Connect with us

Cybersecurity

Gafgyt and beyond: Inside IoT DDoS Malware

In a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack, a cyber attacker overwhelms their target by bombarding them with enormous quantities of fake data, knocking them offline

mm

Published

on

Best DDoS Protection Techniques

In a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack, a cyber attacker overwhelms their target by bombarding them with enormous quantities of fake data, knocking them offline or significantly impeding their ability to offer service regular to legitimate customers.

Because it’s challenging to overwhelm a target on your own, DDoS attacks almost always use a botnet, a zombie army of remote-controlled connected devices, which can launch coordinated attacks to consume a victim’s upstream bandwidth.

Picture it like recruiting a group of friends, acquaintances, and anyone else you can persuade with access to a phone to call a local business at a particular time repeatedly. While you could annoy by doing this yourself, using a single phone line, by getting a large group of people to do so, you can tie up as many phone lines as the target company might have open at once. You also make it much harder for the beleaguered business to trace the party responsible since all the calls come from different numbers.

A botnet works a lot like this. It refers to a collection of internet-connected devices that have been infected using malware to be controlled by hackers. The name “botnet” is a combination of “robot” and “network.” The biggest botnets have involved hundreds of thousands or even millions of connected devices. Those targets without the proper DDoS mitigation tools can be in serious trouble.

1. Attacking IoT devices

Virtually any internet-connected device can be used as a botnet. All that’s required is that it can send messages on command. That means that while malware-infected desktop and laptop computers have been used in botnet-driven DDoS attacks, they too have smartwatches, intelligent security cameras, intelligent kitchen appliances, and home routers.

Some of the devices are ones their owners may not even think of as computers, although that’s precisely what they are. They may also have no awareness that their device is part of a botnet, perhaps only experiencing the occasional slowdown in service — since many devices in a botnet lie dormant until they’re used for a DDoS attack or, sometimes, for sending spam messages.

cybersecurity is essential to the global supply chain

There are many significant advantages to cyber attackers targeting Internet of Things (IoT) devices such as IP cameras and intelligent refrigerators for DDoS attacks. One is the massive number of devices that can potentially target. According to consumer data company Statista, the average number of connected devices per household in the United States last year was 10. Globally, the firm claims that there are around 21.5 billion interconnected devices.

Just as important is the fact that, in many cases, IoT security can be surprisingly poor. That makes these devices comparably easy to compromise for IoT botnets. Poor security may stem from weak and guessable passwords, often unchanged from their default passwords, insecure ecosystem interfaces, flawed security update methodologies, and more.

2. Botnets in action

Whatever the reasons, hackers have wasted no time targeting these vulnerabilities to build bigger, worse botnets. The devastating Mirai botnet, which emerged in 2016, infected IoT devices by scanning the internet for open ports and then trying to access them by using a list of more than 60 default passwords. It was used as part of multiple DDoS attacks.

Mirai’s tricks continue to be used in similar botnets. More recently, variations of a botnet malware family called Gafgyt have used code from the Mirai botnet to target and potentially infect susceptible IoT devices, including routers made by Huawei and Realtek. It downloads malware payloads that can be used to stage DDoS attacks by exploiting vulnerabilities in these devices.

DDoS attacks have been around for decades, but the approaches used by attackers continue to evolve. As seen with the Gafgyt malware and the continued threat of Mirai and Mirai-inspired botnets, attackers constantly tweak their systems to build larger, more dangerous botnets which can be used to inflict harm on targets.

3. Defending against DDoS

Anyone in possession of an IoT device should take steps to ensure that it is adequately secured. This involves changing the name and default password of machines, using strong passwords, providing firmware updates that are downloaded and installed, and avoiding using public Wi-Fi to access IoT networks.

To defend against DDoS attacks, you should also make sure that you deploy the correct anti-DDoS tools. This includes solutions for DDoS detection (able to recognize attacks as rapidly as possible), diversion (to defend against application-layer and network-layer attacks), filtering (blocking malicious traffic while continuing to let legitimate users through), and analysis (to gather information about attacks and attempted attacks.)

Distributed Denial of Service attacks (DDoS attacks) is not going away any time soon. The most that companies can hope for is preparing for them and figuring out how best to mitigate them. Given the potential damage they can cause — from unwanted downtime to long-term reputational damage — this is one of the smartest investments you can make.

We are an Instructor, Modern Full Stack Web Application Developers, Freelancers, Tech Bloggers, and Technical SEO Experts. We deliver a rich set of software applications for your business needs.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Cloud Computing

Leveraging Cloud Technology for Better Data Protection

This is where cloud technology swoops in like a knight in shining armor, offering innovative ways to safeguard our precious data.

mm

Published

on

Leveraging Cloud Technology for Better Data Protection

We’re quickly discovering that data is the new gold. But as valuable as it is, it’s equally vulnerable to a myriad of threats lurking throughout the internet. This is where cloud technology swoops in like a knight in shining armor, offering innovative ways to safeguard our precious data. Let’s embark on a journey to explore how leveraging cloud technology can shield your data more effectively than ever before.

