RS Components uses Nominet’s NTX Cyber Security Service to thwart cyber attacks

5th March 2019


Cyber Security Logo

5 March 2019:  Nominet is to provide its NTX Platform cyber security services to RS Components, a global multi-channel provider of industrial and electronic products and solutions. The NTX Platform enables unique DNS deep packet inspection to protect against malware, phishing, botnets, data exfiltration, cryptomining and other cyber threats.

Nominet, the organisation operating at the heart of the internet infrastructure for the past 20 years protecting the UK internet, has created the NTX Platform to offer full threat detection, analytics and proactive blocking of known and unknown threats via two products, NTXprotect (client managed in-house) and NTXsecure (Nominet managed).

The NTX Platform is purpose built to analyse billions of DNS data packets in real time, pinpointing and eradicating malicious activity quickly and effortlessly. Along with enterprise clients, the technology is already used by the UK Government. Nominet protects the UK Public Sector DNS, keeping critical networks and systems at the heart of the UK safe as part of the National Cyber Security Centre’s Active Cyber Defence Programme.

RS Components will be using NTXprotect, designed to be run and managed by an in-house security team or a Managed Service Partner (MSP), once connected to the DNS.  It will monitor RS components’ DNS queries for domain generated algorithms, phishing hits and data exfiltration through DNS tunnelling.  The service includes DNS analytics plus a response policy zone (RPZ) which will be ingested by RS Components’ DNS servers for automated blocking.  Nominet’s solution will also include Raspberry Pi single board computers, as supplied by RS Components, to assist with capturing DNS data for analysis from the network.

Joseph Da Silva, Chief Information Security Officer at RS Components says: “We were aware of Nominet via the National Cyber Security Centre’s annual reports where Nominet features heavily.  We are constantly trying to evolve and adapt our security policies and controls.  NTXprotect gives us unique insight into advanced known and unknown cyber-attacks that we will use to mature our Information Security Function.

“We especially like Nominet’s proprietary heuristics that, for example, can identify unknown malware.  By providing Nominet’s RPZ to our Network MSP, we’ll use our DNS servers to block threats keeping or even reducing loads on our existing security technology and in-house teams.”

Simon Whitburn, Global SVP of Cyber Security Services at Nominet says: “It’s no secret that the number of cyber-attacks, the creativity of criminals, and impact of resulting breaches are on the rise – so we are pleased that NTXprotect has been chosen by RS Components to help identify advanced cyber threats hidden within their DNS data.  By analysing every RS Components DNS query, we’re quickly able to establish what’s genuine and what’s not. For example, we want to be able to identify and block an endpoint calling out to a malware domain generated algorithm, or identify and block an employee accessing a phishing website, before either gain any traction.”

“We’ll also be reporting on data processed by NTXprotect to help RS Components inform and engage employees on the risks the business faces day to day. Data points often speak louder than words and can help change user behaviour. Regularly referred to as the weakest link in an organisation when it comes to cyber attacks, if we can help employees further understand the threats RS Components faces, we can help them to avoid a breach.”

RS Components has procured NTXprotect through cybersecurity software and services provider Bytes Technology Group, who are a reseller partner of Nominet.

Kyle Milton, Account Manager at Bytes says: “Bytes Technology Group are pleased to be a new reseller partner of Nominet. We are committed to providing our customers with leading insights, expertise and practical help across software services and security solutions.  The NTX Platform is a fantastic addition to our existing portfolio – enabling our clients to gain access to the newest and leading technology our partners have to offer.”

For more information about Nominet’s NTX Platform cyber security services, and products NTXprotect and NTXsecure, please visit www.nominet.uk/cybersercurity

Notes to editors:

For Nominet media enquiries please contact Anthony Dalton (+44 (0)7727659142 ) or Tom Knock (+44 (0)7974 331 850) at FieldHouse or email [email protected]

For RS Components media enquiries please contact Lynn Webster-Scott, Head of Corporate PR: +44 7796 336499

About RS Components

RS Components, Allied Electronics & Automation, IESA and Monition are the trading brands of Electrocomponents plc, a global multi-channel provider of industrial and electronic products and solutions. We offer more than 500,000 industrial and electronics products, sourced from over 2,500 leading suppliers, and provide a wide range of value-added services to over one million customers. With operations in 32 countries, we ship more than 50,000 parcels a day.

Electrocomponents is listed on the London Stock Exchange and in the last financial year ended 31 March 2018 had revenues of £1.71bn.

For more information, please visit the website at www.rs-online.com.

About Nominet

Nominet is driven by a commitment to use technology to improve connectivity, security and inclusivity online. For 20 years, Nominet has run the .UK internet infrastructure, developing an expertise in the Domain Name System (DNS) that now underpins sophisticated threat monitoring, detection, prevention, and analytics that is used by governments and enterprises to mitigate cyber threats. A profit with a purpose company, Nominet supports initiatives that contribute to a vibrant digital future and has donated over £45 million to tech for good causes since 2008, benefitting more than 10 million people.

The company has offices in Oxford and London in the UK and Washington D.C in the U.S. www.nominet.uk.

About Bytes Software Services

Bytes Software Services are a leading provider of software licensing, commercial advisory services, asset management and managed services. With over 35 years’ experience, Bytes help customers analyse their software estates, ensure compliance and propose the right technology or service to meet their business needs and objectives.  www.bytes.co.uk