ENHANCING DIGITAL SECURITY IN ITALY: CINETIX’S CONTRIBUTION

Digital interactions, whether on public networks or within private networks, have taken on a predominant role in both interpersonal and business relationships. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that these interactions occur in a safe online environment. For public networks, recent legal provisions have mandated that operators (ISPs, Internet Service Providers) strengthen their services to protect rights in two specific areas:
  • Parental Control
  • Copyright Protection (Anti-piracy)

The responsibility to comply with these regulations falls on the ISPs, and implementing these systems requires robust and reliable technical solutions. Cinetix, engaged in these projects by a major Italian telecommunications company, has responded promptly thanks to its dual role as a system integrator and provider of advanced devices (with network packet brokers) that include IP address blocking functionalities.

Parental Control: protecting youth from online risks

The proliferation of Internet access among minors has raised concerns about their exposure to inappropriate content. Recognizing this, legislators have required ISPs to offer Parental Control services free of charge to their subscribers. Cinetix’s client requested a solution that was both effective and easy to use. In synergy with the ISP, Cinetix first conducted a market analysis to identify a basic component of the solution to integrate with its own components, compliant with Italian regulations, aligned with the client’s technical requirements, and meeting implementation deadlines.

Among the solutions considered, the choice fell on Peacemaker by Whalebone1, characterized by an innovative approach based on the DNS resolution process. The platform, fully integrated into the client’s network architecture, allows flexible filtering based on content categories while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards set by AGCOM.

The system architecture includes a mix of on-premises and cloud resources:

  • A local DNS resolver ensures uninterrupted service even without connectivity to the cloud
  • AI and Machine Learning algorithms provide advanced prediction and proactive action against current and future threats

Anti-piracy

The increasing spread of pirated content has driven legislative action to curb illegal streaming activities. Cinetix has implemented a comprehensive anti-piracy solution, stemming the activities of unauthorized streaming sharing that allowed illegal access to pay TV content without a valid subscription.

Again leveraging the capabilities of Peacemaker for FQDN blocking and Cinetix’s Aster technology for IP address blocking, the client has a solid defense mechanism against the spread of illegal content. The platform, powered by AGCOM’s “Piracy Shield” infrastructure, allows blocking reported addresses within the stringent timeframes defined by the regulation (30 minutes from the report).

The adoption of Dardo monitoring software, developed by Cinetix’s R&D department, optimizes the management of all hardware devices involved in the continuous requests for domain and IP address blocking.

Piattaforma Anti Pirateria

Potential evolutions

Thanks to its solid foundation, the implemented solution is well-suited for a wide range of functional extensions within the realm of Cyber Security:

  • Protection from malicious attacks for all employees when operating outside the company network (remote work)
  • Reporting of compromised accounts traded on dark web sites to protect user identities
  • Enhanced security for the increasingly used IoT devices

In this increasingly digital and evolving scenario, attention to innovation is crucial. To ensure a safer digital future and safeguard their online ecosystems, collaborating with technology partners like Cinetix is strategic. Cinetix provides end-to-end solutions for traffic monitoring and control, as well as corporate data protection and security.

Notes

1Whalebone is a Czech company specializing in cybersecurity and digital life protection. Since 2016, Whalebone has provided real-time DNS security to more than 300 telecoms, ISPs, enterprises, and institutions worldwide, protecting Internet users from cyber threats through a combination of threat intelligence and machine learning.