Malicious automation has enabled hackers to launch sophisticated attacks that easily evade the detection of static security tools such as Web Application firewalls. As well as creating new more intricate attacks, automated tools also enable hackers to launch traditional raids on applications at far greater scale than ever before. These heightened levels of efficiency have resulted in many more code vulnerabilities being exploited through the automated reconnaissance phase.
The combination of static tools, the cyber skills shortage and organizational complexity also contribute to attackers having the upper hand. In a world where many countries have introduced data breach notification laws, the business impact of data breaches has never been greater.
Kasada believes defeating malicious automation is a crucial, proactive step that all organizations should take to prevent their web applications leaking confidential customer data.
Marathon runners use the phrase “hitting the wall’ to describe the point at which their body fails to keep up with the race pace. Understanding where your malicious automation detection “hits the wall” is equally important. Kasada wouldn’t advise marathon runners, but we know defeating malicious automation requires organizations to invest in tools capable of lasting the distance.
The attacker’s toolkit
The internet provides a specialised tool for every malicious intent. From content theft and vulnerability exploitation all the way to paywall penetration and account takeovers, there are low or cost free tools readily available. The attacker’s toolkit image above lists only a few of the tools that Kasada detects on a daily basis.
I spy with my little eye, something beginning with…
Bot detection is often referred to as a game of “cat-and-mouse” but in reality it has more in common with another popular children’s game, “I Spy”. Understanding if a security solution is capable of observing the attacker’s toolkit is a crucial step in preventing malicious automation.
We recommend the following five tests as a way of gauging your solution’s ability to observe attack tools:
… something beginning with C
cURL is as easy as it gets to use, and fortunately it is also very easy to detect – if you are looking. For those not familiar with cURL, it is a command line tool using various protocols to transfer data.
