Passive DNS Using Dataflect and WhoisXMLAPI

Cyber threats frequently leverage domain infrastructure to evade detection, launch phishing campaigns, distribute malware, and facilitate advanced persistent threats (APTs). To effectively counteract these threats, analysts need context-rich data directly within their existing security workflows. With Dataflect you can empower your cybersecurity professionals by seamlessly integrating WhoisXMLAPI®’s DNS Chronicle API with Splunk®, unlocking deep visibility into DNS historical data.

Before Dataflect:

After Dataflect:

Why DNS History Matters in Cybersecurity

DNS history provides critical insights that help analysts identify and investigate cyber threats more effectively:

• Domain Age and Stability: Cyber adversaries often utilize newly registered or recently transferred domains. DNS history quickly reveals domain registration patterns and anomalies.

• Infrastructure Pivoting: Threat actors frequently rotate or shift infrastructure behind malicious domains. Historical DNS data enables analysts to trace these movements over time.

• Threat Attribution and Intelligence: DNS records help attribute malicious activity to known threat actors, providing insights into their evolving operational tactics.

• Dormant Threat Identification: Analyzing DNS changes or periods of inactivity can highlight potentially dormant threats poised to become active again.

How Dataflect Enhances Your Cybersecurity Operations

Dataflect integrates WhoisXMLAPI®’s DNS Chronicle API directly into your Splunk® searches, instantly enriching your results with detailed historical DNS information. This integration empowers cybersecurity teams with contextual intelligence without leaving Splunk®.

1. Phishing Investigations:

   1. Quickly determine if suspicious domains are newly registered or linked historically to phishing infrastructure, accelerating threat validation and response.

2. Malware Command and Control (C2) Tracking:

   1. Identify evolving C2 infrastructure by monitoring IP or hosting provider changes over time, enabling proactive threat mitigation.

3. Third-Party Risk Assessment:

   1. Verify the legitimacy and stability of domains used by third-party vendors or suppliers by analyzing domain registration history and hosting changes.

4. Compliance and Reporting:

   1. Address regulatory and compliance obligations, notably federal guidelines such as OMB Memorandum M-21-31, requiring agencies to retain comprehensive DNS history logs for improved incident detection, response, and reporting capabilities.

Supporting Compliance with Federal Guidelines (OMB M-21-31)

Federal agencies are required by OMB Memorandum M-21-31 to maintain detailed DNS logging and historical records to enhance cybersecurity posture and incident response. Using Dataflect within your Splunk instance directly addresses these requirements by providing:

• Enhanced Visibility: Rich, contextual DNS history data improves detection and reduces investigation time.

• Rapid Incident Response: Historical domain data accelerates the investigation and remediation of security incidents.

• Audit and Reporting Readiness: Comprehensive historical data ensures compliance readiness for audits and ongoing federal reporting obligations.

Technical Requirements for Implementing Dataflect

To effectively deploy Dataflect in your Splunk® environment, you need:

• An active subscription to the WhoisXMLAPI® DNS Chronicle API.

• An active Dataflect license, and the Dataflect Splunk application installed and properly configured.

• Network connectivity from Splunk® to the WhoisXMLAPI® endpoint.

Dataflect is designed for quick and straightforward setup, enabling cybersecurity teams to rapidly benefit from powerful historical DNS enrichment capabilities.

Conclusion

Integrating WhoisXMLAPI®’s DNS Chronicle API through Dataflect significantly enhances your cybersecurity capabilities by embedding crucial DNS historical insights directly into Splunk®. Whether investigating phishing threats, malware infrastructure, or ensuring regulatory compliance, Dataflect provides immediate visibility, actionable intelligence, and seamless integration, strengthening your security posture and aligning with federal compliance mandates like OMB M-21-31.

Ready to leverage Dataflect to enhance your cybersecurity capabilities?

Contact our team at sales@dataflect.com to get started or learn more about how Dataflect can support your organization’s security objectives.