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How to secure a network connection?

At the core of any high-quality network solution lies security. As such, it is a critical factor for businesses when selecting a network provider.

Security matters - give it always extra attention

  • Enterprise networks often hold sensitive and confidential data, making them an attractive target for cybercriminals
  • A network security breach can disrupt business operations, resulting in financial losses and reputational damage
  • Many organizations store employee and customer data on their enterprise networks that must be protected from unauthorized access 

Market trends

The field of network security is constantly evolving, driven by advancements in technology, new cybersecurity threats, and changes in business practices. As a result, there are several market trends that are shaping the landscape of network security.

  • One significant trend is the increasing adoption of cloud computing, which has led to the emergence of cloud security solutions. As more organizations move their operations to the cloud, they naturally look for ways to secure their data and networks as their data leaves the traditional WAN. This has led to the growth of cloud security solutions that provide features such as access control, encryption, and threat detection.
  • Another trend is the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in network security. AI and ML technologies are being used to develop advanced threat detection and response systems that can detect and mitigate cybersecurity threats in real-time. These systems can also learn from past attacks and adapt to new threats, making them more effective at protecting networks.
  • Mobile security is also a growing concern, as more employees use their personal devices to access company networks and hackers target mobile and IRT devices to add to botnets. This has led to the development of mobile security solutions that can protect against threats such as malware, phishing, and data leaks.

Overall, these market trends indicate that network security will continue to be a critical concern for organizations of all sizes, and that there will be continued innovation and development in the field to meet the evolving threat landscape.

Arelion’s insights 

The Internet backbone is also a critical part of the global network infrastructure, comprising high-speed data links that connect major data centers and Internet exchange points worldwide. As such, it is a prime target for cybercriminals seeking to disrupt Internet traffic or steal sensitive data and is often unintentionally hit because of it’s nature as connecting infrastructure.

The latest DDoS 2023 landscape report from Arelion shows the scale and upward trend of these attacks:
 

DDoS attack traffic average size Gbps (LY) DDoS attack traffic average size Mpps (LY) DDoS attack average duration (LY)
11 (10% up) 6 (61% up) 11 min (3% up)

 

To ensure the security of the Internet backbone, various measures are in place, such as encryption, access control, and intrusion detection and prevention systems. These systems are designed to protect the integrity of data traffic and prevent unauthorized access to network resources.

One key challenge in securing the Internet backbone is the sheer size and complexity of the network. With so many devices and endpoints connected to the network, it can be difficult to detect and respond to security threats in real-time. To address this challenge, network operators employ advanced threat detection and response systems that use machine learning and artificial intelligence algorithms to identify and mitigate potential security threats.

Another challenge in securing the Internet backbone is the increasing use of encryption to protect data in transit. While encryption is an effective way to prevent unauthorized access to data, it can also make it more difficult to detect and mitigate security threats. To address this challenge, network operators are implementing more sophisticated encryption key management systems that can quickly detect and respond to potential security threats without compromising data privacy.

Overall, securing the Internet backbone continues to be a complex and ongoing process that requires constant vigilance and the deployment of advanced security technologies. As the Internet continues to evolve and grow, network operators will need to continue to adapt and innovate to ensure the security and reliability of this critical global infrastructure.

Here are some unique insights from our latest DDoS threat landscape report 2023 that we as the world’s #1 Internet backbone provider want to share with you giving you a global perspective on network security in 2023:

  • Increased overall number of attacks in Europe
  • The peak and average size of attacks is also increasing
  • The number of attacks in our global backbone has decreased due to effective mitigation and stronger cooperation between networks
  • NTP and mem cache attacks are an ongoing threat/key DDoS driver because they have a high amplification factor 

How can Arelion help?

Protecting an organization's network against cyber attacks is a never-ending race against determined and constantly evolving threats. As mentioned in the beginning, a network security’s first step is the right choice of network provider. Arelion offers multi-layered security services through our built-in security, proactive detection, and system monitoring. We recognize the gravity of this issue and utilize our robust global network, ranked as the world's #1 by Kentik, as a protective barrier to provide a high-level security.

Thanks to our effective mitigation techniques and stronger collaboration between networks, our clients experienced a reduction in the number of attacks in our global backbone in 2022.

Arelion's DDoS Protection Service is available to all customers who purchase our IP Transit or DIA services. This service routes traffic through our advanced DDoS scrubbing systems, which are designed to identify and neutralize attacks before they can affect you.

If you require more information, please visit our Network Security solutions page. 

Why Arelion

Our story started in 1993, when our Autonomous System - AS1299 - was allocated. 

We have grown organically ever since (without acquisitions). Today, Arelion is a leading global network providers and our network stretches 75,000 km on our own fiber - using start-of-the-art DWDM and IP technology across Europe, Americas, and Asia. We directly connect more than 2,500 wholesale and enterprise customers in 125 countries worldwide. 

Arelion’s Net Promoter Score (NPS) has demonstrated steady growth of 20% year-over-year for the last decade, achieving a world-class measurement of 51.