Introduction

In today’s rapidly evolving cyber threat landscape, the Domain Name System (DNS) has become a prime target for sophisticated cyberattacks. Cybercriminals exploit DNS vulnerabilities to execute attacks such as DNS tunneling, cache poisoning, hijacking, and amplification. Training Course on Investigating DNS and Domain Name System Attacks equips cybersecurity professionals, forensic investigators, and IT security teams with the latest tools and techniques for identifying, analyzing, and mitigating DNS-based threats. With a focus on real-world attack vectors and forensic best practices, participants will gain hands-on experience and expert insights necessary for responding to DNS abuse in enterprise and cloud environments.

This course emphasizes threat intelligence, packet analysis, DNS logs, and anomaly detection to trace DNS misuse effectively. Leveraging SEO-focused cybersecurity tools and cutting-edge analytics, this training covers everything from DNS architecture to advanced incident response strategies. Whether you're defending against cyber espionage or managing enterprise DNS security policies, this program is designed to future-proof your DNS investigation capabilities using up-to-date methodologies, threat modeling, and scenario-based case studies.

Programme Curriculum

Training Course on Investigating DNS and Domain Name System Attacks

Introduction

Course Objectives

Participants will be able to:

Understand DNS infrastructure and its critical role in internet communication.
Identify and classify various DNS attack types, including DNS amplification and cache poisoning.
Utilize DNS logging and monitoring tools for forensic investigation.
Apply DNSSEC and advanced authentication protocols to secure DNS traffic.
Investigate DNS tunneling techniques used for data exfiltration.
Conduct threat hunting using DNS packet capture (PCAP) files.
Implement DNS filtering and response policies in enterprise networks.
Perform forensic analysis on malicious domains using threat intelligence platforms.
Analyze DNS hijacking and redirection attacks with real-world data sets.
Use cloud-native DNS logs from providers like AWS Route 53 and Azure DNS for cloud forensics.
Deploy open-source and commercial DNS forensic tools (e.g., Zeek, Splunk, Wireshark).
Develop and document DNS incident response and mitigation strategies.
Interpret domain reputation data and WHOIS records to identify malicious infrastructure.

Target Audiences

Cybersecurity Analysts
Digital Forensics Investigators
Incident Response Teams
Network Security Engineers
Cloud Security Specialists
IT Security Managers
Penetration Testers
Government and Law Enforcement Cyber Units

Course Duration: 5 days

Course Modules

Module 1: DNS Fundamentals and Attack Surfaces

Understanding DNS architecture and protocols
Common DNS vulnerabilities
DNS amplification and reflection attack mechanics
DNS over HTTPS (DoH) vs traditional DNS
Identifying attack surface in DNS environments
Case Study: Amplification attack on a financial services DNS server

Module 2: DNS Tunneling and Exfiltration Analysis

What is DNS tunneling and how it works
Detecting tunneling through behavior analysis
Tools for analyzing DNS exfiltration
Threat actor profiles using DNS tunnels
Real-world tunneling malware indicators
Case Study: Malware using DNS tunneling to bypass perimeter firewalls

Module 3: DNS Hijacking and Redirection Threats

Mechanisms of DNS hijacking
Detecting unauthorized DNS changes
Securing registrar accounts and WHOIS data
DNS redirection and fake landing page analysis
Correlating hijacks with phishing attacks
Case Study: Telecom provider compromised via DNS hijack

Module 4: DNS Log Analysis and Threat Hunting

Configuring DNS logging (BIND, Unbound, Windows DNS)
Aggregating and filtering logs with SIEM tools
Identifying anomalies in DNS traffic
Pivoting from DNS logs to endpoint forensics
Automating threat hunting with DNS indicators
Case Study: Investigating suspicious domain resolution patterns using Zeek

Module 5: Domain Intelligence and Threat Attribution

Using WHOIS, Passive DNS, and domain age tools
Mapping threat actor infrastructure
Investigating registrars and hosting providers
Enriching DNS data with external threat feeds
Domain clustering and TTPs correlation
Case Study: Attribution of phishing campaign using domain pivoting

Module 6: DNS Security Enhancements and DNSSEC

Enabling DNSSEC validation
Managing DNSSEC key lifecycles
DNS sinkholing and RPZ deployment
Cloud-based DNS security solutions
Measuring DNS security posture
Case Study: DNSSEC deployment in a government agency

Module 7: Cloud DNS Forensics (AWS, Azure, GCP)

DNS service logging in cloud platforms
Detecting malicious DNS in serverless environments
Integrating cloud-native tools with forensics workflows
Cross-referencing DNS and flow logs
Investigating DNS abuse in multi-cloud architectures
Case Study: DNS reconnaissance in AWS leading to lateral movement

Module 8: Incident Response and Reporting

Building a DNS incident response plan
Post-incident DNS configuration hardening
Legal and compliance considerations in DNS investigations
Documenting DNS-based attack findings
Reporting formats for technical and executive teams
Case Study: Full lifecycle analysis of DNS attack response in a healthcare firm

Training Methodology

Hands-on Labs using live DNS traffic captures
Simulated attack scenarios with DNS analysis
Interactive sessions with case-based learning
Tool walkthroughs (Wireshark, Zeek, Splunk, SecurityTrails, etc.)
Collaborative exercises and guided threat hunting
Quizzes and group activities to reinforce learning

Register as a group from 3 participants for a Discount

Send us an email: info@fineskilltrainingcenter.org or call +254769199797

Certification

Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with a globally- recognized certificate.

Tailor-Made Course

We also offer tailor-made courses based on your needs.

Key Notes

a. The participant must be conversant with English.

b. Upon completion of training the participant will be issued with an Authorized Training Certificate

c. Course duration is flexible and the contents can be modified to fit any number of days.

d. The course fee includes facilitation training materials, 2 coffee breaks, buffet lunch and A Certificate upon successful completion of Training.

e. One-year post-training support Consultation and Coaching provided after the course.

f. Payment should be done at least a week before commence of the training, to Fineskill Training Center account, as indicated in the invoice so as to enable us prepare better for you.

Skills & Software Covered

DNS forensics tools threat detection platforms

Programme Fee

Duration: 5 Days

Method: Online or Physical

Online Price: $1,000

Physical Price: $1,500

Certification: Accredited Certificate

View Available Dates 📄 Download Course Outline (PDF)

Available Sessions

Location

Month

Year

Oct 19 2026

19 Oct — 23 Oct 2026

💻 Online / Virtual session

Online $1,000