Playbook Volume 11 - ChannelVision Magazine - Digital Transformation

Bots can be defined as programs or scripts that execute automated tasks. They can be used for posi- tive purposes, such as monitoring websites and pick- ing up content for search engines. However, there are bad bots that are used for malicious purposes including stealing data, spamming websites, aiding in distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks and other nefarious intentions. According to Radware, 21.5 per- cent of total internet traffic in the first quarter of this year was comprised of bad bots. Many businesses, however, remain in the dark about these programs. There’s an opportunity at hand for agents to spread awareness, and to sell bot man- agement programs that protect corporate networks from harmful traffic. We spoke with Ron Winward, security evangelist for North America at Radware, who shared some in- sight about this emerging cybersecurity trend. Battle of the Bots H umans aren’t the only ones surfing the web anymore. Businesses now must contend with a growing army of bots, which are lurking beneath the surface and growing in sophistication with each passing year. Bot management may be the most important security tool your customers don’t have By Gerald Baldino 10 THE CHANNEL MANAGER’S PLAYBOOK