DDoS attacks (Distributed Denial-of-Service attacks) are malicious attempts to overwhelm a server, network, or application with excessive traffic. The goal of these attacks is to make a service unavailable to legitimate users.
Unlike a single-source attack, DDoS use multiple compromised systems, often forming a botnet.
How DDoS Attacks Work
DDoS attacks flood a target with requests until it cannot handle the load. This can exhaust bandwidth, CPU, or memory resources.
There are three main types:
- Volumetric Attacks: These attacks consume bandwidth using massive traffic floods.
- Protocol Attacks: They target weaknesses in network protocols, exhausting server resources.
- Application-Layer Attacks: These attacks focus on specific web applications, often mimicking legitimate traffic.
Signs of DDoS Attacks
The first and main indicators of an ongoing attack can vary. Some of the signs to keep an eye on include the following:
- Sudden traffic spikes
- Slow response times
- Service outages
Preventing Attacks
Mitigation strategies include:
- Traffic filtering
- Rate limiting
- Web application firewalls
- Content delivery networks
Proactive monitoring reduces the impact of those attacks.
Why Are Dangerous
These attacks can cause serious harm, such as:
- Financial loss
- Reputation damage
- Service disruption
Because they are increasingly sophisticated, organizations must implement layered defenses.
Final Thoughts
DDoS attacks remain one of the most common cybersecurity threats. Understanding how these attacks work and applying preventive measures is essential for maintaining service availability and protecting online infrastructure.