Lumen mitigated DDoS attacks that targeted a single company more than 1,300 times

Dec 5, 2022

Lumen mitigated DDoS attacks that targeted a single company more than 1,300 times

Latest DDoS report reminds businesses that anyone can be target; vigilant defenses are key

DENVER, May 12, 2022 – Lumen Technologies (NYSE: LUMN) continues to track Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks around the world, and today the company released a report that details the DDoS statistics and trends for the first quarter 2022.

Key Findings:

• The number of DDoS attacks that Lumen scrubbed in Q1 2022 increased by 66% compared to Q4 2021, and by 32% compared to Q1 2021.
• Of the 500 largest attacks in Q1, 97% targeted the Telecommunications, Gaming, Software and Technology, Hosting, and Government verticals.
• Lumen protected one organization from more than 1,300 DDoS attacks – more than 20% of the total number of attacks scrubbed during the entire quarter.
• The same organization accounted for the largest bandwidth attack that has ever passed through Lumen’s scrubbing centers at 775 Gbps.

“Our first-quarter data shows just how important it is for businesses to maintain solid cyber defense strategies,” said Beth Kohler, senior director of Security Product Management for Lumen. “Anyone can be the target of a large attack at any time. Even a few minutes of downtime can cause serious damage to a company’s operations, revenue and reputation. Because the highly targeted customer uses Lumen’s Always-On DDoS Mitigation Service with Rapid Threat Defense, many attacks are blocked before they can do any damage. We can only imagine the harm these criminals could have caused to our customer (and their customers) had these attacks succeeded.”

Read the full report here: https://tinyurl.com/Q1DDoSReport

Other Findings:

• The largest packet rate-based attack scrubbed in Q1 was 127 Mpps, which was more than double what Lumen mitigated in Q4.
• The longest DDoS attack period Lumen mitigated for an individual customer in Q1 2022 lasted five days.
• Thirty two percent of all DDoS mitigations were single-vector, TCP SYN flooding attacks. This indicates that many actors are still relying on simple, tried-and-true attack methods.
• Multi-vector attacks seem to be the tactic of choice for the gaming and telecommunications sectors represented 38% of all DDoS mitigations.

Additional Resources: 

• To read previous DDoS reports, visit the archive.
• Learn how to recognize the signs of a DDoS attack: How to Tell if Your Business is Suffering from a DDoS Attack.
• Learn more about Lumen DDoS Mitigation and Application Security Services.
• See how Lumen can turn up DDoS mitigation services in as little 15 minutes with the on-demand or always-on services of DDoS Hyper, available through the Lumen Marketplace.
• Find out how threat intelligence from Black Lotus Labs helps keep the internet clean.

About Lumen Technologies and the People of Lumen:

Lumen is guided by our belief that humanity is at its best when technology advances the way we live and work. With approximately 450,000 route fiber miles and serving customers in more than 60 countries, we deliver the fastest, most secure platform for applications and data to help businesses, government and communities deliver amazing experiences. Learn more about the Lumen network, edge cloud, security, communication and collaboration solutions and our purpose to further human progress through technology at news.lumen.com/home, LinkedIn: /lumentechnologies, Twitter: @lumentechco, Facebook: /lumentechnologies, Instagram: @lumentechnologies and YouTube: /lumentechnologies. Lumen and Lumen Technologies are registered trademarks in the United States.

Media Contact:
Suzanne K. Dawe
Lumen Public Relations
P: 720.217.5476
suzanne.dawe@lumen.com

Disney Streaming and Lumen lead global effort through the Streaming Video Alliance to improve the quality and reliability of streaming video

Apr 21, 2022

Disney Streaming and Lumen lead global effort through the Streaming Video Alliance to improve the quality and reliability of streaming video

Companies working together to standardize CDN configuration metadata for the streaming industry

DENVER, April 21, 2022 – Bringing high-quality video content to billions of screens worldwide is a complex series of processes that requires careful cooperation between content publishers, content delivery networks (CDNs), and internet service providers (ISPs). To simplify and increase the efficiency of streaming video delivery, Disney Streaming and Lumen Technologies are leading an effort to produce standardized CDN configuration metadata and application programming interfaces (APIs) for the streaming video industry.

The multi-year effort is made possible by both companies’ leadership and participation in the Streaming Video Alliance (SVA), a consortium of 100+ businesses in the video industry that work together to improve the streaming experience for consumers.

