How To Block DDoS Attacks In The Cloud
Who doesn’t love the Internet of Things? You know that network of technology that allows a company’s fleet of vehicles to sense each car’s mileage, speed, and mechanical health? Or maybe your office is equipped with a smart thermostat that can reduce your monthly energy bill because it monitors real-time weather and activity. We’re surrounded by network intelligence, and it’s a beautiful thing. I love how this technology can make life and business better.
But, this integrated network has a dark side. In October 2016, hackers turned a huge number of common consumer devices, like webcams, routers, CCTV cameras, thermostats, and even children’s toys into “bots”. They embedded those devices with malware and subsequently used them to take down the entire BBC network. It’s called a DDoS (distributed denial of service) attack. Although it sounds like a storyline straight out of science fiction where robots march menacingly out into the streets, it’s real. Ok, except for the robots in the streets bit. These disruptions are happening at an increasingly alarming rate, and if you own a business with a website, you need to know how to block a DDoS attack.
Have your devices gone rogue?
You don’t have to be a big media outlet or an important politician or even a popular social network to be affected by a DDoS attack. Small- and medium-sized businesses offer the perfect conditions for hackers because they typically have just the right amount of technology and less security than larger organizations. At the very least, an attack can cost you revenue and productivity. Worse, your reputation might end up being damaged. You might even find that funds, data, or intellectual property was stolen during the attack as well.Keep an eye on all of these behaviors because any one of them can indicate that your devices have been hacked.
– Internet speed is noticeably slower
– Frequent power outages
– Your website (or other websites that you use) are down
– More spam emails than normal
– Unusual Internet activity at unusual times
Just don’t get hacked.
I’m sorry to say that there isn’t one foolproof method of blocking a DDoS attack. There are, however, a number of actions that you can take to mitigate the chances of it happening to you.
– Keep firmware updated
– Change all default passwords
– Only use connected devices that have passed security tests
– Monitor and limit settings on all smart devices.
If you’re not sure how well protected you are or if you need more information on how to further protect your business, give us a call.
Has your business come under a DDoS attack? Tell us your story.