Description: BGP hijacking is a type of cyber attack that manipulates data routing on the Internet, redirecting traffic from one network to another without authorization. This phenomenon occurs when an attacker announces incorrect routes through the BGP protocol, which can lead to data interception, loss of connectivity, or overload of specific networks. This type of attack is particularly dangerous because it can be difficult to detect and mitigate, as BGP is a fundamental protocol for the functioning of the Internet, used to exchange routing information between different autonomous systems. The decentralized nature of BGP means there is no central authority overseeing or validating the announced routes, making it an attractive target for attackers. In the context of DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) protection, BGP hijacking can be used to redirect traffic to a specific server, overwhelming it and causing service disruptions. The complexity of this attack lies in its ability to affect multiple networks and services simultaneously, which can result in devastating consequences for the affected organizations.
History: BGP hijacking has been a known issue since the 1990s when the BGP protocol was adopted as the standard for routing on the Internet. One of the most notable incidents occurred in 2008 when an incorrect route announcement by a telecommunications provider in Pakistan diverted YouTube traffic, causing the site to be inaccessible in various parts of the world. This event highlighted the vulnerability of BGP and led to increased focus on routing security.
Uses: BGP hijacking is primarily used in cyber attacks to redirect network traffic, which can result in the interception of sensitive data or the overload of specific servers. It can also be used as a spying technique to monitor data traffic from an organization or country. Additionally, some attackers may employ BGP hijacking as part of a broader DDoS attack strategy, redirecting traffic to a target to overwhelm it.
Examples: An example of BGP hijacking occurred in 2010 when a group of hackers redirected traffic from several North American telecommunications networks to a server in China. This incident allowed attackers to intercept sensitive data and monitor network traffic. Another notable case was the attack on data security company Cloudflare’s network in 2019, where traffic was redirected through unauthorized routes, causing service disruptions.
