bind9:

sudo apt update  
sudo apt install bind9

Once installed, you’ll want to configure Bind9 to act as a caching DNS server. This setup allows the server to resolve queries quickly by storing frequently queried domains in memory. Modify the /etc/bind/named.conf.options file to include upstream DNS servers. For internal DNS requests, specify your organization’s DNS server IPs, and for external internet queries, set OpenDNS IPs (208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220).

After configuring the options file, restart the Bind9 service to apply changes:

sudo systemctl restart bind9

Now, verify your DNS server functionality by querying domains using the nslookup or dig commands. Test both internal domain names and external websites to ensure proper routing. This basic setup serves as the foundation for handling BYOD traffic alongside enforcing Safe Search policies.

Configure BYOD and Safe Search with OpenDNS

Configuring your DNS server for BYOD devices and Safe Search requires redirecting all non-internal domain queries to OpenDNS. OpenDNS offers robust filtering and Safe Search enforcement, ensuring safer browsing experiences for employees or guests using their personal devices. Begin by creating zone files and conditional forwarders for internal domains. These files specify which queries should be passed to your organization’s true DNS servers.

Edit /etc/bind/named.conf.local and define the forward zones for your internal domain. For example:

zone "internal.example.com" {  
    type forward;  
    forwarders {  
        192.168.1.1;  // Replace with your internal DNS server IP  
    };  
};

Next, configure Bind9 to forward all other queries to OpenDNS. In the /etc/bind/named.conf.options file, under the forwarders section, include OpenDNS IPs:

forwarders {  
    208.67.222.222;  
    208.67.220.220;  
};

This setup ensures Safe Search functionality by enforcing OpenDNS filters, which block inappropriate content and apply strict query rules. You can further customize OpenDNS settings by creating an account at their website. This allows for advanced filtering options to align with your organization’s security policies.

Finally, test the configuration by connecting a BYOD device to the network and ensuring it resolves internal domain names correctly while redirecting general internet queries through OpenDNS. Troubleshoot any issues by checking logs in /var/log/syslog or using diagnostic tools like dig.

Setting up an Ubuntu DNS server tailored for BYOD and Safe Search is an effective solution to enhance security and manage device traffic seamlessly. By leveraging Bind9 and OpenDNS, organizations can ensure internal domain queries are routed correctly while enforcing strict content filtering for external internet access. This comprehensive setup not only supports flexibility for BYOD policies but also promotes safer browsing practices. With proper implementation and testing, your DNS server can become a cornerstone of your network infrastructure, balancing usability with robust security.