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Bad Bots Makes Up Almost 40 Percent of all Internet Traffic

computer bot

An Internet bot or simply bot, is a software application that runs automated tasks (scripts) over the Internet. There has been an increase in the usage of bots by many website owners. Bots have both their good and bad uses.

Good bots can be used to communicate with users of Internet-based services, via Instant Messaging (IM). The chatbots may allow people to ask questions and give a response. Examples include reporting weather situations, sport scores, currency conversion, etc.

Bad bots can be used to coordinate an automated attack on web servers, spread viruses and worms, cause DDoS attacks, etc.

According to the “Bad Bot Report 2021: The Pandemic of the Internet” published by Imperva, bad bots are the major pandemic ravaging the internet. They interact with applications in the same way a legitimate user would, making them harder to detect and block.

From the report published by Imperva, in 2020, bad bots traffic has maintained its upward trend, amounting to 25.6% of all traffic, which is a new record. Bad bots affect all industries and majority of bad bots originates from:

  • USA (40.5%)
  • China (5.2%)
  • United Kingdom (4.9%)
  • Russia (3.9%)
  • Japan (3.4%)
  • Germany (3.2%)
  • Brazil (3.1%)
  • Canada (2.5%)
  • France (2.3%)
  • Ireland (2.2%)
  • Other Countries (28.7%)

It appears that on many occasions, bad bots are launched from the same country they are targeting. The United States was the most attacked country by bad bots in 2020, as traffic targeting it amounted to 37.2 percent of all bad bot traffic. China was the second most attacked country, targeted by 8.3 percent of all bad bot traffic.

To fight the increasing menace of bad bots, BizWebShop blocks international traffic on our servers, leaving only the US and Canada open.

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Cybersecurity

Dealing with Small Business Ransomware Attacks

Cybersecurity has never been more critical.

Cyber hacking, online attacks, and the need for cybersecurity is on the rise. 

According to Norton Security, nearly 60 million Americans have been affected by identity theft.  In 2023, it is estimated cybercriminals will be stealing 33 billion records per year.

These cyberattacks target everyone, but trends show small businesses are one of the most common targets.  In fact, approximately 43% of cyberattacks target small businesses. (https://www.straightedgetech.com/7-top-cybersecurity-threats-and-their-solutions-for-2021 & how to prevent them/)

To help your business be prepared and secure for the coming year, Straight Edge Technology has identified 7 of the top cybersecurity threats for 2021 and what your team can do to prevent them.

7 Top Cybersecurity Threats In 2021 & Their Solutions

1.  Phishing – Phishing occurs when a hacker uses a false identity to trick someone into providing sensitive information, downloading malware, or visiting a site containing malware.  Common signs of phishing attacks are: generic language, such as “Sir” or “Madam”.  Odd sense of urgency.  Unusual requests for sensitive information.  (Hint:  The IRS and most businesses make it clear that they communicate through postal mail, NOT  email.)
2. SMS-Based Phishing
3.  PDF Scams
4.  Malware & Ransomware – Malware (aka worms, viruses, Trojan horses, spyware) is any malicious software designed to harm a computer system. Malware is designed to steal, encrypt, delete data alter or hijack core computer functions, or track a computer user’s activity without their knowledge.

Malware is commonly distributed through physical hard drives, USB external drives, or internet downloads.

Ransomware spreads through phishing emails or unknowingly visiting an infected website.  It involves a hacker locking the victim’s computer or files and holding the information for ransom, requiring payment before the hijacked files and system are unlocked.

Ransomware spreads through phishing emails or unknowingly visiting an infected website.  There is no guarantee the hacker will give control of the computer or files back to the victim.

5.  Database Exposure
6. Credential Stuffing
7.  Accidental Sharing or Social Engineering Attacks

Social Engineering attacks are the biggest security risk today.  They occur when a hacker tricks someone to give them information or access to software or data.  Hackers try to manipulate people into breaking standard security procedures.

93% of business data breaches come from employees unknowingly engaging with a social engineering attack.  

For example, a common rule is not allowing employees to share company usernames or passwords electronically.  If an employee forgets a password, they should CALL a coworker instead of emailing them.

Any request from a business or direct message from social media should require that the receiver contact the company or person directly to see if the request is legitimate.

(source:  https://www.straightedgetech.com/5-top-cybersecurity-threats-and-their-solutions-for-2020/)

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Security Software Cybersecurity

Online Security Guidelines for 2021

cyber security 1805632 640
cyber security 1805632 640

Online Security is vital to everyone who uses the internet. 

According to IT Chronicles.com, if you’re a small business owner, you’re in one of the most vulnerable groups to cybercrime. A study by Accenture reports that 43% of cyber attacks target small businesses, and under a sixth are equipped to prevent those attacks.

Please take the time to review this great article from AVG, and discover how to enhance cybersecurity for your business and family:  5 Ways to Enhance Your Cybersecurity.