What does the Domain Name System (DNS) primarily do?

The Domain Name System (DNS) primarily resolves names to IP addresses, which is essential for locating devices and services on the internet. When you enter a web address, such as www.example.com, your device needs to translate that human-readable name into an internet protocol (IP) address, which is a numerical label that identifies a device on a network. This conversion allows the user's device to establish a connection to the appropriate server, enabling web pages and other resources to be loaded.

DNS serves as a critical component of internet functionality. It enables users to navigate the web using domain names rather than memorizing complex numerical addresses. This fundamental service makes the internet user-friendly and accessible, allowing seamless access to content across various websites. The efficiency of DNS is crucial to the performance of web services, making it an indispensable part of the overall architecture of the internet.

The other options, while related to cybersecurity and internet functionality, do not accurately represent the primary purpose of DNS. For example, securely storing user credentials pertains to authentication processes, encrypting web traffic relates to privacy and security during data transfer, and filtering harmful websites involves security measures to protect users from malicious content. These functions are important but are distinct from the primary role of DNS in resolving names to IP addresses