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Using Northbeams

Catch shadow AI at the DNS layer

Last updated 2026-07-10

Network Control watches DNS on the device to catch AI tools the moment they try to reach out, including ones no extension or app has classified yet. It is the widest net Northbeams casts.

How it works

  • On the device, not the network. It runs on the laptop. No proxy, no MITM certificate, no DNS rewrite, no on-prem appliance, no change to your network.
  • Discovery. A lookup to a known AI domain shows up as a detection, so a brand-new tool is visible the first time anyone tries to reach it.
  • Blocking. Add a DNS rule to stop a risky or unsanctioned domain from resolving at all, so the tool never loads.

Because it sees the lookup (the intent) before any data moves, Network Control often catches a tool earlier than a content policy would. Set it up alongside your policies.