How Alpaca Works
Last updated: 2026-03-14
Content Filtering Explained
Alpaca uses DNS-based content filtering to help protect your devices. This is the same approach used by many organizations and enterprise security solutions.
How It Works
You Browse Normally
Use any browser or app as you normally would. Alpaca works invisibly in the background.
Alpaca Checks Each Request
When any app on your device tries to connect to a website, Alpaca checks the domain against its regularly updated filter lists.
Harmful Content Is Filtered
If the domain matches a known threat (malware, phishing, tracking, etc.), Alpaca prevents the connection before any harmful content can load.
Safe Content Loads Normally
Everything else passes through without delay. You won't notice any difference in browsing speed or behavior.
What Alpaca Helps Filter
- Malware & Phishing — Websites known to distribute malicious software or steal credentials
- Trackers — Services that profile your browsing activity across the web
- Advertising — Ad networks and ad-serving domains
- Adult Content — Inappropriate websites (optional filter list)
Privacy by Design
All filtering happens locally on your device. Alpaca never sends your browsing data to external servers. Your browsing history, the websites you visit, and your search queries stay on your device.
Unlike cloud-based filtering solutions, Alpaca processes all DNS requests locally. This means faster filtering and complete privacy.
Device-Wide Protection
Unlike browser extensions that only protect one browser, Alpaca works at the system level. This means every browser, app, and game on your device benefits from Alpaca's protection — with nothing extra to install.