Edge Security Acceleration:Bots

What is bot

A bot is an automated software program set to simulate human behavior and perform repetitive, rule-based tasks. More than half of Internet traffic is generated by bots, which scan content, interact with web pages, chat with users, or search for attack targets.

Bots can be used for good or for evil:

• Good bots bring value to your website via legitimate methods. Examples are search engine crawlers or customer service chatbots.

• Malicious bots can harm your websites. Examples are automated login bots that use leaked credentials or web scrapers that collect contact information for phishing emails.

ESA utilizes its intelligence databases and AI algorithms to identify bot requests. Bots are classified into the following types: Definite Bots, Likely Bots, Verified Bots, and Likely Human. You can configure actions for each bot type.

Choose a bot management mode

ESA provides two bots management modes:

• Smart Mode: Simple and free. Choose Smart Mode for a quick security setup if your business has a low risk profile. The mode uses preset classifications (Definite Bots, Likely Bots, Verified Bots) and applies actions for each. JavaScript Detection is also available for identifying bot requests and blocking malicious crawlers.

• Professional Mode: Best for high-risk businesses or when you need granular control. Professional Mode lets you create custom rule sets, such as IP/User Agent detection, behavior analysis, JavaScript challenge, and rate limiting.

Availability