What is a DDoS attack, and how to prevent it?

Malicious attempts like a DDoS attack should not be neglected. It is more than important to do everything to avoid them! They could ruin your reputation and make you experience severe financial losses. Let’s talk a little bit more about them and what you can do to stop them!

DDoS attack explained

DDoS attack, also known as a Distributed Denial of Service attack, is a cyber attack performed by cybercriminals that desire to disrupt different targets like a network, system, or server. It is performed by overwhelming the victim with massive amounts of bogus traffic coming from numerous devices. That is why it is called “distributed,” referring to the various sources utilized for completing the attack. The DDoS attack is completed once the victim is down and regular users are not able to access it.

The truth is that DDoS attacks can be of different types, and the techniques can be changed. However, each Distributed Denial of Service attack involves a massive number of infected devices. They can be controlled from any location on the globe, and they can be different computers, IoT devices, wearables, and servers. It is impossible for the victim to handle all of the traffic and gets sluggish until it eventually becomes completely drowned.

How does it work?

The DDoS attacks are carried out by Internet-connected devices. Such types of networks contain not only computers and laptops but also other devices like IoT, which are all infected with malware. As a result, the cybercriminal has gained full control over them, and it can send them instructions completely remotely. For that reason, these devices are also known as bots or zombies, and a group of them is called a botnet. Once the botnet is established, the cybercriminal is able to perform the attack. 

All of the Internet-connected devices in the cybercriminal’s network send requests to the IP address of the victim. At some point, the network or server gets flooded and is unable to function properly. The denial of service is complete and regular traffic is disturbed.

How to prevent a DDoS attack?

There are several things you can do to avoid and stop a potential DDoS attack. They are the following: 

Monitoring

A reliable Monitoring service can help you spot any abnormal activity. Typically, online companies maintain specific traffic patterns. Therefore, it is good to know your own patterns and understand them. Besides, a Monitoring service can help you notice quickly if something about your network is not good. For instance, ClouDNS offers different types of checks that you can complete and understand precise details about your network and traffic. That way, you may detect even the first signs of a DDoS attack.

DDoS protection

DDoS protected DNS service is another way you could strengthen your defense. It supplies you with a pack of tools, all of them guaranteeing the availability of your network, website, or service. Not to mention, it is way more affordable than paying for the after-effects of an attack.  

Anycast DNS

Anycast DNS can help you by spreading the malicious traffic across multiple DNS servers. If one of them goes down due to the DDoS attack, the rest of the servers are going to handle the rest of the load. The requests from regular users will still reach and receive answers. 

Load balancing

A technique that distributes the incoming traffic as Load balancing is extremely beneficial in situations of appearing DDoS attack. It prevents overstressing the servers in your network. Well-known and trusted providers deliver a great robust network that is excellent for load balancing. Organizations with usually big traffic loads can especially benefit from such a technique.

What are the motives behind a DDoS attack?

Nowadays, DDoS attacks are one of the most common cyber threats. Here are the most common motives behind such attacks: 

• Shakedown – Criminals use DDoS attacks as a threat and as a technique for pushing their victims to pay them. 
• Business disputes – Some organizations can intentionally utilize DDoS attacks and take down a competitor’s website.
• Philosophy – A group of individuals also known as “hacktivists.” They initiate the attack on websites that implement an ideology that doesn’t correspond to them.
• Boredom – A group of cyber vandals seeking an adrenaline rush that uses pre-written scripts to initiate DDoS attacks. 

Conclusion

Once you are familiar with what DDoS attacks are, you can be sure they are not a joke! Make sure to prepare and protect your organization in the best way possible, so the reputation and financial risk are minimal.