Talk G-2: Open-Sourcing Network Visibility and DDoS Attacks Mitigation with NeMo for GÉANT and NRENs

In the modern digital landscape, Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks have emerged as a pressing cybersecurity challenge. These attacks, with their increasing scale and sophistication, pose substantial risks to the resilience and availability of critical network infrastructures, including the GÉANT network and its affiliated National Research and Education Networks (NRENs). This presentation explores the process of integrating and customizing the NeMo DDoS detection and mitigation software into the GÉANT network, with a focus on overcoming associated challenges and enhancing the software's capabilities. We delve into the key attributes of NeMo, which enable advanced network visibility, the detection and classification of anomalies like DDoS attacks, and the implementation of granular mitigation techniques. Additionally, we provide insights into the deployment and configuration of NeMo within the GÉANT network, underscoring the improvements in operational efficiency and security. We also discuss the valuable lessons learned during this transformative journey.

Our work exemplifies the resilience and adaptability of the collaborative NeMo project. It ensures uninterrupted operations and security for critical network infrastructure, fortifying GÉANT's core network and safeguarding the links of subscribed customers, including NRENs and their associated institutions. By sharing our experiences, we aim to contribute to the advancement of DDoS protection in an ever-evolving network environment.