About the Project

• Standardized metadata will allow content providers to use a common metadata model and a single API to publish CDN configurations to vendors.
  • Without this standardization, organizations must separately model and publish metadata within each CDN vendor’s proprietary API or management portal.
  • For large organizations with multiple brands, proprietary APIs are inefficient, error-prone, and costly – issues that negatively affect the customer experience.
• With contributions and leadership from Disney Streaming and Lumen, the SVA recently published the first version of the Configuration Interface Specifications – the technical specifications document that will serve as the streaming industry’s guide for standardization. Version two is underway, and work is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

“We believe all streaming providers will benefit from standardization across commercial CDN providers and the Open Cache industry, which is why we’ve led the charge, working alongside companies like Lumen, on evangelizing this important work,” said Michael Fay, vice president, software engineering, Disney Streaming. “Hundreds of millions of subscribers already engage with Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+ and Star+, and as demand increases for our direct-to-consumer platforms, we believe standardization will be a key driver in maintaining our reputation in delivering a high-quality viewing experience for subscribers at scale.”

“Lumen operates one of the largest CDNs in the world via the Lumen Edge Platform, which provides unmatched performance and speed for latency-sensitive, data-intensive applications and content,” said Pierre-louis Theron, Lumen vice president of product management for content delivery services. “Developing standards that reduce complexity for our media customers is key to our shared success, now and in the future. We will continue to contribute significant work and insight to the standardization effort, relying on the deep expertise we have gained from years of experience building and operating our own CDN.”

“Commercial CDNs and open caching systems have many common requirements when it comes to defining and publishing configuration metadata,” said Glenn Goldstein, Lumen CDN product strategist and lead editor of the SVA’s Configuration Interface Specifications. “We knew we could help the industry leverage those commonalities while still helping every company achieve its own interests. We started by agreeing upon a set of drivers that benefited all industry participants. These included standardizing feature definitions, providing for DevOps-friendly automation, and allowing technology vendors to differentiate.”

Disney Streaming is part of Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution (DMED), which delivers the Company’s unparalleled storytelling to audiences worldwide across theatrical, streaming, and linear platforms. DMED is responsible for the monetization of content from the Company’s content engines — Studios, General Entertainment and Sports. This includes P&L management and operations of the Company’s portfolio of streaming services, including Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+, and Star+; its linear television channels the ABC-owned stations; theatrical film distribution; content licensing and distribution; and global advertising sales.

About Lumen Technologies and the People of Lumen:

Lumen is guided by our belief that humanity is at its best when technology advances the way we live and work. With approximately 500,000 route fiber miles and serving customers in more than 60 countries, we deliver the fastest, most secure platform for applications and data to help businesses, government and communities deliver amazing experiences. Learn more about the Lumen network, edge cloud, security, communication and collaboration solutions and our purpose to further human progress through technology at news.lumen.com/home, LinkedIn: /lumentechnologies, Twitter: @lumentechco, Facebook: /lumentechnologies, Instagram: @lumentechnologies and YouTube: /lumentechnologies. Lumen and Lumen Technologies are registered trademarks in the United States.

Media Contacts:

Suzanne K. Dawe
Lumen Public Relations
P: 720.217.5476
suzanne.dawe@lumen.com

Kristie Adler
Disney Streaming Communications
P: 646.547.5637
kristie.adler@disney.com

Lumen Technologies recognized as one of the ‘Best Places to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality’

Mar 2, 2022

Lumen Technologies recognized as one of the ‘Best Places to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality’

Lumen Technologies Earns Top Score in Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2022 Corporate Equality Index

MONROE, Feb. 2, 2022 –  For the  fourth consecutive year, Lumen Technologies (NYSE: LUMN) has earned a score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation’s annual Corporate Equality Index (CEI). This places Lumen firmly on the list as one of the best places to work for LGBTQ+ equality. CEI is the nation’s foremost benchmarking survey and report measuring corporate policies, practices and benefits related to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) employees.

