Features

Keeping off DDOS attacks

Published

8 years ago

December 21, 2016

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Enterprise Businesses have been facing rising DDOS attacks in terms of size, complexity and frequency which calls for a multi-layered approach

Distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, is seen as a frequently used strategy by cyber criminals in disrupting Businesses. The impact of a DDoS attack can be quite disastrous for a company’s Business. It is executed through all possible devices with an IP address to send a traffic overload to a targeted network. The targeted network’s system are unable to accommodate the web traffic that is being directed to it and goes down. As one of the prominent areas of an ever evolving landscape of cyber security threats, the need for Advanced detection and mitigation solutions for DDoS is quite critical.

Mahmoud Samy, Regional Director, ME R CIS at Arbor, the security division of NETSCOUT says, “When you talk to CIOs, CTOs etc, they are unanimous that DDOS is one aspect they cannot compromise with. That is because DDOS attack affects company’s financials, reputation, credibility of service etc. While there may still be time taken to mull over other security aspects and strategies, as far as DDOS protection is concerned, you have to be ready to thwart potential DDOS attacks from day one. Hence there cannot be any compromise. It has to be top of the list priority.”

Global DDoS attack data for the first six months of 2016 shows a continuing escalation in the both the size and frequency of attacks, according to data gathered through ATLAS, a collaborative partnership with more than 330 service provider customers who share anonymous traffic data with Arbor in order to deliver a comprehensive, aggregated view of global traffic and threats. ATLAS provides the data for the Digital Attack Map, a visualization of global attack traffic created in collaboration with Google Ideas.

In recent years, enterprise Businesses have been facing rising DDOS attacks in terms of size, complexity and frequency. With DDoS tools that are available for free downloads or purchase online, almost anyone with least technical skills can pull off an attack on a target’s web assets. However, there could in fact be a variety of reasons behind a DDoS attack and could also include diversionary tactics.

Mahmoud says, “Success could be 100% from a DDoS attack on an organization that doesn’t have the protection. Protection has to be in place before an event. Attackers can reach their objectives in no time, if there is no protection. There are also simple do it yourself DDoS attacks available on Internet which makes it is easier to launch DDoS attacks.”

He adds, “The attacks could come in different look and feel. They could be volumetric attacks, application attacks or exhausting attacks. Volumetric attack is a flood of traffic targeted to a destination whereas application attacks target a specific application to take it down. Exhausting attacks target security devices – they try and convert the devices that are meant to defend to launch attacks or be the gateway of attacks. Some attacks can be a combination of the three.”

Chris Gale, EMEA Partner Director at A10 Networks at A10 Networks opines these attacks could arise from hit and run strategies orchestrated by untrained individuals or hackers.

According to him, “Considering these attacks are typically the least organized, and pulled off by the least technical individuals, they are the easiest to prevent. Unskilled troublemakers typically will use a paid service to pull off the attacks, making it costly to sustain long-term. By optimizing your network configuration, and utilizing technology with robust load balancing capabilities, the risks posed by these attacks are greatly minimized.”

The attacks could also have origins in political protests or could be traced to even competitors looking to hurt the financials of the company. It may also be a diversionary tactic to sustain the attention of IT staff to the DDoS related mitigation while the cyber criminals execute a more serious incursion into the network.

Chris opines that the fact that a DDoS attack is being used as a smokescreen for a larger security incident is not realized until it’s too late. The best defense therefore is to ensure that all normal cybersecurity processes are continued in the wake of an attack and never assuming the worst is over. Finally, the origin of the attack may also lie in an effort at extracting ransom from Businesses that can’t afford downtime on their systems for protracted periods.

In the era of IoT devices, the threat factor is manifold. The most recent instance is the DDoS attack last month against Dyn, a New Hampshire-based company that hosts DNS zones for many companies. The DDoS attack used the Mirai botnet, which consists of thousands of compromised “Internet of Things” devices, including IP cameras and digital video recorders. The DDoS attack sent enormous volumes of traffic-most of it not DNS-to Dyn’s name servers, overwhelming them and rendering them unable to respond to legitimate queries. The result was that many of Dyn’s customers were unreachable from the Internet, including high-profile companies such as Twitter, Amazon, Netflix and Reddit.

