Every week brings news of another major cyberattack on international platforms. In 2024, one thing has become clear: traditional security methods can no longer keep pace with increasingly sophisticated threats. Attackers are leveraging artificial intelligence, while DDoS attacks now reach terabits per second.
"Modern threats don't recognize geographical boundaries," says Artem Frolov, a security specialist at Wix.com. He oversees the protection of a platform used by millions worldwide, where every minute of downtime can result in massive business losses, and any vulnerability can affect users across dozens of countries.
Protecting an international platform demands a unique approach. It requires understanding attack patterns across different regions, complying with various jurisdictions, and ensuring instant threat response 24/7. We sat down with our expert to discuss how these challenges are met and what technologies help counter modern threats.
Artem's high-level technical expertise is validated by one of the industry's most challenging certifications—CCIE Security. In the professional community, this certification is recognized as a mark of exceptional knowledge. Earning it requires more than theoretical understanding; candidates must solve complex practical challenges.
The certification exam consists of two parts. First comes an eight-hour hands-on lab where candidates must design, configure, and secure a complex network infrastructure. The challenges escalate progressively: participants troubleshoot and resolve issues in real time, ensure system resilience, and counter various types of attacks. The second part is a rigorous written exam that tests a deep understanding of security technologies.
"CCIE Security preparation gave me far more than technical knowledge," Artem reflects. "It was an immersion into security philosophy, where every decision must consider its impact on the entire infrastructure. I still apply this approach when protecting global systems."
2024 brought new recognition of his international expertise. In October, Artem won the BRIDGE TECH CONTEST II in the IT and AI category, where innovative approaches to technology development were evaluated. His solutions for web platform protection using artificial intelligence received high praise from the international jury.
The professional community also acknowledged his industry contributions—Artem joined the jury of the prestigious Armenia Digital Awards 2024, evaluating projects in digital technology. In early 2025, he's preparing to participate in an international hackathon showcasing new cybersecurity solutions.
Artem began building his international expertise at a major Russian systems integrator, working on complex information security projects. One of his most significant achievements was a project for the Caspian Pipeline Consortium—an international system connecting Kazakhstan's oil fields and the Russian Caspian sector with a terminal near Novorossiysk. The scale was impressive: over 100 facilities along a pipeline stretching more than 1,500 kilometers required secure and reliable infrastructure. The project faced a unique challenge—the pipeline shut down only three times a year for 72-hour maintenance windows, during which critical security system updates had to be completed.
His next step was creating a security department at another major integrator. Within two years, the division grew to 60 specialists handling projects for both domestic and international clients. Here, Artem developed a methodology that combined global best practices with local requirements.
At Wix, this expertise evolved further. "In a global web platform, every solution must work equally well for users across all countries," Artem explains. "Yet threat patterns can vary significantly by region." His team developed a security system that adapts to attack specifics worldwide while maintaining consistent high-security standards.
Working with global integrators and then an international web platform has given Artem a unique perspective on cybersecurity and shaped his approach to protecting distributed systems.
Protecting International Platforms
At Wix.com, security requirements are particularly demanding: attacks on the platform can affect millions of websites globally. The nature of threats constantly evolves. While network-level DDoS attacks were once the primary concern, today's attackers actively employ AI and machine learning to bypass security measures.
"In protecting a global platform, every second counts," Artem explains. "Security systems must make instant decisions while analyzing massive amounts of data in real-time." To achieve this, Wix has implemented a multi-layered protection system where AI helps detect anomalies and automatically block suspicious activity.
Bot protection receives special attention—bots account for about 60% of all traffic. The Bot Manager, developed by Artem's team, uses behavioral analysis to identify malicious bots while allowing legitimate ones, such as search engines, to operate. The system continuously learns from new data, adapting to evolving attack patterns.
Geographic distribution of protection is crucial for a global platform. Security systems must work effectively for users across all regions, considering local threat specifics while complying with various jurisdictions.
Working on a global scale provides a unique opportunity to observe how cyber threats evolve across different regions. 2024 has shown that the traditional division between "safe" and "dangerous" regions no longer applies. Sophisticated attacks can originate anywhere, with attackers actively using distributed infrastructure to mask their activities.
In response to these challenges, Artem's team developed a dynamic protection system. Unlike traditional solutions, it doesn't rely on fixed rules but continuously adapts to new threats. AI analyzes user behavior and automatically identifies anomalies specific to particular regions.
Threat intelligence sharing has become increasingly important. Wix actively participates in international cyberthreat information exchange programs, enabling quick responses to new attack types. Maintaining the balance between security and privacy is crucial: all data is carefully anonymized and processed in compliance with various jurisdictional requirements.
Current trends in cybersecurity clearly indicate that the future belongs to intelligent protection systems and international cooperation.
Looking Ahead
By 2025, we'll see a new evolution in threats. Quantum computing could challenge existing encryption systems. The Internet of Things expands the attack surface—billions of connected devices create new opportunities for malicious actors. As companies move to the cloud, traditional security approaches need rethinking.
Artem actively contributes to the international security community. His BRIDGE TECH CONTEST victory and role on the Armenia Digital Awards jury demonstrate how crucial knowledge and technology sharing has become in countering modern threats.
"Whether you're protecting an oil pipeline or a global web platform, core security principles remain constant," Artem reflects, capturing the current state of cybersecurity. While technologies and threats evolve, the foundation stays the same: deep understanding of protected systems, threat anticipation, and rapid adaptation to changes.
We're witnessing the emergence of a new generation of security experts—professionals without borders who can tackle complex challenges in an international context. Their strength lies not just in technical expertise but in their ability to learn from colleagues worldwide, implement global best practices, and adapt them to specific needs.
Artem's experience shows that cybersecurity's future lies in comprehensive solutions that combine cutting-edge technology, international expertise, and a deep understanding of business processes. As threats become more complex, the role of professionals who can think globally and act locally becomes increasingly vital.
