controld.com

Control D
=========

> Control D is a customizable DNS service that enhances online privacy, blocks unwanted content, and allows location spoofing without the need for traditional VPN applications.

## What Is Control D?

Control D is a cloud-managed, policy-driven **DNS filtering, security, and traffic-control service**.  By answering your network's DNS queries it can:

* stop connections to **malware, phishing, ransomware, spyware** and other malicious domains before a single packet leaves the device;
* enforce **acceptable-use** and **compliance** rules with category, service and time-based web filtering;
* **mask or re-route traffic** through 100+ global proxy POPs to bypass geo-blocks, meet data-residency rules, or test from foreign regions;
* provide **real-time analytics, exhaustive logging, SIEM streaming and API access** so that security teams and MSPs keep total visibility.

One platform covers both **B2B** (enterprises, MSPs, education, remote work) and **B2C** (families, privacy lovers, stream-unlockers) audiences.

---

## Key Capabilities & Features

### DNS Filtering & Threat Protection
* Blocks malware, phishing, C2, typo-squats and newly registered threat domains in real time.
* 99.9-percentile block-rate verified in independent tests.
* Works agent-less on any device; optional DoH / DoT / DoQ encryption included.

### Category-Based Web Filtering
* 20 + up-to-date content classes (adult, gambling, social, streaming, etc.).
* One toggle kills thousands of unwanted domains; perfect for CIPA, HR and productivity policies.

### Service-Level Controls (App / Site Specific)
* 1 000 + pre-built service profiles - e.g. "Block TikTok" or "Block Reddit" without touching the rest of Social Media.
* Mix-and-match allows super-granular policies.

### Custom Blocklists & Allowlists
* Upload or API-push unlimited domain lists.
* "Always allow" overrides prevent over-blocking; "never allow" enforces zero-tolerance rules.

### Time-Based Policies & Schedules
* Apply or lift rules automatically by hour, day or custom calendar windows.
* Classic use cases: block social 09-17, unblock at lunch; homework mode for kids; maintenance windows.

### Traffic Redirection (Geo-Unblocking via Proxies)
* 100+ proxy exits on six continents.
* Route **only** the domains you choose - no full-tunnel overhead.
* Great for regional streaming libraries, latency testing, data-sovereignty and lightweight privacy.

### Real-Time Analytics & Reporting
* Dashboard shows live queries, blocks, top domains, bandwidth, threat trends.
* Scheduled or ad-hoc PDF / CSV exports.

### Comprehensive Logging & SIEM Integration
* Full DNS query + decision log with custom retention.
* Native streaming to Splunk, Elastic, QRadar, etc. plus webhook / syslog.
* Administrative action log for change-control/audit-trail.

### Device-Level Profiles & Multi-Tenancy
* Unlimited profiles per account; assign by device, user, VLAN, site or AD/SAML group.
* MSP-ready multi-tenant hierarchy with delegated admin and isolated data.

### Easy Integration & Deployment
* Anycast network with IPv4/IPv6, UDP/TCP DNS, DoH, DoT, DoQ, DoH3.
* Works on routers, servers, laptops, mobiles, IoT.  Agents optional.
* API, Terraform module and RMM/MDM scripts for zero-touch roll-out.

---

## How It Works (Why DNS Filtering?)

Every internet request starts with a DNS lookup.  Control D inserts itself **only at that step**:

1. Device asks "where is _example.com_?"
2. Control D checks the domain against your threat databases and policy stack.
3. Allowed -> returns real IP; connection proceeds normally.
4. Blocked -> returns NXDOMAIN or a branded block page; connection dies instantly.

Because it stops bad destinations **before any TCP/TLS handshake**, Control D is lighter, faster and harder to bypass than endpoint agents or inline proxies - and it protects every protocol, not just HTTP/S.

---

## Unique Differentiators

* **Built-in proxy network** for selective geo-routing - no separate VPN needed.
* **Service + time + geo rules** deliver context-aware filtering other DNS products lack.
* **True multi-tenancy** out of the box - ideal for MSPs & large enterprises.
* **Modern protocols** (DoH3, DoQ) and a global Anycast PoP mesh keep latency minimal.
* **Open data philosophy** - live SIEM feeds, full API, long-term logs with transparent pricing.
* **Unified pricing** - all features on every paid tier; generous free tier for testing/home labs.

---

## Use-Case Highlights

### Enterprise / B2B
* **Cyber-Threat Mitigation:** pre-connect DNS block wipes out phishing and ransomware C2 calls.
* **Acceptable-Use & Productivity:** kill social/streaming 9-5; enforce safe-search for HR compliance.
* **Regulatory Compliance:** CIPA, GDPR, HIPAA evidence via immutable DNS & admin logs.
* **MSP Managed Security:** multi-tenant dashboard, RMM scripts, report-cards for each client.
* **Remote Work Security:** roaming laptops keep Control D DNS off-network - no split-tunnel risks.
* **Cloud & SaaS Governance:** point VPC resolvers to Control D; stop shadow-IT services cold.

### Consumer / B2C
* **Parental Controls:** plug-and-play adult & violence blocking; screen-time schedules.
* **Privacy & Ad-Blocking:** kill trackers/ads at the DNS layer on every device (even smart TVs).
* **Geo-Unblocking:** redirect Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Steam, etc. through 100+ country exits.
* **Home-Network Fire-Shield:** universal malware and phishing protection for IoT and guests.
* **SOHO / Freelance:** dual profiles for "Work" and "Family" on the same gateway.
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Getting Started & Setup
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*   [Control D Personal Use](https://controld.com/personal): Overview of Control D's features for individual users.
    