Providing an insight into what enterprises in the Middle East can do to withstand such an attack, Cherif Sleiman, Managing Director, Middle East and Africa at Infoblox says, “Infoblox’s best practices recommend using a combination of on-premises appliances and a DNS hosting provider to support external authoritative name service. A customer following this recommendation would have withstood the attack against Dyn, as their on-premises authoritative name servers would have been accessible throughout the attack. ”

Cherif adds, “Infoblox provides the instrumentation and capabilities underneath the network intelligence where we can uncover insights across your network, security, datacenter layers and the cloud. We are trying to reduce the latency between the time it takes to discover something is amiss and the action that solves the issue.”

In the region, Telecom providers are also playing a significant role in ensuring DDoS protection and driving awareness in their role as MSSPs.

“Service providers are also helping promote the role of DDOS security and they are selling it as a managed service. They have to ensure that their major customers are protected; otherwise the problems could multiply. We have partnered with service providers including Etisalat, STC and du who use our solutions and they are in turn providing DDOS solutions as managed services to the enterprise market, including key verticals such as Financial sector, oil & gas, government sector etc, “says Arbor’s Mahmoud.

Research Team (ASERT) and reportedly, LizardStresser, an IoT botnet was used to launch attacks as large as 400Gbps targeting gaming sites worldwide, Brazilian financial institutions, ISPs and government institutions. In this case, according to ASERT, the attack packets do not appear to be from spoofed source addresses – and no UDP (User Datagram Protocol) based amplification protocols such as NTP (Network Time Protocol) or SNMP were used.

The ASERT report documented that a majority of recent large attacks leverage the Reflection amplification technique using DNS servers, NTP, Chargen and Simple Service Discovery Protocol (SSDP). DNS is currently seen as the most prevalent protocol used in 2016 and adding more cause for concern, the average size of DNS reflection amplification attacks has been growing. Further, while even a 1 Gbps DDoS attack is arguably enough to take most organizations completely off line, the average attack size in 1H 2016 had reached 986Mbps, showing a 30% increase over 2015 and is projected to be 1.15Gbps by end of 2016.

Since the range of attacks is quite varied, from high bandwidth to as low as 1 Gbps, the need is for a hybrid, or multi-layer DDoS defense. According to Darren Anstee, Arbor Networks Chief Security Technologist, high bandwidth attacks are best mitigated in the cloud, away from the intended target. However, 80% of all attacks are still less than 1Gbps and 90% last less than one hour and therefore on-premise protection provides the rapid reaction needed and is key against “low and slow” application-layer attacks, as well as state exhaustion attacks targeting infrastructure such as firewalls and IPS.

Offering protection against volumetric flood of data, a key identifier of a DDoS attack, A10 Networks offers Threat Protect System (TPS) appliances and has recently unveiled the latest edition products.

According to Adil Baghir, Sr. Systems Engineer at A10 Networks, many of the available solutions are arguably limited in terms of DDoS mitigation performance and A10 Networks is seeking to address these shortcomings with its latest TPS. The manufacturer’s new group of TPS appliances unveiled in October, provides up to 300 Gbps of DDoS protection in a single box. The top-end device is the new Thunder 14045, which is a 3 RU (rack unit) appliance powered by four 18-core Intel Xeon processors.

Adil adds, “Many existing solutions introduce high latency into the networks and also offer very limited deployment options. We are addressing these issues with our latest launch October of the new TPS appliances which offer the fastest DDoS mitigation solution offering from 1 Gbps to 300 Gbps throughput DDoS mitigation.”

While more awareness is building up in the market about the evolving nature of DDoS threats, more companies in the region could look into having the right solutions in place. The role of the channel in driving awareness goes hand in hand with vendors who have been at the forefront of DDoS technologies.

Mahmoud adds, “The awareness in the market about DDoS is getting better compared to 4-5 years. Arbor has been educating the market regarding DDoS threats for nearly 15 years now. In the early years, no one else was talking of DDoS but that has changed in the past few years. Almost every CIO is talking about it which goes to prove that the awareness is now a lot better.”

