Scrapers

Scrapers are automated tools or bots designed to extract data from websites. They can serve useful purposes, like enabling search engines or powering price comparison platforms, but they can also be used maliciously to steal intellectual property, duplicate content, or overload servers. Understanding how scrapers work – and the risks they pose – is essential for businesses aiming to protect their digital assets and maintain website performance.

What Are Scrapers?

Scrapers are programs or bots that systematically gather data from websites. They typically perform tasks that a human user could do manually, but at a much faster scale and frequency.

There are two primary types of web scraping:

• Legitimate scraping – used by search engines for indexing, or by businesses for analytics and market research.
• Malicious scraping – involves unauthorised data harvesting, often used for copying proprietary content, stealing pricing information, or collecting personal data.

How Scrapers Work

Scrapers function by sending automated HTTP requests to a website and retrieving the data they are programmed to collect. They may:

• Crawl through web pages to copy text, images, or structured data.
• Target specific elements like product details, pricing, or contact information.
• Use advanced scripts or tools to bypass restrictions or avoid detection.

Some malicious scrapers even operate as part of a botnet, making them more difficult to identify and stop.

Risks and Impacts of Malicious Scraping

While scraping can serve positive business functions, malicious scraping carries significant risks, including:

• Server overload – excessive automated requests can slow or crash websites.
• Data theft – proprietary content or sensitive information can be stolen.
• SEO damage – duplicated content scraped from your site can harm search rankings.
• Competitive disadvantage – competitors may exploit stolen data for pricing or strategy.

For organizations facing persistent threats, deploying advanced DDoS protection can help identify and block harmful bot traffic in real time.

Get in touch

Scrapers are a fact of life for any online business, but understanding their legitimate uses and malicious risks is key to building a strong defence. By monitoring traffic and implementing protective measures, businesses can maintain both performance and data integrity.

Need expert advice on mitigating scraper-related threats? Speak to a DDoS specialist today to explore tailored solutions.