The term "root domain" can have two meanings depending on the context:

1. Root Domain (of the Internet):

• In the Internet context, the root domain refers to the highest level in the Domain Name System (DNS) hierarchy. It is the starting point for all web addresses.

• It's denoted by a single dot (.) and acts as the main directory for all other domains (like .com, .org, .net), which branch out into specific websites.

• Security of the root domain is crucial because it controls how users reach all websites.

• To prevent attackers from redirecting users to malicious sites, the root nameservers are geographically distributed and have robust security measures like Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC) to verify the authenticity of DNS data.

2. Root Domain (of a Local Network):

• In a local network environment, the root domain refers to the top-level domain within that specific network.

• For instance, a company network might have a root domain like "company.local" where all user accounts and resources reside.

• Securing the root domain here is vital for controlling access to user accounts, devices, and sensitive data within the network.

• It typically involves strong password policies, user permission controls, and other network security measures.

It's essential to consider the context when referring to a "root domain" to understand its security implications.

ThreatNG's all-in-one solution can significantly enhance the security posture of an organization's root domain (internal network) and those of its third-party vendors and supply chain partners. Here's how ThreatNG's features work and integrate with complementary security solutions:

ThreatNG's Domain Intelligence and Root Domain Security:

• Discovery and Inventory: ThreatNG's Domain Intelligence module helps organizations discover all internet-facing assets (subdomains, websites) associated with their root domain and those of their third parties. This comprehensive view exposes potential attack vectors that traditional internal scans might miss.

• Vulnerability Assessment: ThreatNG goes beyond just identifying domains. It analyzes them for known vulnerabilities, considering factors like severity, exploitability, and potential impact. It allows organizations to prioritize patching critical vulnerabilities within their root domain and those exposed by third parties.

• Risk Monitoring: ThreatNG continuously monitors the discovered domains for malicious activity, phishing attempts, or dark web mentions. Early detection of such threats allows quicker response and mitigation strategies to protect the root domain and sensitive data.

Integration with Complementary Security Solutions:

ThreatNG acts as a central hub, feeding valuable data to existing security solutions for a more robust defense:

• Security Information and Event Management (SIEM): ThreatNG can integrate with SIEM systems, providing real-time alerts and enriched context about external threats discovered through Domain Intelligence. It allows security teams to prioritize incidents and take faster action.

• Vulnerability Management Tools: ThreatNG can share identified vulnerabilities with vulnerability management tools. These tools then prioritize patching based on risk and exploitability, ensuring critical vulnerabilities in the root domain and those of third parties are addressed first.

• Penetration Testing Tools: The intelligence gathered by ThreatNG can inform penetration testing exercises. Testers can focus on exploiting the discovered vulnerabilities and potential weaknesses in the root domain and exposed third-party systems.

Example: Securing the Supply Chain with ThreatNG

An e-commerce company uses ThreatNG to discover a subdomain belonging to a payment processing vendor in their supply chain. ThreatNG identifies a critical vulnerability in this subdomain that could allow attackers to steal customer credit card information.

• Handoff: ThreatNG generates an alert and shares the vulnerability details with the SIEM system. The SIEM system triggers an automated notification to the security team and the payment processor.

• Action: The e-commerce company contacts the payment vendor and informs them of the vulnerability. The vendor patches the vulnerability, potentially using a vulnerability management tool to prioritize the fix.

• Improved Security: By discovering and addressing the vulnerability, the e-commerce company and the payment processor strengthen their security posture, protecting customer data throughout the supply chain.

Benefits of this Multi-Layered Approach:

• Proactive Threat Detection: ThreatNG identifies external threats before they can compromise the root domain or third-party systems.

• Prioritized Remediation: By assessing risk and exploitability, ThreatNG helps prioritize patching critical vulnerabilities, ensuring the most crucial security gaps are addressed first.

• Improved Supply Chain Security: ThreatNG extends security visibility beyond the organization's boundaries, helping to identify and mitigate risks posed by vendors and partners.

• Streamlined Workflow: Integration with existing security solutions fosters a collaborative approach to threat management, reducing manual effort and improving response times.

ThreatNG is a valuable addition to an organization's security arsenal. It provides a comprehensive view of external attack surfaces and empowers organizations to proactively safeguard their root domain and the overall security of their supply chain.