- A BGP hijack recently targeted Fastly but had minimal impact, highlighting significant progress in Internet routing systems since 2008.
- The incident reflects how improved network safeguards have reduced the risks of widespread disruptions from routing errors.
What happened
A recent BGP hijack targeting Fastly, a major Internet services provider, barely caused a ripple, marking a stark contrast to similar incidents in the past. The attack, reminiscent of a 2008 event involving a misconfigured route from Pakistan that caused a global outage for a video-sharing platform, had minimal effect this time around.
In 2008, millions of users faced disruptions as the hijacked BGP routes propagated worldwide, drawing extensive media coverage. However, in the 2024 Fastly case, the attack was quickly contained, with little to no noticeable impact on global Internet traffic.
The containment is attributed to advancements in routing validation systems. Technologies like RPKI (Resource Public Key Infrastructure) now play a key role in preventing unauthorised routes from spreading, ensuring a more stable Internet. Unlike in 2008, such incidents today often go unnoticed due to improved processes within the routing infrastructure.
Also read: What is internet security? How to stay protected
Also read: Everything you need to know about Resource Public Key Infrastructure (RPKI)
Why it is important
The recent BGP hijack targeting Fastly highlights the progress in safeguarding the Internet’s routing system. In 2008, a similar incident disrupted millions of users worldwide and drew significant attention. This time, the impact was negligible, showing how far routing infrastructure has evolved.
The event underscores the importance of robust systems to validate routing messages and prevent unauthorised routes. Technologies like RPKI help keep such incidents contained, ensuring minimal disruption to global Internet traffic. These advancements protect not just service providers but also users who rely on uninterrupted connectivity for daily activities.
As the Internet grows in scale and complexity, the risk of BGP hijacks remains. Addressing these challenges with improved protocols and collaboration among network operators ensures a more reliable and secure online environment. The Fastly case serves as a reminder of the critical role that resilient infrastructure plays in maintaining global digital connectivity.
