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Knowledge base Updated: February 5, 2026

Defending against DDoS attacks: the effectiveness of Radware DefensePro.

Wondering how to effectively protect your infrastructure from DDoS attacks?

Przemysław Widomski Przemysław Widomski

In today’s hyper-connected world, the availability of online services is as fundamental as access to electricity or water. Unfortunately, this dependency makes organizations extremely vulnerable to distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks, which aim to cripple the operation of services by flooding them with gigantic amounts of artificial traffic. The consequences of a successful DDoS attack can be catastrophic: unavailability of key applications, financial losses, reputational damage, and customer churn. To make matters worse, these attacks are becoming increasingly complex, volumetric and difficult to distinguish from legitimate traffic. Basic security offered by ISPs or simple firewall rules often prove insufficient. What is needed is a dedicated, intelligent line of defense that can operate with surgical precision in real time. This role of a specialized guardian of digital accessibility is filled by Radware DefensePro. At nFlo, when designing resilient architectures for our customers, we consider dedicated DDoS protection an absolute necessity, so we bring you closer to the technology that has been defining standards in this field for years.

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What is Radware DefensePro and how does it work?

Radware DefensePro is a specialized appliance (or virtual solution) for real-time protection against DDoS attacks. You can think of it as an extremely advanced, lightning-fast security checkpoint on the main highway leading to your network. Its job is to continuously analyze all the traffic flowing through, identify anomalies and patterns characteristic of DDoS attacks, and then precisely eliminate malicious traffic, while letting legitimate users’ traffic through without noticeable delay. DefensePro works “inline,” meaning directly in the path of network traffic, allowing it to respond immediately to detected threats. It uses a combination of patented technologies, including behavioral analysis, challenge-response mechanisms and constantly updated threat intelligence, to provide protection against a broad spectrum of DDoS attacks.

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What are the key features of DefensePro X?

The modern generation of DefensePro, branded as DefensePro X, is the culmination of Radware’s years of experience in fighting DDoS attacks, enhanced with the latest technological advances. Above all, the devices feature significantly higher performance and throughput, allowing them to protect even the most demanding environments and repel attacks of massive scale. A key element is an improved behavioral detection engine, supported by artificial intelligence algorithms, which learns normal traffic even more precisely and detects anomalies faster. DefensePro X also offers advanced inspection and mitigation capabilities for attacks carried out on encrypted traffic (SSL/TLS), which is crucial in today’s Internet. New mechanisms have also been introduced to deal with short, impulsive attacks (burst attacks) and carpet bombing attacks that target a wide range of IP addresses. The whole is complemented by even tighter integration with the Radware ecosystem, including the Cyber Controller management and analytics platform and cloud services.

How does DefensePro detect and neutralize DDoS attacks?

DefensePro’s effectiveness is based on a multi-layered approach to detecting and neutralizing DDoS attacks that combines various techniques. At its core is the ability to automatically learn normal traffic (baselining) on the protected network - the system creates a dynamic baseline of normality by analyzing, among other things, the protocols used, bandwidth levels or connection characteristics. The system then continuously compares current traffic with this baseline, using patented behavioral algorithms to detect anomalies. It identifies significant deviations that may indicate an attack, even if they don’t match any known signature (zero-day protection).

DefensePro also uses a constantly updated signature database of known DDoS attack vectors (provided by Threat Intelligence) to quickly block identified threats. For suspicious but ambiguous traffic, it can apply challenge-response mechanisms (e.g., TCP SYN-based tests) to verify whether the source is a real user or a bot. Once an attack is identified, DefensePro applies precise mitigation techniques, such as IP reputation-based filtering, blocking sources that violate protocols, or rate limiting, to filter out only malicious traffic, minimizing the impact on legitimate users.

How is DefensePro X different from previous versions?

The DefensePro X generation represents a significant step forward from earlier models, introducing a number of significant improvements. Most notable is the dramatic improvement in performance - the new hardware platforms offer significantly higher inspection and mitigation throughput, allowing it to handle attacks of many terabits per second. Equally important is the improved behavioral detection engine, which, thanks to new AI algorithms, learns normal traffic even more quickly and accurately and detects anomalies more precisely, minimizing the risk of false alarms.

DefensePro X also introduces new dedicated hardware and software mechanisms for handling encrypted traffic, providing high-performance SSL/TLS inspection and mitigation of attacks hidden in encrypted connections. Improved algorithms for dealing with hard-to-detect attacks, such as short, intense burst attacks and carpet bombing attacks that spread traffic across multiple IP addresses, have also been implemented. The new generation also features deeper integration with the Cyber Controller management platform and an updated user interface for easier configuration, monitoring and analysis.

How does DefensePro’s patented behavioral detection technology work?

