Global businesses continue to be impacted by botnets and networks of compromised devices under the control of cybercriminals. The top five countries that host botnet operations are China, Russia, and the United States, which are buoyed in part by their technological infrastructure and, in some cases, regulatory enforcement levels.
Botnet operators compound the problem by exploiting increasing numbers of device and software vulnerabilities, feeding them into Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) to gain entry into systems. Businesses’ best hope against these sophisticated threats is managed service providers (MSPs), who provide solutions to detect, prevent, and mitigate botnet activity.
Botnet Attacks, CEs and Vulnerable Devices
A CVE is a publicly disclosed security flaw in software or hardware, in the hopes that organizations will fix it before it can be exploited. And unfortunately, the same thing that helps cybersecurity professionals have public disclosure and see something bad is the same thing that can then be used as a roadmap for any cyber criminal to do the same thing.
Botnet operators actively scan networks looking for unpatched devices and system that they can exploit these vulnerabilities to grow their own botnet. Their list of often unsecured IoT devices, outdated software, or misconfigured servers is usually at the top.
For example, botnet operators might find a way into this popular router, and then it could be used to weaponize thousands of devices, all of which can then be used for a DDoS attack, credential theft, or ransomware deployment.
The more devices that may be part of the IoT, the bigger the risk, with millions of potential victim devices becoming entry points for botnets. A proactive approach is needed to address these vulnerabilities, and here, MSPs can be a big helping hand.
Managed Service Providers Fight Botnet Exploitation
MSPs offer a multilayered defense strategy of both the technical and the human side of cybersecurity. This combination of protecting against known threats and preparing organizations for new risks around CVEs and device vulnerabilities is what they do. Here’s how MSPs tackle this challenge:
Vulnerability Management Proactive
Managing vulnerabilities before they can be exploited is rightly one of the most effective ways of preventing botnet attacks by MSPs. This is checking devices and systems for vulnerabilities on a regular basis.
For each CVE, MSPs then prioritize patching based on the severity of a CVE and patch critical vulnerabilities first. That is because this systematic approach reduces the window of opportunity for cybercriminals to exploit known flaws.
Real-time threat detection and monitoring
They use advanced monitoring tools to detect unusual net work activity that could be a sign that a botnet is trying to exploit a vulnerability.
Real time alerts mean we can continually monitor and know right away if an attack spreads to another part of the system or network. MSPs remain vigilant by watching their company’s network traffic, keeping businesses one step ahead of the botnet operators.
Endpoint Security
The most common targets of botnets are IoT devices and endpoints with insecure configurations. These entry points are protected by robust endpoint protection methods, such as next generation antivirus, intrusion detection control systems and device encryption, implemented by MSPs.
MSPs for IoT devices enforce strict access controls to prevent a device from being able to become a part of the business networking, avoiding potential risk.
Patch & Automation Management
A central element to botnet prevention is keeping devices current. Automated patch management tools are used by MSPs to make sure that each bit of update (software and firmware) becomes effective immediately.
The automation aspect reduces the chance of trolling the CVEs and those entries have the ability to be patched before they are exploited by abusing them.
Network Segmentation and Access Control
Network segmenting is implemented by MSPs to minimise the damage caused by a possible botnet attack. When you divide networks into isolated segments, you have the spread of malware and keep compromised devices from communicating with others.
Security gets an additional shot in the arm from access controls, which allow only authorized users and devices to engage in the critical systems.
Recovery and Incident Response
But what if one of them does occur? They have the working, robust incident response protocols in place to rapidly identify, isolate, and remove the threat. Their goal is to return normal operations in as short of a time frame as possible with zero downtime while putting together how the attack played out to make future defenses better.
Likewise, the recovery efforts will include taking infected devices out of the network, securing the data, and fixing the root cause of the breach.
Importance of Employee Awareness In Bollnet Exploitation
Technical solutions are important, but botnet infections remain a human error issue. One of the most common ways cybercriminals get in early is by using phishing emails or malicious links.
Employee training programs are provided by MSPs to teach staff to recognize these tactics and embrace a culture of cybersecurity awareness. Employees who act as an additional line of defense reduce the probability of accidental vulnerabilities.
Cybersecurity: Why Businesses Need an MSP
Businesses simply cannot afford to wait until after a botnet attack has occurred and resolved to react to an increased cybersecurity threat. MSPs provide an active, integrated method of cybersecurity from monitoring to endpoint protection.
To combat botnet threats, businesses can partner with a reputable managed service provider such as Layer Logix managed IT services, which offer the expertise and tools businesses can use to stay protected on the internet.
IT solutions that go beyond the basics, with proactive patch management, advanced monitoring and employee training, Layer Logix offers the technology to keep your business secure in the rapidly changing cyber landscape.
Visit Layer Logix Managed IT Services to learn how Layer Logix can help protect your business from botnet attacks and other cybersecurity problems. Stay protected, Stay resilient, and keep the focus around what really is important business growth.
