A DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attack is typically described as a malicious attempt to disrupt the normal traffic of a network, server, or service. It overwhelms the target with a substantial amount of internet traffic from multiple sources, causing the system to become slow or entirely unavailable.
The aim of a DDoS attack is to make a website or service unreachable, resulting in significant downtime and disruption for businesses. Unlike other cyberattacks that seek to steal data, DDoS attacks focus on overwhelming the system’s resources, preventing legitimate users from accessing services.
They can have devastating effects on businesses, from lost revenue to reputational damage. So, how do they work?
How DDoS Attacks Work
DDoS attacks use multiple compromised computers, often referred to as a botnet, to send an overwhelming amount of traffic to the target system. These machines are usually infected with malware, enabling attackers to control them remotely.
Once the botnet is activated, it sends massive amounts of traffic to the targeted system, which becomes overloaded and unresponsive.
Key steps in how DDoS attacks work:
- Create a botnet by infecting computers or devices with malware.
- Command the botnet to send traffic to the targeted website or service.
- Overload the target with excessive traffic, causing a system slowdown or crash.
- Block legitimate users from accessing the service, resulting in downtime.
Types of DDoS Attacks
There are various different types of DDoS attacks, each with a different method of overwhelming a system:
- Volume-based attacks: These focus on overwhelming the bandwidth of the target with a high volume of traffic.
- Protocol attacks: These target weaknesses in network protocols, causing system disruptions by consuming server resources.
- Application-layer attacks: These aim to exhaust the resources of a specific application, making it inaccessible to users.
Consequences of DDoS Attacks
- Financial losses due to service downtime and lost revenue.
- Reputational damage if users cannot access services.
- Operational disruption that halts business activities.
Understanding DDoS attacks and implementing protective measures is vital for safeguarding businesses from costly disruptions.
If you want to protect your business against cyber threats, then get in touch and see how our cyber insurance services can help you.
