What is a DDoS Attack?
A Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack is a malicious attempt to disrupt the normal functioning of a targeted server, service, or network by overwhelming it with a flood of internet traffic. These attacks are executed using multiple compromised computer systems, often referred to as botnets, which are controlled by an attacker. The botnets can include a variety of devices, such as computers, IoT devices, and servers, that have been infected with malware to facilitate the attack.
DDoS attacks aim to make a service unavailable to its intended users, causing downtime for businesses and individuals. The impact of these attacks can be severe, resulting in lost revenue, reputational damage, and increased operational costs for recovery. They typically fall into three main categories: Volume-Based Attacks, Protocol Attacks, and Application Layer Attacks.
Volume-Based Attacks involve overwhelming the bandwidth of the target with massive amounts of traffic, often measured in bits per second (bps). Protocol Attacks consume server resources or intermediate communication equipment, while Application Layer Attacks specifically target web applications and are measured in requests per second (rps).
To mitigate DDoS attacks, organizations often employ various strategies, such as using firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and DDoS protection services. Regularly updating security protocols and educating staff are crucial components of a comprehensive security strategy against these disruptive threats.