Page 125 - Cyber Defense eMagazine July 2024

The Growing Threat of Malicious Bots

As consumers become increasingly committed to digital services, the risk of hacking continues to rise.
Shockingly, many studies suggest that about half of internet traffic is composed of malicious bots.
Understanding the specific context behind these attacks is crucial for enterprises to take informed steps
toward securing their operations.

To mitigate risk, companies must implement sign-up and lead protections that shield against form, sign-
up, and application abuse. Recognizing the weaknesses within a business's strategy is essential to
protect against these attacks and prevent exploitation and lost revenue.

Pinpointing the Riskiest Attacks

Understanding the context behind bot attacks involves using tools to pinpoint the riskiest attacks, allowing
enterprises to prioritize their investigations. In a world with limited time and resources, cybersecurity
software becomes necessary for businesses to identify the most critical context-based attacks that
require further examination.

For instance, distinguishing between a credential stuffing or account takeover attack informs businesses
about the risk against Personally Identifiable Information (PII). Simultaneously, identifying invalid bot
activity, such as scrapers, provides a different output for protection. By leveraging these tools, enterprises
can efficiently allocate resources and focus on investigating the attacks that pose the most significant
risk.

The Holy Grail of Understanding Bot Intent
Understanding the intent of bots is the 'Holy Grail' for enterprises aiming to protect their data
infrastructure. In a privacy-first world, implementing technology that adheres to best practices enables
businesses to identify weaknesses in their go-to-market strategy. Armed with this knowledge, they can
proactively fortify their defenses, ensuring robust protection against future cyberattacks.

AI algorithms, trained on historical data, can discern the subtleties in attack vectors, distinguishing
between benign anomalies and malicious activities. Additionally, advanced intrusion detection systems
(IDS) integrated with threat intelligence platforms provide real-time insights into the nature and motive of
the attacks, whether they are financially motivated, aimed at data theft, or part of a larger, coordinated
cyber espionage campaign. This context-specific understanding enables companies to fortify their
defenses against current threats and anticipate and prepare for future attacks, ensuring a more resilient
and proactive cybersecurity posture.

As technology advances, businesses must stay vigilant against the evolving threat landscape.
Developing a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy that goes beyond mere identification to
understanding the intent of bot attacks is paramount. By doing so, enterprises can safeguard their go-to-
market strategy, uphold consumer trust, protect sensitive data, and mitigate the potential financial impact

Cyber Defense eMagazine – July 2024 Edition 125
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