DDoS attack is a type of cyber attack in which cyber criminals aim to make a website or computer inaccessible by crashing or flooding the site with loads of traffic. This challenging cyber attack has a few various aspects that we will discuss later, but what you need to know right now is that they are on the upsurge, with more than 9.75 million DDoS attacks in 2021.
A DDoS attack allows an intruder to overflow a server or a network with fake traffic. Overloading resources and disrupting connectivity prevents the system from accessing legitimate client requests. Systems become inaccessible, resulting in extended outage, lost profits, and customer dissatisfaction for the target firm.
This article discusses the types of DDoS attacks, how DDoS attacks work,signs of a DDoS attack, and DDoS attacks protection tips.
DDoS Attack Types
Even though all DDoS attacks seek to overpower a website with excessive traffic, hackers employ a variety of strategies to induce a DDoS. Although each type use different methods, a skilful hacker can use all three to overload a single website
- Protocol attacks
It is also referred to as network-layer attacks. Protocol-layer DDoS attacks take advantage of flaws in the procedures or protocols that govern online communications. Protocol attacks aim to jam the entire network.
- Application-layer attacks
This layer targets and disturbs a single application rather than an entire network like protocol layer. A hacker sends out a huge proportion of HTTP requests, taxing the target server’s flexibility to adjust.
- Volumetric attacks
This layer uses false data requests to eat up a target’s bandwidth utilization, causing congestion issues. The hacker’s traffic prevents authorized users from accessing offerings, and traffic gets bottlenecked.
How Does a DDoS Attack Work?
DDoS attacks are typically carried out by cyber criminals using a network of remotely operated, compromised computers known as botnets. Such contaminated devices form networks, which are used to overwhelm targeted servers, websites, and networks with much more traffic than they can handle.
Botnets are networks of thousands or even millions of machines that are monitored by cyber criminals. They use them for a number of purposes, such as spam distribution and the transmission of ransomware and other malware. It is done in an attempt to steal or compromise user data in order to put money in the scammer’s bank account.
Signs of a DDoS Attack
Usually, DDoS attacks have clear signs. However, the signs frequently imitate other computer problems, varying from a lagging internet to a poor website speed, making it difficult to know if you are undergoing a DDoS attack.
Having said that, here are a few warning signs to help you understand about a DDoS attack:
- Slow page loading speed
- Failure to access a specific website for an extended period of time
- No internet access
- Connectivity to all websites is problematic
- A large number of junk mail
While, many of these signs can be difficult to recognise as unordinary. But if you notice two or more signs simultaneously for an extended period of time, you may be the target of a DDoS attack.
How to Prevent DDoS Attacks?
While it is impossible to stop a scammer from trying to cause a DDoS attack, good strategy and vigilant initiatives can decrease the risk and possible effects of an invasion.
VPN Assistance
Using a VPN while playing games with friends or online shopping can be extremely beneficial for those who want to prioritize their privacy online. VPN operates by disguising and encoding your IP address as well as other recognisable network elements, making it difficult for a malicious hacker to disrupt your access to the web with a DDoS attack.
Security Software and Apps Update
Application layer DDoS attacks are carried out by cyber criminals who use obsolete apps and security holes. Maintain your security systems and applications updated to avert it. Such updates include the improvements required to address vulnerabilities in systems that DDoS hacking may introduce.
Avoid Getting Phished
Phishing is a widely used indicator of DDoS attacks, in addition to being among the most visible cyber attacks today. Report any possible phishing frauds that appear in your mail box. Reports should be sent to [email protected] for review by the FTC. In addition, if you get a smishing SMS, you can report it to SPAM (7726).
Secure IP Address
Some argue that an IP address is as private as a SSN (Social Security number). Because? It is a series of numbers that can identify a specific computer. DDoS attackers may attempt to monitor your IP address in order to determine the best way to infect your device with malware and make you a part of their zombie network. It is better not to share your IP with anyone.
Configure Anti Malware and Antivirus Software
Because attackers generally use various types of malware to create zombie networks prior to launching a DDoS attack, installing anti malware and antivirus software on your machines is invaluable. This cyber security tool can notify you of prospective malware attacks used by DDoS hackers and work tirelessly to eliminate them when they take place
Create a DDoS Response Policy
Your security experts must create an incident response plan for DDoS attack to make sure that employees respond rapidly and easily in the event of a DDoS attack. This strategy should include directions for responding to a DDoS attack, tips to keep your business running. how to contact key personnel and stakeholders, protocols for escalation, a list of all the tools required, and a list of mission-critical systems.
DDoS might not even be among the most recent cyber threats to emerge, but that has not prevented them from attempting to take center stage. Use the data and the tips mentioned above to identify a DDoS attack, strengthen your DDoS hacking defenses, and guarantee the security of your tools and internet privacy.