Finally, a multi-layered approach is key to having the best chance against staving off such attacks. A no-compromise approach should be the mantra towards securing effectively against DDoS attacks.

Features

Redefining Real Estate: The Rise of Wellness-Centric Spaces

Published

2 months ago

March 14, 2025

Integrator Web-Editor

By Mark Phoenix – CEO of Sankari

The way we think about real estate is evolving, and at the heart of this change is a renewed focus on wellness. As we become more aware of the profound impact our living environments have on our health and well-being, it’s clear that real estate must go beyond aesthetics and luxury—it must support a lifestyle of vitality and longevity. To me, true luxury is no longer defined solely by opulence but by spaces that promote health, balance, and connection.

The demand for wellness-oriented spaces is growing rapidly, and real estate developers must rise to meet it. Today’s buyers are looking for more than just high-end finishes and exclusive locations—they want environments that enhance their well-being. Integrating wellness features such as fitness centers, yoga studios, meditation areas, and holistic health services is no longer an option; it’s a necessity. These spaces don’t just add value to a property; they create communities that create physical health, mental clarity, and social engagement.

Wellness-centric design is about more than just adding amenities—it’s about creating environments that encourage movement, relaxation, and human connection. By prioritizing well-being in real estate, developers can offer residents a lifestyle that aligns with modern values and aspirations. These spaces cultivate a sense of belonging, allowing people to come together in ways that enrich their lives beyond the walls of their homes.

Beyond individual benefits, wellness-focused communities have a lasting impact on society. As more people seek out homes that support their health, the real estate industry has an opportunity to lead this cultural shift. Developments that incorporate sustainable materials, biophilic design, and eco-friendly building practices not only benefit residents but also contribute to a healthier planet.

In the ultra-luxury segment, this focus on wellness is especially meaningful. The most sought-after properties are no longer just about extravagance—they are about creating a sanctuary where people can rejuvenate both physically and mentally. True luxury lies in thoughtful, health-driven design that enhances everyday life in meaningful ways.

Designing for wellness also means partnering with visionary architects and designers who understand the importance of both form and function. In regions with challenging climates, for example, innovative solutions can help reduce environmental impact while enhancing comfort and efficiency. Securing sustainability certifications like LEED further reinforces a commitment to responsible development and aligns with the global movement toward eco-conscious living.

For me, integrating wellness into real estate is more than just a trend—it’s a deeply personal mission and a strategic imperative. The places we live should do more than just shelter us; they should actively contribute to our health and happiness. By embedding wellness into the very foundation of luxury real estate, we’re not just shaping beautiful spaces—we’re shaping better lives.

Features

We are bringing tradition to every table in just five minutes

Published

2 months ago

February 20, 2025

Integrator Web-Editor

Exclusive Interview with Ashvin Subramanyam, CEO International Business, Orkla India

In this exclusive interview, Ashvin Subramanyam, CEO of International Business at Orkla India, shares insights on the brand’s participation at Gulfood 2025 and its mission to blend tradition with innovation in the Middle East. With the launch of Eastern’s 5-Minute Breakfast range and a refreshed Arabic spice portfolio, Orkla IMEA is redefining convenience without compromising on authenticity.

What can we expect from Orkla IMEA’s presence at Gulfood 2025, and how significant is this event for your brand’s growth in the region?

At Gulfood 2025, Orkla IMEA, subsidiary of Orkla India, is set to make a strong impact by unveiling the Eastern 5-Minute Breakfast range, designed to bring the authentic flavors of Kerala to the fast-growing ready-to-cook market in the Middle East. In addition, visitors can expect a refreshed Arabic spice portfolio, reflecting Orkla India’s continued commitment to catering to the diverse culinary preferences of the region.

Gulfood is a key platform for us as it enables us to showcase our latest innovations to a global audience, including retailers, distributors, and food industry leaders. The Middle East is a strategic market for our expansion. By blending tradition with convenience, our goal through this event is to become a household name across diverse communities in the region, reinforcing our commitment to quality, authenticity, and innovation in packaged foods.

How does Gulfood help Orkla IMEA connect with new markets, consumers, and industry partners, particularly in the Middle East?

