The Federal Government’s Executive Order 14144 Sec. 4(c) highlights the critical importance of securing DNS traffic by mandating the implementation of encrypted DNS protocols like DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH). This directive aims to bolster defenses against DNS-based attacks, ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive data while enhancing overall cyber resilience. To achieve compliance, government agencies and their contractors are required to enable encrypted DNS protocols across all supported systems within 180 days (July 16, 2025).

Meeting these rigorous standards demands solutions that seamlessly integrate DoH into existing infrastructure and enforce consistent DNS encryption policies. Atakama’s Managed Browser Security Platform empowers Managed Service Providers (MSPs) to help their clients achieve compliance with Sec. 4(c) while enhancing their cybersecurity posture.

Encrypted DNS Queries: The Foundation of DoH

Atakama's platform leverages Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS) to encrypt communication between users’ browsers and websites. By integrating DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH), the platform ensures that these requests remain private, cannot be intercepted or redirected, and are protected against unauthorized modification in transit.

This robust encryption delivers critical protections for organizations, safeguarding DNS traffic from exposure to malicious actors while meeting the compliance standards outlined in Executive Order 14144.

Comprehensive Visibility and Reporting: Beyond Compliance

While the executive order does not explicitly mandate reporting, comprehensive visibility, and monitoring are essential for compliance verification and proactive threat mitigation. Atakama’s DNS reporting capabilities equip MSPs with the tools to provide:

• Detailed reporting on the implementation of DoH on managed devices.
• Insights into navigation attempts to blocked (i.e., malicious) sites, aiding in proactive threat detection.
• Monitoring features that help detect anomalies and potential attack patterns, enabling timely intervention.

These capabilities clearly show DNS security across an organization’s infrastructure and serve as evidence of compliance with regulatory directives.

Safeguarding Sensitive Communications

Securing DNS traffic is a cornerstone of protecting sensitive communications and mitigating cyber threats that exploit DNS vulnerabilities. Atakama’s Managed Browser Security Platform delivers robust defenses against a range of DNS-based attacks, including:

• Man-in-the-Middle Attacks 
  Preventing attackers from intercepting and tampering with DNS communications.
• DNS Tunneling 
  Blocking attempts to exfiltrate data or bypass security measures through unauthorized DNS channels.
• Cache Poisoning
  Protecting against malicious actors who manipulate DNS records to redirect users to fraudulent websites.

By comprehensively securing DNS traffic, Atakama minimizes risks and maintains the integrity of network communications, ensuring organizations remain protected against emerging threats.

Equip Your Clients with Enhanced DNS Security

With Atakama’s Managed Browser Security Platform, MSPs are empowered to deliver seamless DoH integration, advanced reporting, and enhanced DNS security. This combination ensures encrypted DNS traffic, protects against sophisticated cyber threats, and simplifies compliance with federal mandates.

Strengthening Cybersecurity Posture: CMMC Compliace, CIS Controls, and Industry Best Practices

Beyond Executive Order 14144, MSPs must also navigate broader cybersecurity frameworks to ensure they are delivering best-in-class protection for their tenants. Atakama's Managed Browser Security Platform aligns with key compliance standards, including:

• Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC)
  Atakama’s platform provides critical security capabilities that contribute to compliance with CMMC Level 2 and Level 3 By securing browser-based interactions, enforcing encrypted DNS, and enabling detailed monitoring, MSPs can demonstrate adherence to CMMC Practices (AC.1.001, AC.2.008, SC.3.192) related to access control, secure configuration, and domain name security.
• Center for Internet Security (CIS) Controls
  The platform supports, among many others, CIS Safeguard 7.1 (DNS Filtering and Logging) by ensuring encrypted DNS resolution and preventing malicious lookups. Additionally, Atakama enhances CIS Control 9 (Network Monitoring and Defense) by providing visibility into DNS traffic and enabling proactive threat detection.
• Industry Best Practices
  Implementing encrypted DNS at the browser level is a critical step in mitigating risks associated with data exfiltration, phishing campaigns, and malware distribution—areas of increasing concern for MSPs handling sensitive tenant data. Atakama helps meet Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) principles by enforcing granular controls over internet traffic and reducing exposure to cyber threats.

By leveraging Atakama’s security framework, MSPs can confidently implement these best practices, ensuring their clients meet regulatory requirements while enhancing their overall cybersecurity resilience.

Take the next step in strengthening your clients’ cyber resilience. Schedule a demo today to explore how Atakama empowers MSPs to deliver unmatched DNS security and compliance solutions.