Dan Durrer, No-IP Founder & CEO

This article was originally featured on Security Info Watch. 

With the ever-expanding number of critical applications hosted in hybrid-cloud environments, the increase in cybercrime (specifically DDoS and Zero-day attacks) is also increasing. In fact, in a report 82% of companies experienced application downtime due to DNS attacks.

Over the last few years, we’ve seen the demand for DDNS services grow substantially due in large part to hybrid work models. Protecting data and applications from malicious intent is more critical than ever, and comes as Oracle is sunsetting its DDNS offering next week for user-owned domains. This adds to the urgency for many to assess to understand their options in a changing landscape. Whether you’re forced to move from Oracle’s sunsetting service, or assessing the best DDNS provider in the changing landscape, understanding your options can’t wait.

DDNS Disruptions: Users Need a New Lane

DDNS has been an essential component of the modern internet for more than two decades.

Dyn, for a long time, held the position as a market leader, catering to various needs from home users accessing their security cameras remotely to small and medium-sized businesses offering remote access services to their clients.

The DDNS landscape has changed since Oracle acquired Dyn in 2016. Seven years later, Oracle’s decision to leave the DDNS market is forcing customers to choose a new lane.

In a world that has never been more connected, DDNS enables users to access their locally-hosted websites or mini-clouds, manage their IoT smart home, and enjoy playing the latest video game with friends all over the world. DDNS is no longer just for watching your furry friends when you’re out of the house through a “kitten cam,” but a crucial element of modern internet and business infrastructure–and there are still reliable DDNS services in this changing landscape.

Taking Time To Think Through the Tradeoffs

When evaluating DDNS providers, there’s a notable trade-off. Small, free DDNS providers offer services at no cost or for a minimal fee, but this often results in subpar infrastructure that can’t ensure consistent service and inadequate customer support. Consequently, users might face challenges with their service or abandon it entirely.

In contrast, tech giants like Google and AWS have robust infrastructure that may only offer minimal integration with popular devices or no configuration assistance, resulting in a DDNS service that is merely a gateway to their main service offerings rather than a standalone solution. These giants often miss when it comes to critical DDNS support needs. The cloud-based services that fall into this category, like Amazon S3, Nest, Dropbox, and Gmail, offer convenient storage and sharing options, but at the cost of allowing employees of these global providers to have access. 

Data is virtual currency; some might say the ultimate currency in this digital age. Knowing who can access this data should be table stakes with your DDNS provider. Whether you’re hosting your video doorbell on the brand’s default DDNS service, or hosting your website through one of the above providers, who has visibility to your camera feed and analytics should be crystal clear. You wouldn’t want a stranger viewing your camera footage, for example, so why aren’t you protecting it?

The Scorecard To See How Your DDNS Provider Stacks Up

Security aside, connectivity issues can also be a headache, but also have financial implications. More people have relied on the internet for revenue in the last few years, with many small and medium-sized businesses operating exclusively online and the inability to access a site or service on demand can cause a loss of revenue.

With the current economy and despite impending shifts in the DDNS landscape, the future is bright… with the right DDNS provider. Don’t sacrifice data security and reliability by defaulting to tech giants or DNS-as-a-side hustle free providers – your perfect DDNS fit is out there and should check all of these boxes:

• Trusted Network Reliability: Direct networks are faster, more reliable and more secure than standard cloud services. Guaranteed 100% uptime means no missed revenue.
• Accessible Customer Support: In an online world that connects people globally, being able to get someone on the phone is a rare entity. Customer support should be an integral part of your DDNS provider’s offerings. Downtime shouldn’t be part of their DNA.
• As Secure as Fort Knox: Your DDNS provider shouldn’t be able to see your live cam stream, and with your data being more valuable than a gold bar in today’s digital age, finding a DDNS provider who values your privacy is invaluable.
• DDNS as Core Focus: Seek a DDNS provider that isn’t primarily an e-commerce website offering a product that utilizes an add-on DDNS service. True DDNS specialists concentrate on DDNS as their main expertise.
• Quality & Cost Savings: There may be free services out there, but cost savings shouldn’t come at the cost of customer support and network reliability. Everyone, no matter their economic status, should have access to high-quality services.

Reliable, secure DDNS unlocks the potential of the internet, allowing users to innovate beyond security and entertainment. Prioritize selecting the best DDNS provider today because downtimes equals lost dollars and security.