Gulfood serves as a vital gateway for Orkla India to connect with new markets, consumers, and industry partners through its subsidiary Orkla IMEA in the Middle East. As one of the world’s largest food and beverage trade exhibitions, it provides an unparalleled opportunity to engage directly with key stakeholders, including retailers, distributors, and hospitality businesses, facilitating strategic partnerships and market expansion.

For Orkla India, this event is instrumental in understanding regional consumer trends, preferences, and evolving dietary habits, particularly in the fast-growing packaged food sector. The launch of the Eastern 5-Minute Breakfast range and refreshed Arabic spice portfolio at Gulfood allows us to showcase our innovation in convenience-driven yet authentic culinary solutions.

By participating in Gulfood, we strengthen our brand presence, foster collaborations with regional partners, and position ourselves as a trusted name in ethnic and mainstream food categories. It’s a key milestone in our vision to become a household name in the Middle East.

Eastern is set to unveil its preservative-free quick South Indian 5-Minute Breakfast range. What was the inspiration behind this concept?

The Eastern 5-Minute Breakfast range was inspired by the growing need for convenient, time-saving meal solutions that do not compromise on authentic taste and quality. South Indian breakfasts, particularly Kerala’s traditional dishes, are deeply rooted in culture, requiring significant time and effort to prepare. However, with modern lifestyles becoming increasingly fast-paced, many consumers struggle to recreate these meals from scratch.

Recognizing this shift, Eastern set out to bridge the gap between tradition and convenience by crafting a range that retains the authentic flavours and textures of Kerala’s most-loved breakfasts while eliminating the long preparation time. The preservative-free formula ensures that consumers enjoy fresh, wholesome meals made from high-quality ingredients in just three easy steps, ready in five minutes.

With this innovation, Eastern empowers busy professionals, young families, and expatriates to stay connected to their culinary heritage without compromising on their schedules, making traditional breakfast accessible anytime, anywhere in just 5 minutes.

Can you give us an insight into the development process behind this 5-Minute Breakfast range, especially in maintaining authentic South Indian flavors without preservatives?

The development process for our 5-Minute Breakfast range began with a deep understanding of our consumers’ evolving lifestyles and their desire for authentic Kerala-style breakfasts that eliminate a lengthy preparation process. We identified a unique need-gap: while traditional dishes like Puttu, Appam, and Idiyappam are much-loved, the time and effort they require can be challenging in today’s fast-paced world.

Our journey involved benchmarking these dishes to the traditional methods used by homemakers, capturing the essence of how an amma would prepare them at home. This set the standard for the flavor profiles we aimed to achieve. The challenge was to replicate the authentic taste and texture while ensuring our products were preservative-free.

Our R&D team worked tirelessly, conducting extensive trials to balance authenticity and convenience. Through our innovation center we crafted recipes that retain the goodness of traditional Kerala breakfasts while being ready in just five minutes. With this range, Eastern redefines breakfast convenience, allowing families to savor the true flavors of Kerala in a fraction of time.

With over one million Keralites in the UAE, how does Eastern plan to cater to both the traditional tastes of this community and the broader multicultural audience?

With almost two million Keralites in the UAE, Eastern understands the deep emotional and cultural connection this community has with its traditional cuisine. The Eastern 5-Minute Breakfast range is designed to preserve the authentic flavours of Kerala while offering a convenient solution for modern lifestyles. By using high-quality ingredients and a preservative-free formula, the range ensures that the taste and texture remain true to tradition, making it an ideal choice for Malayalees longing for home-cooked meals.

While there are other instant and ready-to-eat options in the market, Eastern’s range stands out by offering dishes like Puttu and Palappam, which traditionally require culinary expertise and time-consuming preparation. These dishes are not widely available in the quick- convenience food category.

At the same time, Eastern is expanding its reach to a broader multicultural audience by showcasing South Indian cuisine as a flavourful, nutritious, and easy-to-prepare option for all. The simplicity of the 3 Easy Steps preparation makes these dishes accessible to non-South Indian consumers who are eager to explore new flavours. Through strategic retail partnerships, digital outreach and and aggressive in-store sampling, Eastern aims to introduce and establish South Indian breakfast as a preferred choice for consumers in this region.

What’s one thing about Orkla IMEA that people might not know but should?