At the heart of DefensePro’s intelligence is its patented behavioral detection technology. Instead of relying primarily on static signatures that are ineffective against new attacks, DefensePro focuses on understanding what “normal” network traffic looks like for the protected organization. The system automatically learns the characteristics of this traffic in multiple dimensions, creating a complex, multidimensional statistical profile. Among other things, it analyzes: the types of protocols and applications used, typical traffic volumes for different services, geographic distribution of traffic sources, TCP/UDP connection characteristics, DNS query patterns and many other parameters. This learning process is continuous and adaptive, adjusting to natural changes in network traffic.

When traffic appears that significantly deviates from the learned profile of normality in any of the analyzed dimensions, the system flags it as an anomaly and a potential attack. For example, a sudden increase in UDP traffic from unusual locations, massive SYN requests to a specific port, or a sharp change in packet size distribution could signal a DDoS attack. This ability to detect behavioral anomalies allows DefensePro to identify and respond to zero-day attacks, i.e. attacks that use new, previously unknown techniques or come from previously unknown botnets.

What types of DDoS attacks can DefensePro block?

DefensePro is designed to provide comprehensive protection against the entire spectrum of DDoS attacks, operating at different layers of the OSI model. It can block volumetric (Layer 3/4) attacks, such as UDP flood or ICMP flood, aimed at clogging up the link. Deals with protocol (Layer 3/4) attacks, such as Ping of Death and IP fragmentation attacks that drain the resources of network devices. Effectively neutralizes application layer (layer 7) attacks, such as HTTP flood and Slowloris, which target application server resources. Detects and blocks reflection and amplification attacks that use proxy servers. It can also combat attacks on encrypted connections (SSL/TLS), aimed at draining server resources or hiding malicious traffic. The ability to combat such diverse attack vectors makes DefensePro a comprehensive protection solution.

How does DefensePro deal with encrypted traffic and SSL attacks?

On today’s Internet, the vast majority of traffic is encrypted using SSL/TLS (HTTPS) protocols. This poses a challenge for security systems, as attackers can hide malicious traffic inside encrypted connections. Radware DefensePro X is equipped with advanced mechanisms to deal with this challenge. It has dedicated hardware and software resources (e.g., specialized cryptographic processors) that allow efficient SSL/TLS inspection, i.e., decrypting traffic on the fly at high throughput. This makes it possible to subject decrypted traffic to full behavioral and signature analysis. Even without full decryption, DefensePro can analyze certain metadata and characteristics of encrypted flows to detect anomalies indicative of a DDoS attack. In addition, the system can detect and block attacks on the SSL/TLS protocol itself, such as SSL negotiation flood. These capabilities provide effective protection even in the face of widespread use of encryption.

Summary: Radware DefensePro key business benefits.

  • Service Availability Guarantee: The most important benefit - protection against downtime due to DDoS attacks, ensuring business continuity of key online applications and services.

  • Revenue protection: Directly avoid financial losses resulting from the unavailability of e-commerce sites, trading platforms or other revenue-generating services.

  • Protecting brand reputation: Preventing the negative impact of public DDoS incidents on the image and trust of customers.

  • Ensure SLA compliance: Help meet service level agreements (SLAs) that guarantee availability to customers and partners.

  • Optimize infrastructure performance: Relieve firewalls, servers and other infrastructure components from having to deal with attack traffic.

  • Reduction in operational costs: Reduce IT/security teams’ workload needed to respond manually to DDoS attacks.

What deployment options does DefensePro offer?

Radware DefensePro offers flexibility in terms of deployment models to fit different network architectures and organizational requirements. The most common model is inline (on-premise) deployment, where the DefensePro appliance is placed directly in the path of network traffic. This provides the fastest response and protection against all types of attacks. Another option is an out-of-path deployment, often implemented within dedicated scrubbing centers, where traffic is directed to DefensePro only when an attack is detected in order to “clean it up.”

A hybrid deployment that combines the advantages of both approaches is becoming increasingly popular. A local DefensePro appliance protects against smaller attacks, providing low latency, while in the case of very large volumetric attacks, traffic is automatically redirected to Radware’s cloud-based scrubbing service (Cloud DDoS Protection Service), which has huge capacity. This is often the most optimal and comprehensive solution, providing protection against attacks of any scale.

How does DefensePro protect against IoT botnet attacks?

Internet of Things (IoT) devices have become a favorite target of hackers creating huge botnets to launch DDoS attacks. DefensePro employs several mechanisms to combat this threat. Radware’s Threat Intelligence service continuously identifies IP addresses and networks known to host IoT botnets, allowing DefensePro to proactively block traffic from these sources. Behavioral analysis can detect unusual traffic patterns characteristic of IoT botnets, even if they come from previously unknown addresses. Additionally, challenge-response mechanisms are effective at filtering out traffic from simpler IoT bots. This makes DefensePro an effective firewall against attacks carried out by infected IoT devices.