“When the Human Rights Campaign Foundation created the Corporate Equality Index 20 years ago, we dreamed that LGBTQ+ workers—from the factory floor to corporate headquarters, in big cities and small towns—could have access to the policies and benefits needed to thrive and live life authentically,” said Jay Brown, HRC Senior Vice President of Programs, Research and Training. “We are proud that the Corporate Equality Index paved the way to that reality for countless LGBTQ+ workers in America and abroad. But there is still more to do, which is why we are raising the bar yet again to create more equitable workplaces and a better tomorrow for LGBTQ+ workers everywhere. Congratulations to Lumen Technologies for achieving the title of ‘best places to work for LGBTQ+ equality’ and working to advance inclusion in the workplace.”

The results of the 2022 CEI showcase how 1,271 U.S.-based companies are not only promoting LGBTQ+-friendly workplace policies but are helping advance the cause of LGBTQ+ inclusion in workplaces abroad.

“We are so proud of our diverse workforce and are honored to be recognized for the fourth consecutive year by the Human Rights Campaign for our efforts in promoting LGBTQIA+ workplace equality,” said India Sylvester, Lumen Technologies’ chief diversity and inclusion officer. “We know a diverse and inclusive workforce makes us stronger. Providing opportunities for our LGBTQIA+ team members to shine makes everyone more successful.”

The CEI rates companies on detailed criteria falling under four central pillars:

• Non-discrimination policies across business entities
• Equitable benefits for LGBTQ workers and their families
• Supporting an inclusive culture
• Corporate social responsibility

Lumen’s history of supporting LGBTQ+ equality is also resonating with its employees. Keri Kidder, an administrative assistant and global chair of Lumen’s Pride Employee Resource Group, says the 100 CEI score is one of the reasons she is proud to work for the company.

“As the Global Chair of the Lumen Pride ERG, seeing our 100% score on the CEI makes me proud. Our Pride ERG members can come to work knowing Lumen supports us, our health benefits are equitable for our transgender employees and our allies/parents of LGBTQ+ family members have an informative support system. I am honored to work for a company that sees diversity and inclusion as an important part of the core values.”

The full report is available online at www.hrc.org/cei.

About Lumen Technologies:
Lumen is guided by our belief that humanity is at its best when technology advances the way we live and work. With approximately 450,000 route fiber miles and serving customers in more than 60 countries, we deliver the fastest, most secure platform for applications and data to help businesses, government and communities deliver amazing experiences.

Learn more about the Lumen network, edge cloud, security, communication and collaboration solutions and our purpose to further human progress through technology at news.lumen.com/home, LinkedIn: /lumentechnologies, Twitter: @lumentechco, Facebook: /lumentechnologies, Instagram: @lumentechnologies and YouTube: /lumentechnologies. Lumen and Lumen Technologies are registered trademarks of Lumen Technologies LLC in the United States. Lumen Technologies LLC is a wholly owned affiliate of CenturyLink Inc.

SOURCE Lumen Technologies

Lumen named a Leader in the 2022 Gartner® Magic Quadrant for Network Services, Global

Feb 26, 2022

Lumen named a Leader in the 2022 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Network Services, Global

Lumen expands its platform and global capabilities

DENVER, Feb. 25, 2022 – Lumen Technologies (NYSE: LUMN) has been named a Leader in the February 2022 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Network Services, Global. This is the second consecutive year Lumen has been positioned in the Leader’s quadrant. The report evaluated network service providers on their Ability to Execute and their Completeness of Vision.

“Lumen’s next-gen application platform is built on our world-class, resilient network that delivers critical data services to customers,” said Shaun Andrews, Lumen chief marketing officer. “We believe being recognized again as a Leader in the Magic Quadrant reaffirms that a customer-first approach is the right way to help prioritize our investments and development roadmap. Offering a platform isn’t just about the individual services we offer – it’s also about what our customers’ success looks like. We tailor-made our platform to help businesses succeed in creating next-gen digital experiences in the 4^th Industrial Revolution. We’re really proud of that.”

Speed Read:

• Lumen was positioned in the Leaders’ quadrant for the first time in 2021, months after launching the Lumen Platform.
• Since then, Lumen has expanded its platform, global capabilities and digital experience opportunities for its customers, including:
  • More global edge nodes
  • Edge network expansion to over 20 global markets
  • API marketplace and portal integration

Learn more and read the February 2022 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Network Services, Global report: https://www.lumen.com/en-us/explore/gartner-magic-quadrant-network-services.html

Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in our research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

Gartner and Magic Quadrant are a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally and is used herein with permission. All rights reserved.

