Blocking dangerous domains automatically for improved protection

Understanding the landscape of scams and threats

Before diving into the importance of blocking malicious domains, it's crucial to understand the types of threats we're dealing with:

Malware: Malicious software designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorised access to computer systems. Malware can come in many forms, including viruses, worms, trojans, and ransomware.

Phishing attacks: These involve tricking individuals into providing sensitive information, such as passwords or credit card numbers, by masquerading as a trustworthy entity through emails and on websites.

Command-and-Control Servers: Used by cybercriminals to control compromised devices, often as part of a botnet, to perform malicious activities like launching DDoS attacks—which flood a connection with communication requests—or distributing spam.

The scale of the problem

The statistics around cyber threats are staggering. According to a 2023 report by Cybersecurity Ventures, global cybercrime costs are expected to reach $10.5 trillion annually by 2025, up from $3 trillion in 2015. This growth is driven by the increasing sophistication of cyberattacks and the expanding attack surface as more devices connect to the internet.

A study by the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) revealed that in 2022, Australians reported over 67,500 cybercrimes, with phishing being the most common type of attack. The ACSC also noted that cybercrime reports increased by 13% compared to the previous year, highlighting the growing threat.

Why blocking malicious domains matters

Blocking domains known to distribute malware, launch phishing attacks, or host command-and-control servers is a proactive measure that can significantly enhance your home network's security. Here's why it's important:

1. Preventing unauthorised access

By blocking malicious domains, you prevent your devices from communicating with known harmful sites. This reduces the risk of unauthorised access to your network and devices. Cybercriminals often use compromised websites as entry points to infiltrate networks and steal sensitive data.

2. Protecting personal information

Phishing attacks often target personal information. By blocking domains associated with phishing, you can protect your family from scams designed to steal sensitive information like usernames and passwords, credit card information, tax file numbers, and banking details.

3. Reducing the risk of malware infections

Malware can cause significant damage, from corrupting files to locking you out of your system until a ransom is paid. This could include photos, documents, and more. Blocking domains known to distribute malware helps prevent these infections, safeguarding your devices and data.

Implementing domain blocking with Arbiio

Without the need for expensive new home network hardware or the installation of software, Arbiio’s DNS service makes it easy to block an immense volume of known malicious domains. At the flick of a switch, we remove the ability to access harmful sites before they can be loaded on your devices.

By blocking domains known to distribute malware, launch phishing attacks, or host command-and-control servers, you can significantly reduce the risk of cyber threats and ensure the safety and privacy of your family.

As cyber threats continue to grow in scale and complexity, taking proactive measures to secure your home network is not just wise—it's necessary. By implementing domain blocking and staying informed, you can create a safer online environment for your family, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of technology without the fear of cybercrime.