How does DefensePro minimize false alarms?

Avoiding erroneous blocking of legitimate traffic (false positives) is crucial in DDoS protection. DefensePro minimizes this risk with intelligent mechanisms. Adaptive behavioral learning allows the system to distinguish between natural spikes in popularity and anomalies indicating an attack, rather than relying on rigid thresholds. The system often uses gradual escalation of mitigation, starting with less intrusive techniques (e.g., challenge-response) and escalating measures only after the threat is confirmed. Even during active mitigation, precision filters aim to filter out only attack packets. Blocking decisions are made based on contextual analysis of multiple factors. In addition, administrators have the ability to tune policies and create exceptions to optimize the balance between security and minimizing false positives.

How quickly does DefensePro detect and block unknown attacks?

Speed of response is absolutely critical in DDoS protection. DefensePro is designed to detect and start mitigating attacks within seconds, even for zero-day attacks. This is made possible mainly by its behavioral detection engine. Because the system focuses on detecting deviations from the norm, rather than just looking for known signatures, it can identify a suspicious anomaly almost as soon as it occurs. Combined with a high-performance hardware-software architecture and automated mitigation mechanisms, DefensePro provides one of the fastest responses to DDoS attacks on the market. This lightning-fast capability is crucial to stopping an attack before it has time to cause significant disruption.

What are the business benefits of implementing DefensePro?

Implementing a dedicated DDoS protection system, such as Radware DefensePro, is not just a security expense, but more importantly an investment in business stability and resilience that brings tangible benefits. The most important of these is the guarantee of availability of key online services, which directly translates into revenue protection and maintaining continuity of business operations. Equally important is protecting brand reputation, as public incidents of unavailability can permanently damage customer confidence. DefensePro also helps meet service level agreement (SLA) commitments. By offloading attack traffic from other infrastructure components, it helps optimize their performance. Finally, automating detection and response reduces the burden on IT and security teams, reducing operational costs.

How does DefensePro work with Cyber Controller?

Radware Cyber Controller acts as a central management, analytics and orchestration system for Radware security solutions, including DefensePro. Collaboration between the two is crucial for effective management of DDoS protection. Cyber Controller collects data, logs and alerts from all DefensePro devices, providing centralized visibility. Enables centralized configuration and policy management, simplifying administration. Provides advanced analytics and reporting tools for deeper analysis of attacks and mitigation effectiveness. It can also act as a response orchestrator, coordinating between DefensePro devices or integrating with other security systems.

What are the DefensePro X hardware models available?

Radware offers a wide range of DefensePro X hardware models to meet the needs of organizations of all sizes and bandwidth requirements. The portfolio ranges from models for smaller and medium-sized enterprises to powerful carrier-grade platforms capable of handling terabits-per-second traffic. Individual models differ primarily in their maximum DDoS inspection and mitigation throughput, packet processing performance (PPS), number and type of network interfaces, and performance in handling SSL/TLS traffic. Choosing the right model depends on bandwidth, typical traffic volume, expected scale of attacks and budget. Radware and partners such as nFlo can help you select the optimal model.

How does Radware’s Emergency Response Team (ERT) support DefensePro’s operations?

Even the best automated systems can encounter attacks of unprecedented scale or complexity. In such critical situations, the support of human experts becomes invaluable. Radware offers a unique Emergency Response Team (ERT) service - a team of **elite security specialists **, available 24/7, ready to intervene immediately in the event of major DDoS attacks. When an organization using DefensePro (and the corresponding ERT contract) comes under a massive attack, ERT experts remotely analyze the attack in real time and directly modify DefensePro’s configuration, implementing custom countermeasures to repel the attack as quickly as possible. ERT acts as an experienced special unit, ready to support automated defense systems in the most difficult moments.

How does DefensePro’s Threat Intelligence service work?

The effectiveness of DDoS protection largely depends on having up-to-date information about the global threat landscape. DefensePro is constantly powered by the Radware Threat Intelligence service, which provides real-time key intelligence. This includes signature updates of known DDoS attacks, reputation information on IP addresses known to be involved in botnets or other malicious activity, geolocation data that allows, for example, blocking traffic from specific regions, and analysis on new attack vectors and techniques that are used to refine behavioral detection algorithms. This constant infusion of up-to-date threat intelligence significantly enhances DefensePro’s ability to quickly identify and block both known and evolving DDoS attacks.

How does DefensePro handle carpet bombing and short attacks?

Cybercriminals are constantly refining their techniques. Two types of attacks that are particularly difficult to combat are “carpet bombing” (spreading the attack over a wide range of IP addresses) and short, pulse attacks (burst attacks). DefensePro deals with “carpet bombing” by analyzing traffic at the level of the entire protected subnet, detecting anomalies in aggregated traffic. It counteracts short attacks with a very fast detection and mitigation time (within seconds) that allows it to block an attack almost as soon as it starts, minimizing its impact. Hardware performance and optimized behavioral detection algorithms are key here.