Attribution: Gartner, Magic Quadrant for Network Services, Global, 21 February 2022; Analyst(s): Neil Rickard | Bjarne Munch | Danellie Young | Karen Brown

About Lumen Technologies and the People of Lumen:
Lumen is guided by our belief that humanity is at its best when technology advances the way we live and work. With approximately 450,000 route fiber miles and serving customers in more than 60 countries, we deliver the fastest, most secure platform for applications and data to help businesses, government and communities deliver amazing experiences. Learn more about the Lumen network, edge cloud, security, communication and collaboration solutions and our purpose to further human progress through technology at news.lumen.com/home, LinkedIn: /lumentechnologies, Twitter: @lumentechco, Facebook: /lumentechnologies, Instagram: @lumentechnologies and YouTube: /lumentechnologies. Lumen and Lumen Technologies are registered trademarks in the United States.

Lumen scrubbed more than 20,000 enterprise DDoS attacks in 2021

Feb 17, 2022

Lumen scrubbed more than 20,000 enterprise DDoS attacks in 2021

Latest DDoS Report reveals recent trends in DDoS attacks, plus predictions for 2022

DENVER, Feb. 17, 2022 – Lumen Technologies (NYSE: LUMN) continues to track Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks around the world, and today the company released a report that details the DDoS statistics and trends seen in the fourth quarter and full-year 2021.

Speed Read:

• In 2021, the three most attacked verticals were Telecommunications, Software and Technology, and Government. This is likely due to the level of disruption – and any potential financial gain – that these types of attacks can generate.
• In Q4 2021, there was an increase in the number of unique Command and Control (C2) servers tracked for the pervasive DDoS botnets Gafgyt and Mirai, indicating that actors continue to manipulate their code to keep these botnets thriving.
• Voice providers became a target later in the year, and malicious actors could view this early success as an opportunity for future attacks.
• Financial gain is a significant motivator for attackers, and there were spikes in the use of ransom DDoS attacks throughout the year. This trend is expected to continue into 2022 and beyond.
• Reflection-style attacks continue to be widely used – likely because they require relatively little effort to generate large attacks.

In 2021, the three most attacked verticals were Telecommunications, Software and Technology, and Government.

Read the full report here: tinyurl.com/ykmm2dsz

“Reflection vectors continue to have a significant impact on businesses worldwide,” said Mark Dehus, director of information security for Black Lotus Labs, the threat research arm of Lumen Technologies.  “This trend will likely continue in the coming years. It will take an industry-wide, collaborative effort to help mitigate sources of reflection. In addition, DDoS botnets will persist, and given the recent targeting of voice services, VoIP providers should ensure their security strategies address the risk going forward.”

Dehus continued, “At Black Lotus Labs, we continue to do our part to track and mitigate botnets at their core. We strongly encourage business to understand and monitor their public attack surface to avoid having their resources abused and leveraged to launch attacks. We also encourage businesses to have a DDoS mitigation service in place to help minimize the impact of any future attacks.

Additional Resources:

• To read previous DDoS reports, visit the archive.
• Take a deeper dive into reflection attacks by reading our blog: Tracking UDP Reflectors for a Safer Internet.
• Learn more about Lumen DDoS Mitigation and Application Security Services, and the on-demand or always-on services of DDoS Hyper.
• Find out how threat intelligence from Black Lotus Labs helps keep the internet clean.

About Lumen Technologies:

Lumen is guided by our belief that humanity is at its best when technology advances the way we live and work. With approximately 450,000 route fiber miles and serving customers in more than 60 countries, we deliver the fastest, most secure platform for applications and data to help businesses, government and communities deliver amazing experiences. Learn more about the Lumen network, edge cloud, security, communication and collaboration solutions and our purpose to further human progress through technology at news.lumen.com/home, LinkedIn: /lumentechnologies, Twitter: @lumentechco, Facebook: /lumentechnologies, Instagram: @lumentechnologies and YouTube: /lumentechnologies. Lumen and Lumen Technologies are registered trademarks in the United States.

Services not available everywhere. Business customers only. Lumen may change, cancel or substitute products and services, or vary them by service area at its sole discretion without notice. ©2021 Lumen Technologies. All Rights Reserved.

Media Contact:
Suzanne K. Dawe
Lumen Public Relations
Connected Security | Black Lotus Labs
720.217.5476
suzanne.dawe@lumen.com