Farsight Security announced a new grant programme last week that provides free access to their DNSDB, which they describe as the worldâs largest passive DNS database, for investigative reporters.
Farsight explains that the Domain Name System (DNS), as the infrastructure of the Internet, records every action online and this leaves behind a digital trail of DNS assets. Starting with a suspicious IP address or domain name, leading news organisations use DNSDB to uncover and confirm previously hidden or known information for stories about disinformation campaigns, fraud, election security, and other breaking news.
âThis DNS tool is astounding,â an anonymous investigative reporter, for a national broadcast network, said in a quote used by Farsight. âItâs a powerful tool thatâll help me keep people accountable.â
Internet pioneer and Farsight Security CEO Dr. Paul Vixie will conduct a hands-on training class entitled, âFinding the story: Using DNS Search for Investigative Journalismâ at the 2019 Computer-Assisted Reporting Conference (CAR) Conference, an annual conference devoted to data journalism that will take place in Newport Beach, California, March 7th â 10th, 2019.
To honour its commitment to making the Internet safer for all users, Farsight Security has always offered grants for DNSDB® and other DNS Intelligence solutions to vetted researchers, law enforcement, and other non-profits. As part of its new Journalism Grants programme, Farsight will offer qualified investigative reporters free access to Farsight DNSDB. Among the grant requirements, reporters must:
- Work for a major print, broadcast or online news organisation
- Work as an investigative reporter, editor or data journalist
- Attend a two-hour media workshop DNSDB training course
More details on the programme and to apply for a grant to use DNSDB, visit here. The program is available now and is free for qualified journalists.