We spend more and more time online, use multiple devices throughout the day, and move fluidly between websites, apps, and social media.
But while we browse, bots do too. And many of them are looking for vulnerabilities, stealing data, or crashing servers.. This is called a bot attack.
In this article, we are going to explain what exactly a bot attack is, why they are a real threat to both individuals and businesses, and how you can protect yourself effectively. . We will also tell you about Qondar, an Enthec tool designed to help you with that protection.
What is a bot attack?
A bot is an automated program designed to perform tasks without human intervention. In principle, they’re not bad: some bots are used to index web pages (like Google’s), to automate repetitive tasks, or even to provide customer service.
The problem arises when they are used for malicious purposes.. So we’re talking about bot attacks: automated actions aimed at exploiting, spying on, or harming systems, services, or people.
Bot attacks can take many forms. Some common examples include:
- Bots that force passwords through dictionary attacks or brute force.
- Bots that fill out forms en masse to saturate a system.
- Bots that generate fake traffic to manipulate statistics or bring down a website.
- Bots that crawl the Internet for sensitive information, including sensitive data that is poorly protected.
The key is in its volume: a single bot is usually not a problem. The danger lies in the botnets, also called bot networks:thousands (or even millions) of coordinated bots acting simultaneously. They are fast, persistent, and challenging to detect.
The impact of bot attacks
Bot attacks are not a distant threat, nor are they exclusive to large corporations. Any company or person with an online presence can be a target.. And the consequences are not small:
- Data theft, personal or corporate.
- Loss of reputation, if the attack compromises sensitive information or affects the service.
- Economic impact that result from website crashes, advertising fraud, or system saturation.
- Fines and penalties, especially if there is a data leak and the GDPR has not been complied with.
How do you know if you are a victim of a bot attack?
The indicators of a bot attack are usually:
- A sudden increase in web traffic without justification.
- Forms filled with false data or incomplete.
- Failed login attempts to your social networks en masse.
- Slow or unstable performance in your digital services.
- Security alerts related to unusual accesses.
Often, these indicators can go unnoticed or appear to be isolated technical problems. That’s why it’s essential to have active monitoring tools that not only react when it’s too late, but also continuously monitor your exposure to threats.
If you would like to delve deeper into some of the aspects discussed:
▷ How to prevent identity theft on social networks
▷ How to manage business passwords and credentials easily and securely to avoid online threats
Qondar: Active surveillance against digital threats
You don’t need to have a website with millions of visitors to worry about bots. Individual users can also suffer from these types of attacks: credential theft, identity theft, exposure of personal data…
For these cases, Enthec offers Qondar, a tool designed to protect your digital identity.. It’s beneficial for freelancers, managers, C-level executives, and anyone looking to control their online presence.
What if I’m worried about my business?
This is where it comes Kartos, Enthec’s solution designed for companies that want to take control of their digital security. Kartos is not just an antivirus or a firewall: it’s a Continuous Threat Exposure Management (CTEM) tool.
Kartos monitors social networks, forums, domains, leaks, and public databases to give you a complete picture of your digital exposure. It’s like having a cyber intelligence team working 24/7, but automated, fast, and scalable.
How to stop a bot attack (or prevent it from happening)
Bot attacks don’t just affect businesses. Your personal email, social networks, online banking, or even your purchase history are potential targets for these types of threats. Therefore, you must take preventive measures before an incident puts your information or digital identity at risk.
Here are some key recommendations to protect yourself:
1. Strengthen your passwords and access
Avoid using the same password across multiple services and combine letters, numbers, and symbols. Whenever possible, Activate two-step verification: This way, even if a bot steals your password, it will still need a second code to access.
2. Watch your digital footprint
A bot may be collecting information about you without you realizing it. Qondar, Enthec’s solution for individuals, continuously monitors whether your personal data, passwords, or documents have been leaked on the web or dark web, and alerts you before they can be used in fraud.
3. Keep your devices updated
Both the operating system and the applications you use should always be at their most recent version. Many vulnerabilities exploited by bot attacks have already been fixed in the updates, but if you don’t install them, you’re still exposed.
4. Be careful what you share
Posting too much information on social media can make it easier for a bot to build a very detailed profile about you. Adjust your account privacy settings and think twice before uploading personal or location information.
5. Use real-time protection
In addition to a good antivirus, having a tool like Qondar allows you to receive alerts when your digital identity is at risk, even if the breach occurred outside of your devices.
The future of fighting bots
Artificial intelligence has made it easier to create more sophisticated and difficult-to-detect bots. At the same time, Cybersecurity also relies on AI to defend.. The key is to stay one step ahead.
Tools such as Kartos and Qondar offer that strategic advantage: anticipating threats instead of always lagging. And that, in the digital world, is essential.
Don’t wait to be a victim. Start monitoring your digital security today with Enthec.
Do you have questions about how to protect your business or personal data from bots and online threats? Contact the Enthec team and receive personalized advice for your case.