While Orkla IMEA was incorporated recently, we have been in the region for over 25 years now, through our brand Eastern.

Features

2025 Hospitality Tech Trends

Published

3 months ago

February 12, 2025

Integrator Web-Editor

By Prince Thampi, Founder and CEO, Hudini

As we approach 2025, the hospitality industry is poised for transformational growth, driven by evolving traveller preferences and advancements in technology. The future of hospitality promises enhanced convenience, personalisation and sustainability, with a significant focus on creating memorable experiences for guests. Let’s dive into five key trends that will shape the hospitality tech landscape in 2025 and beyond.

The Continued Rise of Frictionless Technology

The increased demand for frictionless experiences is set to dominate the industry, with more and more travellers preferring hotels that offer touch-free check-in, check-out, and room access via mobile apps. This trend reflects a broader shift towards easy interactions powered by seamless digital integration. Mobile apps have been an essential tool for a few years now, enabling guests to manage their stays, order room service, and access hotel information effortlessly. With the introduction of Gen AI, those apps have become more powerful than ever and are now able to provide highly personalised recommendations and speak in different languages.

Hotels embracing this trend will gain a competitive edge, as tech-savvy travellers prioritise convenience and efficiency during their stay. According to a recent survey by Deloitte, around 72% of travellers are more likely to choose a hotel that offers mobile check-in and check-out services over those that don’t.

Hyper Personalised Guest Experiences

In 2025, personalisation will continue to be at the core of hospitality services but will finally be taken to the next level thanks to Gen AI. Guests expect hotels to anticipate their needs and offer tailored experiences, from customised room settings to personalised dining recommendations. Apps powered by AI are now able to predict guest needs based on a wealth of data, ingested from the hotel systems or fed externally.

Leveraging guest data and insights, hotels can create unique offerings that cater to individual preferences. This level of personalisation not only enhances guest satisfaction but also fosters loyalty and repeat bookings. According to Oracle’s findings, biometrics and AI are set to play pivotal roles, with 62% of guests valuing automated recognition for personalised interactions. Biometrics will experience a breakthrough into mainstream hospitality in 2025. Facial recognition technology has matured significantly and is ready to be weaved into the guest experience. It will enable better security and guest recognition while protecting their privacy at the same time.

AI-Enabled Customer Service

Artificial intelligence is revolutionising every aspect of the hospitality industry, but will be by itself a new way of providing customer service. Chatbots and virtual assistants are becoming standard tools for handling common queries, offering instant support, and streamlining operations at any time and in any language.

AI-driven solutions not only enhance efficiency but also provide guests with 24/7 assistance, ensuring a smoother and more satisfying experience. By integrating AI technologies, hotels can free up staff to focus on delivering exceptional in-person service.

Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Practices

Sustainability is no longer optional, it’s a necessity often enforced by regulation. Travellers are increasingly favouring hotels that adopt eco-friendly practices, such as using locally sourced food, implementing energy-efficient operations, and reducing waste.

By prioritising sustainability, hotels not only meet guest expectations but also contribute positively to the environment. This commitment to green initiatives enhances brand reputation and attracts environmentally conscious travellers. A recent survey by Booking.com found that 83% of global respondents believe more sustainable travel is vital, with 49% believing there aren’t enough sustainable travel options and 53% saying they get annoyed when a hotel prevents them from being sustainable.

Smart use of technology is key in the sustainability journey of hotels. Technology can accurately measure the reduction in carbon footprint, it will help reduce energy and adopt renewable energy sources, and will enable the effective management of food waste. Many hospitality apps allow guests to apply green energy settings to a room, some will even exchange your energy savings to loyalty points.

The return of ‘real’

With Gen Z – the first generation grown up with everything digital – becoming the next large group to travel, the craving for ‘real’ experiences is bigger than it ever was. Hotels focusing on truly unique and hyper local experiences; a great meal, cultural outing, or wellness treatment will win the hearts of this generation.

Fortunately hotel apps, AI, automation of processes, sustainability tech and the removal of cumbersome processes like checking-in and studying paper manuals will free up hotel staff to allow them to do what they do best: providing unforgettable, personalised and sustainable experiences.