Network Security and the White House's New BGP Routing Reform Roadmap

Network Security: Major Concerns Surrounding BGP Routing

The White House Office of the National Cyber Director (ONCD) has unveiled a vital roadmap aimed at tackling significant security concerns related to the Internet's core routing protocol, Border Gateway Protocol (BGP). This protocol is infamous for its vulnerability to configuration errors and malicious attacks, putting network security at risk.

Urgency of Network Security Reforms

The roadmap emphasizes that BGP's foundational properties do not sufficiently address the challenges of today’s digital landscape, referring to these vulnerabilities as a national security concern. A major point includes accelerating the implementation of a public key cryptography scheme, specifically the Resource Public Key Infrastructure (RPKI).

Legacy of BGP and Ongoing Challenges

BGP, created in 1989, has evolved through significant oversights. Despite its critical role in ensuring packets reach their destination, network security issues have emerged, often unnoticed by everyday users.

Recent Incidents Highlighting BGP Vulnerabilities

• Misconfiguration examples: In January 2023, a BGP misconfiguration by Microsoft disrupted services.
• Warnings of congestion: A Pennsylvania ISP incident in June 2019 showcased how accidental routing advertisements can cause internet traffic stampedes.

Ensuring network security through better practices like Route Origin Authorization (ROA) might mitigate these issues, albeit mechanisms are not without limitations.

ONCD Expectations and Global Cooperation

The ONCD aims for 60% coverage of advertised IP space by the end of the year through Registration Service Agreements (RSA) for effective route authorizations. Despite cheering news, various blockages remain in realizing BGP security enhancements.

A Collaborative Future for Network Security

Internet expert Kieren McCarthy recognizes the ONCD's initiative but urges caution, emphasizing the necessity for global collaboration. He questions the need for an independent approach alongside existing initiatives like Mutually Agreed Norms for Routing Security (MANRS).

The ONCD's proactive strategies and collaboration with ISPs are essential for enhancing network security and overcoming the historical challenges posed by BGP vulnerabilities.