5 ways to Bypass OpenDNS Internet Security
OpenDNS filters internet sites, and can block access for certain web users. Being blocked from certain sites can be frustrating for many, but there are ways to bypass OpenDNS so that you can access the sites that you want to.
- Changing DNS Settings (Windows)
OpenDNS blocks access by changing the DNS settings on your computers router. By changing the DNS settings on your computers operating system, you will enable the computer to connect to a different DNS server. This will allow you to access sites that have been blocked by OpenDNS. This works because the changed settings translate the web address and allow your browser to connect to them.
- Editing the Hosts File
The hosts file is used by the computers operating system to pair up IP addresses with locations and hostnames. Sometimes you will need to edit the host file, for example if your computer has been hacked, or if you want to bypass OpenDNS security. As the host file acts as its own DNS, by editing it you can assign IP addresses to certain domain names manually which can bypass OpenDNS security settings, and override any other security settings that may be in place on your computers router.
- Tor
Some computers won’t allow you to change the DNS settings and in these cases using Tor is a great alternative option. Tor browsers can be downloaded for free. Tor browsers can enable you to bypass blocks such as those put in place by OpenDNS because the Tor network allows you to browse the internet anonymously.
- Using Google Cache
If the OpenDNS has blocked a site that you want to view, it may be possible to access a cached version of the site if you try and access it through Google. Cached sites are basically older versions of websites that cannot be directly accessed through the sites usual URL address- which means that although they are a little less current, they will not be blocked by OpenDNS. Therefore the Google Caching service enables you to view websites before they went offline, or before they were updated so you will be able to see most of the content that you were after.
- Connecting Directly to Your Modem
More often than not the OpenDNS blocks access via the router. Therefore, if you can connect directly to your modem, you should be able to bypass the routers blocks, and therefore access the sites that you want to. However, this option is only feasible if you can actually connect to the modem!
