Malware and ransomware protection explained

Deep Packet Filter (DPF) does more than clean up adverts — it actively blocks malicious infrastructure at the DNS layer, before anything reaches your devices.

What DPF stops:

• Malware distribution domains — the servers that host and deliver malicious payloads. If a device tries to resolve one of these, DPF returns nothing, so the download never begins.
• Ransomware callbacks — many strains of ransomware only encrypt after 'phoning home' to a command-and-control server for keys and instructions. DPF blocks these callback domains, which can neutralise an infection before it does damage.
• Drive-by download sites — compromised or malicious pages that try to push software onto your device without consent.

Why the DNS layer is effective: almost everything on the internet starts with a domain lookup. By refusing to resolve known-bad domains, DPF stops threats network-wide regardless of which device, browser or app made the request — including IoT gadgets and smart appliances that can't run traditional antivirus.

DPF is a strong extra layer of defence, not a replacement for keeping devices patched and backed up. Used alongside good habits, it removes a huge slice of the everyday risk that comes from clicking the wrong link or landing on a compromised page.