ASUS has announced that during the first half of 2016, its AiProtection network security software — an integral feature of selected ASUS routers — neutralized almost five million internet-based threats and nearly 150 million blocked attempts to visit websites with hidden security threats. This represents a daily average of approximately 1.5 attacks and risks neutralized on each AiProtection-enabled router.
AiProtection is a router-based security software developed in response to the security needs of modern home networks. It incorporates advanced technology from Trend Micro™ — including the first consumer implementation of commercial-grade intrusion prevention technology — to detect, block and neutralize security threats on home networks. AiProtection can prevent infected devices — even those without anti-virus capabilities, such as Internet of Things (IoT) devices — from sending personal information to malicious web servers. The proactive protection given by AiProtection is also a key feature that helps defend the network from devices with missing or out-of-date security protection.
With the recent evolving types of threats associated with ‘smart’ IoT devices, home routers are increasingly the focal point of network security. Traditional infection vectors such as viruses and malware are now augmented by more insidious cyber-threats, including ransomware, phishing and other social engineering attacks, which are aimed at stealing or extorting money or compromising users’ personal data. AiProtection actively provides secured home network through commercial-grade technology, actively blocking malicious websites, connections between infected devices and malicious servers, and providing home network security auditing.
Commercial-grade technology
ASUS AiProtection includes a commercial-grade intrusion prevention system (IPS). This features a sophisticated Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) engine to analyze the contents of all data packets entering or leaving the home network, and block any malicious or suspicious packets, regardless of the device they originated from.
AiProtection is updated automatically, with both scheduled and rapid-reaction updates ensuring the most up-to-date protection for users’ devices.
During the first half of 2016, analysis of ASUS AiProtection activity on the installed base of ASUS routers indicated that over almost five million internet-based attacks were prevented, which is an average of over 1.5 attacks per day on each AiProtection-enabled router.
Blocks malicious websites
ASUS AiProtection incorporates the cloud-based Trend Micro Web Reputation Services (WRS), which intercepts URL requests and checks them with the WRS database before allowing access. If the URL is found to be malicious, it is blocked, protecting the user from potential threats.
According to Trend Micro[1], 76 percent of ransomware is delivered via spam email. Links to malicious sites contained in such emails, or posted on other unsafe websites, are one of the main sources of ransomware infections.
The scale of the problem can be seen from the fact that on a single day, over 800,000 requests to access malicious sites were successfully blocked by AiProtection.
Blocks infected devices
Infected devices connected to a network can function as gateways that allow other devices on the network to be infected, or help relay private data to external servers. ASUS AiProtection detects infected devices and prevents them from compromising the local network. It also severs any suspicious external connections. Users are immediately notified via email if this happens, so they can take appropriate action.
Easy home network security auditing
ASUS AiProtection also offers users an easy way to check the overall security of their home network. It scans 14 critical router settings and alerts users to potential risks, as well as recommending ways to fix the problems.
[1] Source: http://www.trendmicro.com/vinfo/us/security/news/cybercrime-and-digital-threats/by-the-numbers-ransomware-rising
