A Complete Rebuild for Cyber Security Professionals
DNS Explorer 3.0 represents the most significant update in the application's history. Both macOS and Windows versions have been completely rebuilt from the ground up, transitioning from Python-based applications to native code optimized for each platform. This delivers dramatically improved performance, better system integration, and a more responsive user experience for security professionals conducting enterprise-scale DNS analysis.
Learn more about DNS Explorer | View Full Release Notes
Meet the New DNS Explorer Identity
DNS Explorer now features a brand new logo: an octopus wearing a diving helmet. We'll miss our original mountaineer explorer logo, but as DNS Explorer evolves to better serve cyber security teams, so does our brand identity.
Original Logo
New Logo
The octopus represents how DNS data branches outward like tentacles exploring interconnected networks.
Natural camouflage abilities mirror DNS Explorer's mission: revealing hidden infrastructure exposure.
The diving helmet symbolizes going deeper than surface-level lookups.
As a cyber security first organization, this new identity resonates with security teams.
Why an Octopus?
The octopus provides a powerful analogy from nature. Its tentacles extend outward to explore the environment, expanding and contracting to reach every corner. This mirrors how DNS Explorer traces the intricate web of DNS records, subdomains, mail servers, and authentication protocols across the internet.
Octopi also possess remarkable natural camouflage abilities. This aligns with DNS Explorer's core mission: helping organizations understand where they have DNS exposure. DNS records often reveal more about infrastructure than intended, and DNS Explorer brings this hidden information to light.
The diving helmet? Some users see a space helmet, and that interpretation fits perfectly. DNS Explorer encourages you to venture beyond the average lookup, to explore what lies beneath the surface. Whether deep-sea diver or space explorer, the message is the same: go deeper, discover more.
What's New in DNS Explorer 3.0
Complete Native Code Rebuild
Previous versions of DNS Explorer were built entirely in Python. Both the macOS (version 3.98) and Windows 11 (version 3.99_beta) releases now run as native applications:
- macOS: Officially signed and notarized via Apple's Direct Distribution program. DNS Explorer is a known app by Apple, registered under DNSai LLC.
- Windows 11: New MSIX installer format. Currently in beta while awaiting Code Signing Certificate credentials.
Enhanced DNS Resolver Redundancy
Backend lookup processes now include an additional layer of DNS resolver redundancy. Multiple resolvers are queried to ensure consistent, accurate results and reduce the impact of any single resolver's temporary issues.
Expanded Advanced Scan Output
Advanced scans now capture significantly more data points:
- SPF Analysis: Main Lookup Count, Nested Lookup Count, Total Lookups, Email Senders, Limit Status
- A Record Geolocation: Country, Region, City, Latitude, Longitude, ASN, ASN Name
- MX Server Data: IPv4 addresses plus full geolocation and ASN information
- PTR Records: Reverse DNS pointer records
All these fields are also included in the Domain Profile Report, which now supports IPv6 addresses.
Module Improvements
- Subdomain Lookup: New Standard and Deep Search modes for flexible enumeration
- Reverse DNS: Deep port scanning and blacklist search capabilities
- UI: Complete redesign with Light and Dark mode support
- Output: Timestamp column moved to last position for improved readability
License Management Portal
Users can now access the DNS Explorer Account Portal to view license keys associated with their email. Organizations purchasing bulk licenses can distribute keys to team members who can activate independently.
Download DNS Explorer
Ready to experience the new DNS Explorer? Download the latest version for your platform:
macOS
Version 3.98
Windows 11
Version 3.99_beta
Learn More
For complete release notes including all technical details, new data fields, and platform-specific information, visit the DNS Explorer Updates page.
DNS Explorer is built for cyber security professionals, IT managers, MSPs, and anyone who needs deep visibility into the Domain Name System at enterprise scale. Start your 14-day free trial today.