A DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attack is a type of cyberattack where a large number of devices are used to send illegitimate requests to a target, overwhelming its ability to respond. This can take the form of overwhelming the target with traffic or flooding it with requests that exhaust its resources. This can result in a denial of service (DoS) for the target system or service. DDoS attacks can be launched from a variety of devices, including computers, smartphones, and even internet-connected appliances. The devices used in a DDoS attack are often referred to as “bots”.
The purpose of a DDoS attack is to disrupt the target’s ability to operate, preventing it from responding to legitimate requests or serving its customers. DDoS attacks can also be used to steal data or to extort money from the target.
The signs of a DDoS attack can vary depending on the nature and severity of the attack. However, some common signs of a DDoS attack include:
A sudden increase in network traffic
Slow or interrupted network service
Website or server crashes
Unusually high CPU usage
Inability to access websites or online services
If you notice any of these signs, it’s likely that you are experiencing a DDoS attack.
DDoS attacks have been increasing in frequency and severity in recent years. The largest DDoS attack on record was a massive 1.7 terabits per second (Tbps) attack that took down the website of the internet service provider (ISP) Dyn in October 2016.
Other notable DDoS attacks include the following:
- The Mirai botnet attack of September 2016 used compromised IoT devices to launch a massive DDoS attack against the website of security journalist Brian Krebs.
- The WannaCry ransomware attack of May 2017 used a massive DDoS attack to disrupt the operations of the UK’s National Health Service (NHS).
- The Marriott International data breach of November 2018 was caused by a series of DDoS attacks on the hotel chain’s reservation system.
Types of DDos attack
There are three types of DDoS attacks:
- Volume-based attacks: This type of attack sends a large number of requests to the target server in a short period of time, overwhelming it and causing it to crash or become unavailable.
- Protocol attacks: This type of attack exploits vulnerabilities in the target server’s protocol implementation, causing it to crash or become unavailable.
- Application-layer attacks: This type of attack targets vulnerabilities in the target server’s application layer, causing it to crash or become unavailable.
Tools That Perform DDoS Attacks
There are a number of tools that can be used to launch a DDoS attack. Some of the most common tools include:
- Botnets: A botnet is a large network of compromised devices that can be used to launch a DDoS attack. Botnets are often created by infecting devices with malware that allows the attacker to control the device remotely. A botnet is a large network of compromised devices that can be used to launch a DDoS attack. Botnets are often created by infecting devices with malware that allows the attacker to control the device remotely.
- DDoS-for-hire services: There are a number of services that allow anyone to launch a DDoS attack against a target. These services are often called “booters” or “stressers” and allow the attacker to select the target and the intensity of the attack. There are a number of services that allow anyone to launch a DDoS attack against a target. These services are often called “booters” or “stressers” and allow the attacker to select the target and the intensity of the attack.
- Malware: Malware can be used to infect devices with malware that allows the attacker to control the device remotely and use it in a DDoS attack. Malware can be used to infect devices with malware that allows the attacker to control the device remotely and use it in a DDoS attack.
- Scripts: Scripts can be used to launch a DDoS attack against a target by flooding the target with traffic from a large number of sources. Scripts can be used to launch a DDoS attack against a target by flooding the target with traffic from a large number of sources. Spam: Spam can be used to flood a target with traffic by sending large numbers of messages to the target. Spam can be used to flood a target with traffic by sending large numbers of messages to the target.
- Trojan horses: Trojan horses can be used to infect devices with malware that allows the attacker to control the device remotely and use it in a DDoS attack. Trojan horses can be used to infect devices with malware that allows the attacker to control the device remotely and use it in a DDoS attack.
- Web application attacks: Web application attacks can be used to launch a DDoS attack against a target by flooding the target with traffic from a large number of sources.
How to protect yourself from a DDoS attack?
There are a number of steps that can be taken to help mitigate the risk:
- Use a reputable DDoS protection service. A DDoS protection service can help to absorb the impact of a DDoS attack, preventing it from taking your website or online service offline.
- Harden your network infrastructure. By hardening your network infrastructure, you can make it more difficult for attackers to penetrate your systems. This includes measures such as firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS), and proper password management.
- Keep your systems up to date Make sure you are keeping your systems up to date with the latest security patches. Many DDoS attacks exploit known vulnerabilities in systems and applications.
- Restrict access to your systems. Restricting access to your systems can help to prevent unauthorized users from launching a DDoS attack. This can be done through the use of firewalls, authentication systems, and other security measures.
- Monitor your network traffic. Monitoring your network traffic can help you to identify and respond to DDoS attacks as quickly as possible. Tools such as intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS) can be used to detect malicious traffic patterns.
- Use a firewall: A firewall can be used to protect your computer or network from traffic that is not authorized. A firewall can be used to protect your computer or network from traffic that is not authorized.
- Use a VPN: A VPN can be used to protect your computer or network from traffic that is not authorized. A VPN can be used to protect your computer or network from traffic that is not authorized.
- Use a content filter: A content filter can be used to protect your computer or network from traffic that is not authorized. A content filter can be used to protect your computer or network from traffic that is not authorized.
- Use a DDoS mitigation service: A DDoS mitigation service can be used to protect your computer or network from traffic that is not authorized.