US network security firm Arbor Networks announced the Fingerprint Sharing Alliance, an industry initiative aimed at helping network operators share internet attack information automatically.
The alliance marks the first time companies are able to share detailed attack profiles in real-time and block attacks closer to the source, it is claimed. This global alliance marks a significant step forward in the fight against Internet attacks and major infrastructure threats that cross network boundaries, continents and oceans. Global telecommunications companies participating in the Fingerprint Sharing Alliance include British Telecom, MCI and NTT Communications Carriers, network providers, hosting companies and educational institutions joining the Alliance include Energis in the UK.
As global infrastructure attacks, such as recent domain name server (DNS) attacks and worm outbreaks, become more distributed and diffused, network operators increasingly need to communicate faster and more efficiently with upstream providers and customers to resolve these attacks, claim Arbor Networks. Sharing attack information across business and network boundaries today has been a reactive and relationship-driven combination of e-mail and phone calls among colleagues. Before Arbor’s Fingerprint Sharing Alliance, no automated mechanism existed for sharing and receiving threat and attack information, it is claimed.
What they say
“We’re seeing more technology-savvy criminals trying to make money through denial of service extortion schemes,” said Senior Yankee Group Analyst Jim Slaby. “Service providers that are cooperating by sharing attack fingerprints are helping mitigate these threats more quickly and closer to the source, thus making the Internet a more secure place.” “MCI brings an unparalleled view into Internet security events around the globe,” said Mark Sitko, vice president of MCI Security Services Product Management. “As a member of the Fingerprint Sharing Alliance, the Internet community at large will benefit from MCI’s robust sources of security information, award-winning expertise and ongoing commitment to securing networks for our customers.” “When an attack hits, time is of the essence. By sharing the attack details providers are better able to protect their customers as the attack is mitigated closer to the point of origin, thus preventing collateral damage,” said Tom Schuster, president of Arbor Networks. “Arbor’s intent is to have global service providers join together to combat these cyber threats and protect the overall infrastructure of the internet.”