What are DefensePro’s scaling options for growing companies?

As your business grows, so do your DDoS protection requirements. Radware DefensePro offers several scaling options. It is possible to upgrade the hardware platform to a higher performance model. Clustering technology allows multiple devices to be combined into a single system with multiplied performance and redundancy. For organizations expecting attacks that exceed the capabilities of the local infrastructure, a hybrid deployment is ideal, combining a local DefensePro appliance with Radware’s cloud-based scrubbing service. The use of virtualized models and flexible licensing makes it easy to scale across virtualized and cloud environments. These options allow you to flexibly adjust the level of protection to meet changing needs.

How is DefensePro X managed and configured?

Modern DefensePro X devices are managed primarily through Radware’s centralized Cyber Controller platform. It provides a graphical user interface (GUI) that allows administrators to easily monitor device status, view alerts, analyze traffic and configure security policies. Configuration is based on defining protection parameters for individual resources or groups of resources. Administrators can adjust the sensitivity of behavioral detection, select mitigation techniques, create lists of allowed/blocked IP addresses and configure other options. A command-line interface (CLI) is also available for advanced users. Radware aims to make management intuitive while offering deep customization options.

Will DefensePro perform well in hybrid and cloud environments?

Yes, DefensePro is a flexible solution that can also be effectively deployed in modern hybrid and cloud environments. Physical or virtual appliances can protect on-premise resources. Virtual instances of DefensePro VA can be deployed directly in IaaS environments (e.g. AWS, Azure, GCP). Hybrid DDoS protection, combining a local appliance with Radware’s cloud-based scrubbing service, is ideal for organizations using the cloud. The Cyber Controller platform allows DefensePro devices to be centrally managed regardless of their location, providing consistent policies and visibility.

How does DefensePro compare to other DDoS protection solutions on the market?

Comparing DefensePro to other protection methods, its specialization in combating DDoS attacks becomes obvious. Unlike standard firewalls or IPS systems, which can be easily overloaded by volumetric attacks, DefensePro offers much higher dedicated performance and more advanced detection techniques, such as behavioral analysis and zero-day threat detection. It also differs from the basic protection offered by Internet Service Providers (ISPs), which often works reactively, with a delay, and protects only against the simplest volumetric attacks. DefensePro works proactively, providing faster and more precise protection against a broader spectrum of threats. Compared to purely cloud-based solutions, deploying DefensePro inline or in a hybrid model typically offers the lowest latency and fastest attack response, as analysis and mitigation take place closer to the protected assets. DefensePro’s key differentiators include its advanced behavioral detection, high performance (especially in handling SSL traffic), availability of unique Emergency Response Team (ERT) support, and deep integration within the Radware ecosystem.

What are the costs of implementing and maintaining the DefensePro system?

The costs associated with deploying and maintaining a Radware DefensePro system depend on a number of factors. The main components are the cost of purchasing a physical appliance or a virtual software license, usually tied to bandwidth. A key component is annual or multi-year service subscriptions, which include software updates, Threat Intelligence service and technical support (the level of which affects the price). There may be the cost of optional features/modules, as well as professional services for deployment and training. On top of that, you have to add ongoing maintenance costs (energy, cooling for hardware, human resources). The pricing model is usually a combination of CAPEX and OPEX, with virtual and hybrid solutions likely to be more OPEX-oriented. To get an accurate quote, it is essential to analyze your requirements and contact your vendor or partner.

All in all, Radware DefensePro is a powerful and sophisticated solution that is the first line of defense against increasingly common and destructive DDoS attacks. Combining high performance, intelligent AI-based behavioral detection, precise mitigation and expert support, DefensePro provides organizations with peace of mind and guaranteed availability of their critical online services. In today’s threat landscape, investing in dedicated DDoS protection ceases to be an option and becomes a strategic necessity.

**Wondering how Radware DefensePro can protect your business from crippling DDoS attacks? Get in touch with the experts at nFlo. ** We will help you choose the right solution and build an attack-proof infrastructure.

Learn key terms related to this article in our cybersecurity glossary:

  • Anti-DDoS — Anti-DDoS is a set of technologies and strategies designed to protect networks,…
  • DDoS — DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) is a type of cyberattack that overloads a…
  • Cybersecurity — Cybersecurity is a collection of techniques, processes, and practices used to…
  • Cybersecurity Incident Management — Cybersecurity incident management is the process of identifying, analyzing,…
  • NIST Cybersecurity Framework — NIST Cybersecurity Framework (NIST CSF) is a set of standards and best…

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Przemysław Widomski

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