Today, privacy is a growing concern. Telemetry data collection by various software and services can feel intrusive. Fortunately, tools like PiHole, AdGuard DNS, and Technitium DNS Server offer effective solutions to block telemetry on your network. These tools provide a layer of protection, ensuring your data remains private and secure.
PiHole: The Network-Wide Ad Blocker
PiHole is a powerful tool that acts as a network-wide ad blocker. It functions by intercepting DNS requests and blocking those associated with ads and telemetry. By setting up PiHole on your network, you can prevent devices from sending data to unwanted servers. This not only enhances privacy but also improves network performance by reducing unnecessary traffic. Additionally, PiHole offers a user-friendly interface, making it easy to monitor and manage blocked requests.
Setting up PiHole
PiHole is a service that can be run locally in many forms. View the site here for instructions for your form.
AdGuard DNS: Comprehensive Protection
AdGuard DNS is another excellent tool for blocking telemetry. It provides a DNS server that filters out ads, trackers, and malicious websites. By configuring your devices to use AdGuard DNS, you can block telemetry at the DNS level. This means that any attempt to send data to telemetry servers is intercepted and blocked. AdGuard DNS also offers customizable filtering options, allowing you to tailor the level of protection to your needs. Moreover, it supports both IPv4 and IPv6, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices. Visit their site here for instructions and info.
Setting Up AdGuard DNS
To set up AdGuard DNS, follow these steps:
- Access Network Settings: Open the network settings on your device.
- Change DNS Server: Navigate to the DNS settings and select the option to use a custom DNS server.
- Enter AdGuard DNS Addresses: Input the AdGuard DNS server addresses:
- For IPv4:
94.140.14.14and94.140.15.15 - For IPv6:
2a10:50c0::ad1:ffand2a10:50c0::ad2:ff
- For IPv4:
- Save Settings: Save the changes and restart your device if necessary.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your device uses AdGuard DNS to block telemetry and other unwanted traffic.
Technitium DNS Server: Advanced DNS Management
Technitium DNS Server is a versatile tool that offers advanced DNS management capabilities. It allows you to create custom DNS rules to block telemetry and other unwanted traffic. With Technitium DNS Server, you can set up your own DNS server and have complete control over DNS queries. This tool also supports DNS over HTTPS (DoH) and DNS over TLS (DoT), providing encrypted DNS queries for enhanced security. Furthermore, Technitium DNS Server includes a web-based management interface, making it easy to configure and monitor your DNS settings. The setup for this is advanced, but documentation can be found on their site here.
Staff Preference:
For intermediate users: Pihole with Quad9 as upstream DNS
For power users: Technitium DNS with Quad9 and Cloudflare as upstream DNS