Let's get real—hackers are constantly on the track for something new. They don't use the old tricks anymore. So when I saw that Okta released a set of Auth0 rules for threat detection, I thought, "This could actually work!"
If you've ever made your own security rules, you understand it's not easy. Tighten them too much, and you're flooded with false positives. Make them too loose, and actual attacks slip through. Okta's complimentary set of rules feels like an easy-to-use starter set, and I like it.
Rules such as:
•Suspicious login activity (like logging in from two far-flung countries within minutes).
•Suspicious API behavior that looks like a bot and not a person.
•Possible account takeovers when login activity happens out of the blue.
The good news? These rules aren't random—they're from real attacks Okta already suffered.
Here's why it matters:
•It's open. Sharing rules builds trust.
•The community can improve. Individuals can suggest improved versions.
• You save time. Instead of writing rules from the ground up, you can use these today.
It reminded me of when I first came across my first open-source security script a gazillion years ago. It was less than perfect, but it got me far, far ahead—and that took hours out of my day.
The next time you're getting all worked up about snaring attacks, why not utilize tried-and-true rules? You might spare yourself a genuine headache.
If you've ever made your own security rules, you understand it's not easy. Tighten them too much, and you're flooded with false positives. Make them too loose, and actual attacks slip through. Okta's complimentary set of rules feels like an easy-to-use starter set, and I like it.
What did Okta include?
Okta released a collection of pre-configured rules for Auth0. They help you be aware of when some nefarious activity might be taking place with logins or accounts.Rules such as:
•Suspicious login activity (like logging in from two far-flung countries within minutes).
•Suspicious API behavior that looks like a bot and not a person.
•Possible account takeovers when login activity happens out of the blue.
The good news? These rules aren't random—they're from real attacks Okta already suffered.
Why this is a good idea
Most security companies hide their tricks. Okta, however, proclaimed: "Here's what we do—take it, change it, make it better." That's not typical, and I think it's wise.Here's why it matters:
•It's open. Sharing rules builds trust.
•The community can improve. Individuals can suggest improved versions.
• You save time. Instead of writing rules from the ground up, you can use these today.
It reminded me of when I first came across my first open-source security script a gazillion years ago. It was less than perfect, but it got me far, far ahead—and that took hours out of my day.
Not a magic solution
Now, these regulations won't fix everything. You still have to tailor them to fit your own systems. What appears "bad" for one business may appear "normal" for another. But as a beginning point? They're very helpful.Wrapping up
So the moral of the tale is: Okta's free Auth0 rules make security less hellish. They give you stuff that already works, and you can build on top. Will they snare every single hacker? Nope. But they'll make your job an awful lot less of a headache.The next time you're getting all worked up about snaring attacks, why not utilize tried-and-true rules? You might spare yourself a genuine headache.
