What does blended attack mean?

A Blended Attack represents a special form of attack in the field of cybercrime. The term "Blended" stands for "mixed" or "combined," which means "a mixture of different techniques." Generally, a Blended Attack has two main components: First, automated bots are used to identify potential targets. Then, a human hacker takes control to carry out the actual attack.

Process of a Blended Attack

1. Automated Reconnaissance:
   Specially programmed bots scan the internet for vulnerable systems and security gaps. They collect information about potential targets, which can include HTTP headers, IP addresses, cookies, etc.
2. Human Decision:
   A hacker analyzes the collected data and selects worthwhile targets for the attack. This is where human experience and creativity come into play. Usually, this process, as in the case of Argos, is partially automated due to dealing with large amounts of data.
3. Targeted Attack:
   The cybercriminal manually infiltrates the selected system and carries out the actual attack. The approach is individually adapted to the target. It is effective, relatively hard to detect, and can cause significant damage. Temporally, this point is usually strongly separated from the first phase, so that no direct connection between bot and hacker is discernible.

It's often observed that Blended Attacks are particularly effective. The combination of automated preliminary work and human expertise makes them a serious threat. Therefore, it's important that companies take a holistic approach to their IT security and consider both technical and human factors.

Why are Blended Attacks so dangerous?

The danger of Blended Attacks lies in their flexibility and adaptability. Through the combination of different techniques, they can often bypass classic security measures. Additionally, the human component allows for situational adaptation of the attack strategy.

Main Risks of Blended Attacks

1. Hard to detect:
   Due to the mixture of automated and manual techniques, Blended Attacks are often harder to identify than conventional attacks.
2. High success rate:
   The targeted selection of vulnerable systems significantly increases the probability of a successful attack.
3. Various damage possibilities:
   Depending on the target, data can be stolen, systems encrypted, or further attacks prepared. The flexibility makes defense complex.

A study by market research company Vanson Bourne from 2019 reportedly shows that Blended Attacks are discovered on average after 13 hours. Unfortunately, we couldn't find the direct source - this information is stated by many professional magazines, so we'll leave it with this note. From practice, we know: The data will be roughly accurate, it takes hours until an attack of this type is detected. This gives attackers plenty of time to cause damage. This is where improvement of detection and response times should begin.

How can you protect against Blended Attacks?

Protection against Blended Attacks requires a comprehensive approach. It's not enough to rely on individual security measures. Instead, a combination of technical solutions, employee training, and organizational measures is necessary.

Important Protection Measures

1. Multi-layered security architecture:
   Implement robust firewall, anti-virus, and patch management. Supplement this with intrusion detection and prevention systems.
2. Penetration tests and Red Teaming:
   Without these two instruments, it's difficult to assess your own security. Have regular tests conducted to identify and fix vulnerabilities.
3. Regular security updates:
   Keep all systems and applications up to date. This closes known security gaps that could be exploited by bots.
4. Employee training:
   Sensitize your employees to the dangers of cyber attacks. Train them in recognizing suspicious activities and in the secure handling of IT systems.
5. Incident Response Plan:
   Develop a detailed plan for the case of a successful attack. Quick and coordinated reactions can significantly limit the damage.

Generally, there is no hundred percent security against Blended Attacks. However, through the combination of various protection measures, the risk can be significantly reduced. Regular review and adjustment of the security strategy is essential to keep pace with the constantly evolving threat landscape.