1. Advanced Threat Detection Systems

Cloud platforms employ sophisticated threat detection systems that monitor suspicious activities in real-time. These systems use advanced algorithms and artificial intelligence to identify and mitigate threats before they can cause harm. It’s akin to having a digital watchdog that’s always on the lookout for danger.

In an ever-evolving digital landscape, ensuring the protection and quick recovery of vital data is paramount. Technology partnerships have furnished the market with effective solutions for this purpose. One notable collaboration focuses on providing managed service providers with essential tools and services to safeguard their operations. By exploring specific solutions such as Datto, businesses have the opportunity to enhance their data protection strategies on flexible terms, further strengthening their defense against data loss.

2. Understanding the Cloud’s Security Blanket

At its core, cloud computing utilizes a network of remote servers hosted on the internet to store, manage, and process data, rather than a local server or personal computer. But it’s not just about storage efficiency; it’s about security. The cloud’s architecture inherently includes multiple layers of security protocols and complex algorithms designed to protect data.

3. The Encryption Advantage

One of the standout features of cloud technology is encryption. This is the process of converting information into a code to prevent unauthorized access. Think of it as translating your data into a secret language that only those with the ‘key’ can understand. This significantly adds a layer of security to your data, both at rest and in transit.

4. Global Compliance Standards

Adhering to global data protection regulations can be a herculean task. Cloud service providers, however, make this easier by ensuring their platforms comply with rigorous international standards. This not only aids in protecting your data but also keeps you on the right side of the law.

Do you need WORM-compliant storage

5. Empowering Businesses to Take Control

Beyond these built-in security features, cloud technology also empowers businesses and individuals to implement additional security measures. With tools for access management, you can control who has access to your data and to what extent, further minimizing the risk of breaches.

6. Continuous Security Updates

The digital threat landscape is constantly evolving, with new vulnerabilities discovered almost daily. Cloud service providers invest heavily in security research and continuously update their systems to guard against the latest threats. This means that your data is protected by the most current security measures without you having to lift a finger.

7. Scalability As a Protective Measure

As businesses grow, so do their data protection needs. Cloud technology scales seamlessly to meet these changing demands without compromising security. Whether it’s expanding storage, scaling security measures, or integrating new services, the cloud adapts to protect your data through every phase of growth.

8. The Eco-friendly Aspect of Cloud Security

Beyond its technical benefits, cloud computing also offers an eco-friendly approach to digital security. Energy-efficient data centers and reduced hardware needs not only make cloud technology a sustainable choice but also contribute to a company’s green credentials, aligning data protection efforts with environmental sustainability.

9. Data Redundancy: The Unsung Hero

Data redundancy is another critical aspect of cloud technology, where your data is replicated in multiple secure locations. This means that even in the event of a data center disaster, your data remains safe and can be quickly restored. It’s the ultimate backup plan, ensuring that your data’s safety is never compromised.

10. Personalized Security Strategies

The adaptability of cloud services allows for customized security strategies tailored to specific business needs and threats. This means businesses are not just depending on generic protections but can fortify their data according to its unique vulnerabilities and value.

Conclusion

As we’ve voyaged through the realm of cloud technology, it’s clear that its impact on data protection is profound. With its multi-layered security measures, continuous updates, and advanced detection systems, the cloud offers a robust shield against the ever-growing threats to data security. By harnessing the power of the cloud, we can look towards a future where our digital treasures are guarded more effectively than ever before. So, let the cloud be your fortress in this digital age, protecting your data with vigilance and prowess.

Continue Reading
High ROI influencer benefits for brands
Marketing6 days ago

Where to Find Influencers for High ROI Marketing Strategies and Why It Matters

Leveraging Cloud Technology for Better Data Protection
Cloud Computing3 weeks ago

Leveraging Cloud Technology for Better Data Protection

Do you need WORM-compliant storage
Computer Network3 weeks ago

7 More Secure Gmail Alternatives

How does WORM storage work
Artificial Intelligence (AI)4 weeks ago

WORM-Compliant Storage: Exploring Write Once Read Many (WORM) Functionality

The Rise of Trail Cameras
Gadgets1 month ago

Trail Cam Tactics: Using Technology to Scout Hunting Spots

Internet1 month ago

Mastering the Art of Task Automation in the Modern Office

5 Innovative Ways Point-of-Care Diagnostic Devices Revolutionize Healthcare Efficiency
Health & Fitness1 month ago

5 Innovative Ways Point-of-Care Diagnostic Devices Revolutionize Healthcare Efficiency

Leveraging Technology In Portable Office Setups For Enhanced Productivity
Technology2 months ago

Leveraging Technology In Portable Office Setups For Enhanced Productivity

how-to-buy-instagram-followers
Instagram2 months ago

How to Buy Instagram Followers (Guide)

Transforming Goals into Actionable Results - Planning Template
Business3 months ago

Transforming Goals into Actionable Results

Trending