As our world becomes increasingly digitised, the value of data has soared. This surge in digital dependency has also made systems more vulnerable to cybercrime. Among the myriad tactics cybercriminals employ, Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks remain one of the most prevalent and disruptive methods. Let’s demystify DDoS attacks, their potential implications and ways to protect your data against an attack.
An overview of DDoS attacks
DDoS attacks aim to overwhelm a targeted server, website or network by flooding it with traffic, rendering it inaccessible to legitimate users. The growing complexity and sophistication of these attacks have led to widespread implications for organisations across industries. From government institutions to global corporations, no entity is entirely immune.
DDoS attacks use a network of compromised devices (often called a botnet) to launch coordinated traffic floods on a target. These attacks can be devastating, disrupting operations, damaging reputations and incurring significant financial losses.
Famous examples of DDoS attacks
- 2000: Mafiaboy attacks
- A 15-year-old hacker took down major websites like Amazon, eBay and CNN using DDoS attacks, causing millions in damages and highlighting vulnerabilities in internet infrastructure.
- 2016: Dyn attack
- Hackers targeted the Dyn DNS provider, disrupting access to platforms like Twitter, Spotify and Reddit. This attack leveraged IoT devices, showing how the proliferation of connected devices increases risks.
- 2018: GitHub attack
- GitHub experienced one of the largest recorded DDoS attacks, peaking at 1.35 terabits per second. The attack lasted about 20 minutes but demonstrated the potential scale of modern DDoS threats.
- 2020: AWS attack
- Amazon Web Services mitigated a 2.3 terabits per second attack, showcasing the evolving intensity of these incidents and the need for advanced defences.
How ddos attacks work
DDoS attacks are alarmingly common and growing more sophisticated particularly in the age of AI, ML and DL. Here are the key stages of a DDoS attack:
- Recruiting the botnet
- Hackers compromise thousands (or even millions) of devices by exploiting vulnerabilities. These devices can include PCs, smartphones and IoT devices like smart thermostats. Malware is typically used to gain control of these devices.
- Command and control setup
- The hacker establishes a command-and-control server (C&C) to coordinate the botnet. This server sends instructions to all compromised devices, ensuring a synchronised attack.
- Target selection
- The attacker identifies a target, which can range from a specific website to an entire network. Popular targets include online retailers, gaming platforms and government websites.
- Traffic generation
- The botnet floods the target with fake traffic, using protocols like HTTP, UDP or TCP to overwhelm the server. The aim is to exhaust bandwidth, processing power, or both.
- Execution of the attack
- Once the attack begins, the target’s systems become overwhelmed, leading to slowdowns, crashes or complete inaccessibility for legitimate users.
- Extortion or disruption
- In some cases, attackers use the DDoS attack as leverage for extortion, demanding ransom payments to stop the flood of traffic. In other scenarios, the attack serves purely disruptive purposes.
protecting against ddos attacks
No company is entirely immune to cybercrime, but proactive measures can significantly mitigate the risk of a DDoS attack. Here’s how:
- Deploy a web application firewall (WAF)
- WAFs filter and monitor traffic, blocking malicious requests before they reach your server. They’re essential for defending against application-layer DDoS attacks.
- Invest in scalable infrastructure
- Using cloud-based services ensures you can scale resources during traffic surges, preventing systems from becoming overwhelmed. Many cloud providers also offer DDoS mitigation tools.
- Implement rate limiting
- Restrict the number of requests a user can make within a set timeframe. This can reduce the effectiveness of brute-force traffic floods.
- Regularly update software
- Keeping systems updated ensures known vulnerabilities are patched, reducing the risk of devices being recruited into a botnet.
- Monitor traffic patterns
- Use tools to analyse normal traffic patterns, allowing you to detect and respond to anomalies quickly.
- Use DDoS protection services
- Companies like Cloudflare and Akamai offer dedicated DDoS mitigation solutions, including traffic filtering and rerouting.
- Educate employees
- Ensure your team recognises phishing attempts or malware threats that could compromise your network and create a botnet.
- Prepare an incident response plan
- Develop a comprehensive response strategy, detailing how to minimise damage and restore services in the event of an attack.
bulletproof doesn’t exist in cyberspace
Protecting your company from cyberattacks, including DDoS, is vital but no system is 100% invulnerable. A determined attacker can exploit even the most robust defences.
To minimise damage:
- Maintain three backups: Keep backups online, offline and in the cloud. This ensures you can recover quickly, even in the event of a catastrophic attack.
- Choose reliable cloud services: Cloud providers offer advanced security features and scalable infrastructure, making them an excellent option for mitigating risks.
Failing to prepare for DDoS attacks can result in significant reputational, operational and financial consequences. In today’s digital landscape, vigilance is key to safeguarding your company’s online presence.