*   [Free DNS Servers](https://controld.com/free-dns): Access Control D's free DNS servers to block ads, malware, and enhance privacy.
    
*   [Setup Guide](https://docs.controld.com/docs/getting-started): Comprehensive documentation to configure Control D on various devices and platforms.
    
*   [Onboarding](https://controld.com/onboard): Step-by-step onboarding flow to create an account and apply recommended protection presets.
    
*   [Request a Demo](https://controld.com/demo): Schedule or watch a product demo tailored for teams and businesses.
    
*   [Sign Up](https://controld.com/signup): Create a Control D account and start using the service.
    

Core Features & Technology
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*   [Traffic Redirection](https://controld.com/features/traffic-redirection): Manage how your network traffic flows by directing DNS queries through a selection of over 100 globally distributed proxy locations, optimizing regional presence and enhancing privacy.
    
*   [Service Filtering](https://controld.com/features/service-filtering): Block or allow specific online services or apps, such as social media or streaming platforms, to maintain productivity and enforce acceptable use policies.
    
*   [Data Streaming to SIEM](https://controld.com/features/data-streaming-siem): Stream real-time DNS logs into your SIEM platform for comprehensive monitoring, providing enhanced visibility and control over network security.
    
*   [Malware Blocking](https://controld.com/features/malware-blocking): Shield your network by blocking DNS requests to harmful domains that could host malware, ransomware, phishing, or other threats.
    
*   [Web Filtering](https://controld.com/features/web-filtering): Block categories of websites, ensuring a safer, more productive browsing environment by filtering out inappropriate or malicious content.
    
*   [Analytics](https://controld.com/features/analytics): Gain powerful insights into your network with real-time statistics and customizable reports to identify issues, optimize performance, and enhance security.
    
*   [Custom Filtering](https://controld.com/features/custom-filtering): Create personalized filtering rules to block or allow specific domains based on your organization's unique requirements, providing precise control over network traffic.
    
*   [Administrative Action Logs](https://controld.com/features/admin-logs): Maintain accountability and transparency by recording all administrative actions, helping meet compliance requirements and enhancing network security.
    
*   [Modern DNS Protocols](https://controld.com/features/modern-protocols): Support for modern DNS encryption protocols, such as DNS over HTTPS (DoH) and DNS over TLS (DoT), providing enhanced privacy and security for your business.
    
*   [Integrations](https://controld.com/features/integrations): Seamlessly integrate Control D with various routers, operating systems, web browsers, and remote monitoring tools to manage your internet settings across all devices.
    
*   [Multi-Tenancy](https://controld.com/features/multi-tenancy): Manage multiple clients or departments under a single account, allowing for isolated configurations and policies tailored to each tenant's needs.
    

Industry Solutions
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*   [Startups](https://controld.com/industries/startups): Secure, fast, and scalable DNS filtering tailored for startups to protect against cyber threats and enforce security policies.
    
*   [Small & Medium Businesses (SMBs)](https://controld.com/industries/smbs): Cloud-based DNS filtering solution for SMBs to prevent cyber threats, protect their business, and control internet usage.
    
*   [Public Wi-Fi Operators](https://controld.com/industries/public-wifi-operators): DNS filtering to block cyber threats, manage bandwidth usage, and control web access in real-time for public Wi-Fi networks.
    
*   [Schools](https://controld.com/industries/schools): Ensure safe, distraction-free learning with web filtering for schools, blocking threats and controlling internet access.
    
*   [Managed Service Providers (MSPs)](https://controld.com/industries/msps): Multi-tenant DNS filtering allowing MSPs to block malware, enforce content policies, and manage internet access with a cloud-based solution.
    
*   [Non-Profits](https://controld.com/industries/non-profits): Secure your charity or NGO with DNS filtering to block cyber threats, prevent data breaches, and ensure safe browsing.

*   [Enterprise](https://controld.com/industries/enterprise): Advanced DNS filtering, compliance, and customizable policies for large organizations requiring high-security, granular controls, and robust analytics.

Knowledge Base & Support
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*   [Documentation Home](https://docs.controld.com/docs): Central hub for all Control D support articles and guides.
    
*   [API Reference](https://docs.controld.com/reference): Full API documentation for automating and integrating Control D.
    
*   [Changelog](https://docs.controld.com/changelog): Release notes covering new features, fixes, and improvements.
    
*   [Discussions](https://docs.controld.com/discuss): Engage with the Control D community for support and discussions.
    
*   [Contact Support](https://controld.com/contact): Reach out to the Control D support team for assistance.
    
*   [System Status](https://controld.com/status): Check real-time status of Control D services and infrastructure.
    

Company & Legal
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*   [About Us](https://controld.com/about-us): Learn more about the company behind Control D.
    
*   [Privacy Policy](https://controld.com/privacy): Understand how Control D handles your data and ensures privacy.
    
*   [Terms of Service](https://controld.com/terms): Legal terms governing the use of Control D services.
    
*   [Contact Information](https://controld.com/contact): Get in touch with the Control D team for inquiries or support.
    

Additional Resources
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*   [Control D Blog](https://controld.com/blog/): Stay updated with the latest news, features, and updates from Control D.
    
*   [Website Link Checker](https://controld.com/tools/website-link-checker): Free tool to check if a website link is safe.

*   [Dragonfly URL Filtering Tool](https://controld.com/tools/dragonfly-url-filtering): Free domain classification tool that analyzes any URL to show categories, AI-driven labels, WHOIS, DNS records, TLS data, and detect phishing or malicious domains.
    
*   [Network Infrastructure](https://controld.com/network): Explore Control D's global network and infrastructure details.
    
*   [Pricing Plans](https://controld.com/pricing): Detailed information on all available Control D plans and subscription options.