Managing blocklists using a central platform (part 3)

This article follows on from articles Managing blocklists using a central platform (part 1) and Managing blocklists using a central platform (part 2).

In the last blogpost we have covered how deployment is created and in what order rules are applied. Now let’s take a look at how the Blocklist Management Platform is used by NOC and SOC teams.

Integrating with SOC and NOC Workflows

The Platform offers an API that seamlessly integrates into your existing workflows. This allows SOCs and NOCs to:

• Automate Updates: Incorporate blocklist management into SOAR playbooks for real-time threat response.
• Dynamic Management: Add or remove IPs manually or automatically, with changes propagated across all or selected deployments.
• Granular Control: Apply updates globally or to specific deployments, providing flexibility for different security scenarios.

The ability to create deployments, custom include or exclude lists and modify them on the fly through API means that it is easier than ever to integrate blocklisting capabilities into the security team operation. 

Now let’s take a look at a few examples of how the blocklist management platform, controlled over API by SOC/NOC teams is utilized. 

Use Case Examples

Example 1: Dynamic Threat Response

A large enterprise detects aggressive scanning activity targeting its network across multiple locations. Using the API, the SOC adds the offending IP to a custom include list. In the next update cycle, this IP is blocked across all firewalls and endpoints, neutralizing the threat without the need to manage each device individually.

Example 2: MSSP Client Management

A medium-sized Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) manages security for multiple clients. They use separate include and exclude lists for each client, allowing them to:

• Tailor Security Policies: Customize blocklists based on each client’s specific needs and risk profile.
• Share Threat Intelligence: When appropriate, add IPs to a global include list to protect all clients from emerging threats.
• Maintain Flexibility: Adjust policies quickly in response to new threats or client requests.

Example 3: Incident Handling

Suppose a service provider discovers that one of their client’s IP addresses is blocked by the deployment due to an internal infection causing outbound malicious activity. After assessing the situation and notifying the affected party, they:

• Add the IP to a Custom Exclude List: Ensuring their own firewalls allow traffic from this IP while the issue is resolved.
• Maintain Overall Security: Other customers remain protected from the compromised IP, preventing widespread impact.

This scenario highlights the platform’s flexibility in handling complex, real-world situations while prioritizing security.

Advantages of the Blocklist Management Platform

Our Blocklist Management Platform offers several key benefits:

• Simplicity: An intuitive API makes blocklist management accessible, even for organizations without dedicated security teams.
• Flexibility: Customizable lists and multiple deployment options cater to organizations of all sizes and industries.
• Integration: API access enables seamless integration with existing security tools and workflows.
• Real-Time Protection: Our extensive sensor network ensures Threat List MAX is always up-to-date, providing real-time defense against emerging threats.
• Data Privacy: We don’t use customer data to build Threat List MAX, avoiding risks like data poisoning. Instead, we rely on our own sensors to ensure the integrity of our threat intelligence.

Conclusion

Effective blocklist management is a cornerstone of robust cybersecurity. By centralizing this process and offering flexible customization, organizations can focus more on proactive threat detection and response rather than administrative overhead.

About ELLIO

ELLIO is a research-driven cybersecurity lab with a strong focus on mass exploitation and reconnaissance activity. ELLIO delivers IP-based threat intelligence, network fingerprints, and highly dynamic feeds for event prioritization and data enrichment across existing SIEM, SOAR, and other security tools. Beyond intelligence, ELLIO provides ultimate IP blocking for next-gen firewalls, a platform for centrally managing all multi-vendor blocklists and whitelists, and additional services such as network masking against scanners and eBPF-based filters that combine IP intelligence with modern network fingerprints to protect against active malicious and overly curious (promiscuous) traffic.

Enter the ELLIO Threat Platform and see mass exploitation and reconnaissance activity as they happen: https://platform.ellio.tech