In 2024, we identified several risks, but we will highlight one in particular: BGP hijacking.
The Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) is the backbone of the internet, responsible for routing data between different networks worldwide. It ensures that internet traffic finds the most efficient path to its destination by enabling network operators to exchange routing information.
BGP allows the internet to function as a global network of interconnected systems, directing traffic based on the best available routes. However, because it relies on trust, it is vulnerable to manipulation—leading to security threats like BGP hijacking.
This is a complex concept, but we will explain it in simple terms while covering the technical aspects.
You can compare this with the following. Imagine a person with malicious intent deliberately switching street signs in a town. For example, renaming High Street as Church Street and vice versa. The goal of this person would be to intercept a parcel by tricking the mailman into thinking he is delivering the parcel to the correct address, so he can intercept it.
BGP hijacking occurs when a network operator announces IP prefixes that they do not legitimately own, leading to the redirection of internet traffic. This can be intentional, with malicious objectives, or accidental due to configuration errors. However, the consequences are significant, including traffic interception, data theft, service disruptions, and large-scale attacks like Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS).
For example, hackers might create a website that looks identical to yours with the goal of credential theft. When the BGP hijacking occurs, your customers will then be redirected without knowing to the hackers fake website, entering their credentials. The hackers then can misuse your customers' credentials on the correct website.
To mitigate BGP hijacking, the solution consists of two key measures:
1. Route Origin Authorization (ROA) Validation
This is a security mechanism within the Resource Public Key Infrastructure (RPKI) framework that ensures only authorized Autonomous Systems (AS) can announce specific IP prefixes. A ROA is a cryptographically signed object created by an IP address holder, specifying which AS is permitted to originate routes for their IP prefixes.
During the Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) route validation process, network operators compare incoming route announcements against the ROAs stored in the RPKI. Each network operator that has implemented the RPKI infrastructure can now validate the announced pre-fixes of Cloud2be.
You can compare this with the following: The mailman will verify the correct address by verifying it on your passport before he delivers the parcel.
2. Resource Public Key Infrastructure (RPKI)
Our trusted telecommunications provider has implemented RPKI infrastructure on their backbone. This ensures that any invalid route announcements are dropped, guaranteeing that all Cloud2be public IP addresses and routes remain correct
You can compare this with the following: The mailman will no longer trust the physical street signs, but he will trust his GPS system.
You can validate whether your ISP has implemented a secure BGP setup to ensure your network's safety at https://isbgpsafeyet.com
BGP hijacking is a serious cybersecurity threat that can lead to traffic interception, data theft, and large-scale attacks like credential fraud and DDoS. Just as a mailman can be misled by swapped street signs, malicious actors can manipulate IP route announcements to redirect internet traffic.
To mitigate this, organizations must adopt Route Origin Authorization (ROA) validation and Resource Public Key Infrastructure (RPKI) to ensure only legitimate networks can announce IP prefixes. Securing BGP is essential to maintaining trust in online communications.
If you need assistance with securing your BGP or other cyber security challenges, don't hesitate to contact one of our experts.