The focus of many companies’ IT security strategy is generally to protect against any form of malware. But in addition to ransomware, fileless attacks or insider espionage, there are many hidden dangers in our digitized world. For example: hijacking within the Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) and DDoS attacks. The network problems caused by these attacks are an increasingly serious problem for digital infrastructures and can have costly consequences for businesses.

In the event of a DDoS attack, hackers deactivate Internet services by deliberately causing overload. A BGP (Border Gateway Protocol) hijacking refers to the modification of IP routes on the Internet. Instead of the normal route, an external router redirects the data. The changes do not necessarily have to be maliciously triggered; unintentional deviations from the most efficient route are also possible. For example, due to a wrong configuration. As a result, the Internet address then leads to nowhere or to a page that is redirected by hackers. In this way, they try to steal data on a large scale. Addresses of most providers are publicly accessible in the BGP and it is therefore relatively easy for criminals to identify themselves as a service or application that will eventually become the target of their attack.

Network analysis as IT protection

Both hijacking and DDoS attacks are often underestimated or only partially noticed by IT managers, until major damage is caused by a malfunction and the proper functioning of the digital communication is compromised. A comprehensive IT security strategy with advanced technologies—such as our Adaptive Defense 360 solution—forms the basis for protection against such attacks. If, for example, human error causes problems within the network structure, rapid recognition is essential. Only when the causes are known can companies prevent further damage and take targeted action against these attacks. Network analysis is the most effective means of investigating the causes. Faulty data flows and incorrectly created connections can be detected quickly and efficiently using network analysis tools. This is, of course, easier said than done when a company is not prepared. The right tools for this have been available on the market for quite some time. In addition to the advantages mentioned above, these tools also offer other advantages that simplify daily work.  With the right module, for example, detailed conclusions can be drawn from the company’s IT and security management with just a few clicks, the workflow of the IT managers is optimized and hidden potential within the existing infrastructure is identified.

Benefits with the right analysis tool

Our state of the art Advanced Reporting Tool (ART) makes it possible to map a company’s IT infrastructure in real time and thus offers extensive analysis capabilities. It includes many standardized evaluation options for identifying problems or risks – including in the areas of compliance and data protection. ART is integrated into our future-proof cybersecurity solution Adaptive Defense 360. And while AD360 provides real-time monitoring and classification of all processes from all endpoints, the ART module enables automated comparison of all process data obtained. IT administrators can therefore access detailed security information at the touch of a button. Not only can hijackings or DDoS attacks be detected, but unusual behavioural patterns, such as internal abuse of corporate networks and systems, can also be quickly identified.

Different dashboards with key indicators, search options and customizable standard alerts are available. But the ART module does not just act as a control layer. It shows access to confidential files and data leaks on the network. It is a flexible, cloud-based Big Data Service that provides advanced and customizable analysis options in easy-to-read dashboards. It helps IT administrators streamline workflow and increase efficiency. In addition, the tool allows companies to analyze the usage patterns of their IT resources in order to define and implement cost reduction opportunities. For example, it gives them full control over the RDP connections used in the business or allows them to display high bandwidth usage applications.

More information about Advanced Reporting Tool is available here. If you are interested in a practical example, read how our tool caught an insider red-handed and led him straight to the hacker.