Malicious actors use bots and scripts to steal data, disrupt services, and commit fraud, all without human intervention. To help organisations identify and mitigate these risks, the Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) has categorised 21 automated threats that specifically target web applications and APIs.
So, what are OWASP automated threats, and how can organisations protect themselves? More importantly, how does A10 Networks provide the security solutions needed to stay ahead of these cyber risks?
Understanding OWASP Automated Threats
OWASP’s Automated Threats to Web Applications project defines 21 distinct types of automated cyberattacks, each designed to exploit weaknesses in web applications. Unlike traditional attacks, these threats rely on automation, meaning they can execute at massive scale, with high efficiency, and at lightning speed.
Attackers use bots and scripts to mimic human behaviour, bypass security measures, and target systems in ways that are difficult to detect. This makes them particularly dangerous for businesses that rely on online platforms, including e-commerce, finance, healthcare, and content services.
Key OWASP Automated Threats
OWASP categorises automated threats based on their intent and execution. Here are some of the most significant:
1. Credential Stuffing (OAT-008)
Attackers use stolen username-password combinations from one site to gain unauthorised access to another. This is particularly effective due to widespread password reuse among users.
2. Carding (OAT-001)
Cybercriminals test stolen credit and debit card details by making small transactions before carrying out larger fraudulent purchases.
3. Web Scraping (OAT-011)
Bots extract large amounts of data from websites, which can be used for competitive intelligence, intellectual property theft, or price manipulation.
4. Denial of Service (OAT-015)
Attackers send massive amounts of automated traffic to a website or application, overloading its infrastructure and making it inaccessible to legitimate users.
5. Scalping (OAT-019)
Automated bots purchase high-demand items in bulk—such as concert tickets, gaming consoles, or limited-edition trainers—before reselling them at inflated prices.
The Business Impact of OWASP Automated Threats
The consequences of automated threats go far beyond cybersecurity breaches. Businesses across multiple sectors face:
- Financial Losses – Fraudulent transactions, chargebacks, and revenue loss from disrupted services.
- Brand Damage – Loss of customer trust due to account takeovers, data breaches, and poor user experiences.
- Legal & Compliance Issues – Failing to protect user data can lead to GDPR violations, lawsuits, and regulatory penalties.
- Operational Disruptions – Automated attacks can consume server resources, slow down websites, and increase IT costs.
How A10 Networks Helps Protect Against OWASP Automated Threats
With the rise of automated attacks, businesses need intelligent, AI-driven security solutions. A10 Networks offers advanced application security, DDoS protection, and API defence to safeguard web applications from malicious automation.
1. A10 Thunder® ADC (Application Delivery Controller)
- Web Application Firewall (WAF): Detects and blocks malicious bot traffic before it reaches web applications.
- SSL/TLS Offloading: Inspects encrypted traffic to prevent credential stuffing and other automated attacks.
- Rate Limiting & Behavioural Analysis: Identifies unusual traffic patterns to stop scraping, DoS attacks, and carding attempts.
2. A10 Thunder® TPS (Threat Protection System)
- AI-Powered DDoS Protection: Detects and mitigates high-volume, automated denial-of-service attacks in real time.
- Behaviour-Based Detection: Analyses traffic behaviour to distinguish between legitimate users and automated threats.
3. A10 Harmony Controller
- API Security & Protection: Prevents API abuse, bot-based credential stuffing, and automated scraping attempts.
- Real-Time Analytics: Provides deep visibility into traffic patterns, helping organisations detect and respond to threats proactively.
Want to learn more about how A10 Networks can secure your business against OWASP automated threats?
Contact our experts today to discuss A10 Networks solutions.
