DDoS attacks are no longer just an occasional inconvenience. For many ISPs, they are a relentless threat, capable of disrupting service, increasing costs, and driving away customers. Forte Telecom, a leading carrier provider in Brazil, understands this firsthand. After struggling with growing attack frequency and ineffective mitigation strategies, they turned to Corero Network Security for a real-time, on-premises solution that transformed their approach to DDoS defense.
In a recent webinar, Forte Telecom CEO Sergio Símas and Eric Caldera from Corero discussed how real-time protection revolutionized Forte’s security strategy. Here’s what we learned.
From ISP to Carrier Provider: The Evolution of Forte Telecom
Forte Telecom didn’t start as a major carrier provider—it began as a network of small ISPs in rural Brazil. Their strength came from their unity, operating under the mantra: “Stronger Together.” Over time, they transitioned into a full-scale carrier, serving ISPs, government entities, and enterprises nationwide.
Despite their growth, they never lost sight of their customers’ challenges. Thinking like an ISP gave them an edge in understanding network security pain points, particularly the need for fast, effective DDoS protection.
The Wake-Up Call: A DDoS Nightmare in 2020
Like many providers, Forte Telecom initially relied on cloud-based DDoS mitigation. When attacks occurred, traffic was redirected to a scrubbing center—except the closest scrubbing center was in the United States, causing massive latency issues for local customers.
Then came 2020, when Forte suffered a huge DDoS attack that brought their operations to a halt. At the time, they didn’t even recognize it as a DDoS attack. Their reactive mitigation strategy—rerouting traffic to the U.S.—was too slow and ineffective. The experience forced them to rethink their entire approach to security.
Why Cloud Mitigation Wasn’t Enough
Initially, cloud scrubbing centers seemed like a reasonable solution. But attack tactics changed. Hackers moved beyond high-volume traffic floods and started using hit-and-run tactics—short, high-intensity bursts of malicious traffic. These attacks could overwhelm small ISPs before cloud mitigation even kicked in.
“The attackers decided for us that cloud mitigation wasn’t enough,” said Símas. Forte needed real-time protection that would stop threats before they caused disruptions.
The Magic of Corero’s Real-Time Protection
Enter Corero’s SmartWall ONE™. Unlike cloud-based solutions that rely on rerouting traffic, Corero mitigates threats in real time, directly in the data path. This eliminates delays, ensuring that Forte’s customers experience zero downtime even under attack.
Why Real-Time, On-Premises Protection Was the Answer
- Sub-second mitigation: Corero blocks malicious traffic before it can cause disruption.
- No need for BGP rerouting: Unlike cloud solutions, which require time-consuming routing updates, on-premises protection stops threats instantly.
- Scalability: Forte can protect its entire network without adding latency or degrading service quality.
- Customer-first approach: Smaller ISPs with limited hardware resources don’t have to worry about constant attack-related downtime.
Simas put it best:
“Corero doesn’t just mitigate attacks—it feels like it stops them before they even happen. It’s like magic.”
More Than a Product—A Partnership
One of the biggest differentiators for Forte wasn’t just the technology—it was the support behind it. From deployment to ongoing optimization, Corero worked closely with Forte to ensure seamless integration.
“The technology is impressive,” Simas explained, “but 80% of the success comes from the people. The Corero team is like an extension of our own.”
This human connection is what makes Corero more than just a vendor—it’s a trusted security partner.
The Business Impact: Security, Growth, and Peace of Mind
With Corero, Forte Telecom didn’t just secure its business—it expanded it. The ability to offer real-time, on-premises DDoS protection became a competitive differentiator, allowing them to attract more customers and scale confidently.
Perhaps most importantly, Corero provided is peace of mind. We no longer have to worry about receiving urgent messages mid-flight about a network shutdown. The constant anxiety of being under attack is gone.
“We are now selling peace of mind,” Sergio said. “And we need to share this with the world.”
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Forte Telecom and Corero?
Forte isn’t stopping at Brazil. They’re expanding into new markets, bringing their real-time protection model to growing internet markets in Latin America and beyond. As the internet grows, so do DDoS threats—but with Corero, Forte Telecom is staying ahead of the curve.
For other ISPs and service providers facing the same challenges, Forte’s story serves as a blueprint: real-time protection isn’t just an option—it’s the future.
Ready to Stop DDoS Attacks in Real Time?
If you’re an ISP, telecom provider, or enterprise struggling with DDoS attacks and downtime, it’s time to make the switch. Don’t let attackers decide when your network goes down. Get in touch with Corero Network Security today to explore real-time, on-premises DDoS protection that works like magic.
