DNS records are digital entries stored in the Domain Name System (DNS) that map human-readable domain names, like example.com, to specific IP addresses and other resources on the internet. These records ensure that when you type a website address into your browser, your request is routed to the correct server. There are different types of DNS records, such as A, CNAME, MX, and TXT, each serving a specific purpose in directing internet traffic and supporting services like email. If DNS records are compromised or misconfigured, it can lead to website outages, misdirected emails, or security vulnerabilities.