UKFast is launching a new global DDoS protection platform – DDoSX
™ – reducing the risk of Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks for clients.
The launch of DDoSX comes just weeks after content delivery network Cloudflare revealed that a bug in an “ancient piece of software” caused sensitive data like cookies, passwords and authentication tokens to leak in plaintext from its users’ websites.
The move is a further step for the entrepreneur towards the security market, following the acquisition of cybersecurity consultancy Pentest Limited by Jones’ security business Secarma in July 2016 and government hosting and security specialists S-IA last month.
UKFast CEO Lawrence Jones MBE says: “We’ve been protecting our customers from DDoS attacks for years, but DDoSX gives users access to a global platform. It’s a simple, plug and play solution to a global problem and it’s making a real difference for UK businesses.”
DDoS attacks globally are increasing in intensity, duration and regularity; with average attack size in 2016 hitting 986Mbps, a 30% increase on 2015. DDoS attacks are also regularly used as a smokescreen to distract from more severe hacks.
Jones says: “The spike in DDoS attacks in recent years is alarming. With more hundreds of thousands of domains on our network, we inevitably see attacks every day and we’re working hard to help our clients protect themselves from accelerating online threats.
“DDoS attacks on eCommerce websites traditionally spike around peak shopping periods, creating the maximum amount of disruption possible. Downtime from a DDoS attack is incredibly damaging for online retailers, whose businesses depend on being up and running 24/7/365.”
A series of closely monitored points of presence in UKFast’s bespoke DDoS protection infrastructure absorb malicious traffic attempting to interfere with the user’s website. The purpose-built platform is designed using best-in-class technology to mitigate the most commonly occurring attacks.
Jones continues: “We’ve been helping our clients stay safe online for 17 years, continually upping our investment in security to adapt to the changing landscape. Today, security is the single most important element of managing your environment online. ‘It won’t happen to me’ just isn’t an acceptable security policy.”