Infoblox, a provider of automated network control solutions, has released its Infoblox Advanced DNS Protection solution.

The solution, expected to be available in January, is a Domain Name System (DNS) appliance with integrated defenses against Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, cache poisoning, malformed queries, tunneling and other DNS security threats. Infoblox said by building defense directly into a fortified DNS server, its solution can deliver protection that is “stronger, more intelligent and more comprehensive” than what is possible today with separate external security solutions.

Lawrence Orans, of the research firm Gartner, said DDoS challenges have spiked for enterprises in 2013 in a recent report, adding Gartner estimates its DDoS inquiry level quadrupled from September 2012 through September 2013.

“An increase of higher-volume and application-based DDoS attacks on corporate networks will force Chief Information Security Officers and security teams to find new, proactive solutions for reducing downtime,” Orans said.

The range of DNS threats addressed by the appliance includes cache poisoning, which inserts rogue IP addresses into a DNS cache, malformed DNS queries, which can crash a DNS server, and tunneling, which can be used to smuggle out stolen data.

Steve Nye, executive VP of product strategy and corporate development at Infoblox, said by “intelligently” integrating security directly into a DNS appliance, Infoblox Advanced DNS Protection delivers a depth of defense against DNS attacks that is far more robust and insightful than relying on a jumble of separate devices and services.

The company will release a high-capacity model of the appliance, purpose-built for carrier-grade performance, making it possible to spot DNS DDoS attacks and other threats before service is significantly compromised.