Mitigating DDoS Attacks Through Protocol Protection

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Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks occur when traffic to a network is disrupted. These attacks have evolved and grown in sophistication in recent years.

Understanding the role of network protocols and leveraging protocol-specific security features are crucial elements of implementing an effective cyber security plan. It’s also necessary to ensure you’re hiring the right individuals for each security role in your organization.

The Role of Protocols in Mitigating DDoS Attacks

Protocols are the backbone of a network system that safely facilitates communication and the data transfers between devices. 

For example, the Transport Layer Security (TLS) ensures communications remain secure and unaltered. Secure shell (SSH) provides secure file transfers and remote login across unsecured networks. Secure HyperText Transfer Protocol (SHTTP) includes several security measures such as establishing firewalls and creating strong passwords.

Correctly setting up these network protocols ensures that all devices are as secure as possible from cyber attacks, including DDoS attacks.  This means an organization must have employees who understand how network protocols operate together to reduce and eliminate DDoS attacks. You’ll therefore want to create a hiring strategy to ensure you always have the best employees managing your cyber security strategies. 

Techniques for Detecting and Blocking Malicious Traffic

The following are general steps to take when implementing network protocols for detecting and blocking unwanted traffic.

  • Recognize Unusual Traffic Patterns: This includes anomaly detection and heuristic analysis to identify abnormal traffic patterns. Machine learning algorithms are more advanced methods of detecting malicious traffic.

  •  Include IP Address Blocking and Black Hole Routing: IP address blocking is particularly effective against brute force attacks. Black hole routing is a method of discarding traffic without processing it.

  • Train Top Employees: Hiring the best IT professionals and maintaining training in the latest cyber security and network analysis methods is crucial. You may consider contract staffing and interim placements when hiring top talent to fill cyber security positions.

Implementing Rate-Limiting Controls at the Protocol Level

Developing and implementing rate-limiting controls is something only an experienced cyber security professional should handle because of the complexities involved. This starts with knowing which of the following rate-limiting systems to use.

  • Server Rate-Limiting: This includes limiting the requests made to an individual server within a particular time frame. This method helps reserve resources.

  • IP Rate-Limiting: This type limits the amount of requests within a certain time frame. It specifically blocks requests from individual IP addresses.

  • Geography Rate-Limiting: This method limits requests from regions or specific areas. This can help you remain legally compliant within certain areas.

There are several algorithm types a cyber security specialist can use when implementing rate-limiting.

  • Leaky Bucket Algorithm: Excess requests leak out when the bucket is full. Overflowing requests are rejected or delayed.

  • Token Bucket Algorithm: Tokens in a bucket are removed as requests are made.  Requests are rejected or delayed when tokens are all used.

  • Fixed Window Algorithm: This involves a counting algorithm that blocks requests within a fixed timeframe after reaching a certain amount.

Leveraging Protocol-Specific Security Features

You’ll need to determine what security features you’ll use and where they’ll fit into your overall network protocols protection plan. The following are several specific cyber security features you may want to use. 

  • Encryption Algorithms: These programs convert unencrypted text or data into encrypted. The most basic encryption protocols include TLS/SSL, IPsec, and Secure Shell.

  • Access Controls: Access controls validate each user’s identity. Access control protocol examples include Attribute Based Access Control (ABAC), Discretionary Access Control (DAC), and Mandatory Access Control (MAC).

  • Network Protocol Tools: This includes customizing a Web Application Firewall (WAF) and installing, maintaining, and updating mitigation software. 

  • Key Management: Secure key exchange ensures only intended receivers decrypt communication.

  • VPN Installation: Using a Virtual Private Network enables employees to access a network safely outside of your facility.

Collaborative Defense Strategies for Combating DDoS Attacks

There are several ways collaborative efforts can reduce or eliminate DDoS attacks. The following are a few examples.

Following Government Regulations: Knowing and adhering to all federal and local regulations will help keep your systems as safe as possible.

Working With Law Enforcement: Both the FBI and Homeland Security provide helpful information and resources for combating DDoS attacks.

Working With Security Vendors: Organizations should work closely with companies and individuals who can offer the best cyber security strategies to combat DDoS attacks. This includes finding an experienced recruitment firm to fill all your cyber security staffing needs.

Contact The Trevi Group

You need expert leaders in the cyber security field to ensure your information systems and network protocols are as secure as possible. The Trevi Group can partner with your company in the recruitment process. We have over 16 years of experience and over 200 firms in dozens of countries. Contact us today for more information.

The Trevi Group | “Executive Search for Technology Professionals” | www.TheTreviGroup.com

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