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Race between online attacks and information security becomes fiercer

Currently, the prevention of DoS attacks is part of the everyday life of online shops. Verkkokauppa.com is using effective tools to fight attackers.

DoS attacks that seek to make Internet services unavailable are becoming more and more common in all parts of the world, and Finland is no longer an exception. Verkkokauppa.com, Finland's largest and best known online shop, takes information security seriously. After all, its operations are based on the functionality of online services and the preservation of customer data.

“Information security is directly linked with the customer experience. Visiting our online shop should always be fast and reliable. Furthermore, customers must be certain that their personal data does not end up in the wrong hands,” says Max Westersund, CIO at Verkkokauppa.com.

DNA's service blocks attacks

In addition to the prevention of data theft, effective defence against DoS attacks is essential for online shops.

“A DoS attack often acts as a decoy to create confusion during an actual data theft. When it comes to online shops, attackers are mainly after the payment card details of customers,” Westersund says.

What makes DoS attacks easier is that it is easy to create a fake source address. It is extremely difficult to track the attackers because attacks usually come from anonymous addresses that are impossible to trace.

“However, there are effective means to prevent DoS attacks. What is important is that the attack is stopped before it accesses the company's connections or servers.”

Verkkokauppa.com uses a DNA service which detects any suspicious traffic. DoS attacks are blocked in DNA's backbone network.

Protect all devices at your home against crime

The number of DoS attacks increases around Christmas and during other holiday seasons.

The reason for this is not known. It is possible that there are hackers who are seeking to raise as much attention as possible for their attacks during the otherwise quiet days. Another possible reason is that, during holidays, hackers have more time to spend on their illegal activities.

Currently, almost all online attacks are DDoS attacks, with attacks coming from many different sources,

such as hijacked computers or incorrectly defined servers. Recently, there have been attacks in which attackers have taken advantage of unprotected devices connected to the Internet, including surveillance cameras and baby monitors.

“Every one of us can make life a little more difficult for attackers by protecting all connected devices at home and at work,” Max Westersund says. 

Download DNA's Whitepaper and read more about information security >