A Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack is a tactic used by cyber criminals to flood a network, a server or a website with an overwhelming amount of traffic to disrupt its normal functioning. The attackers leverage compromised computers and other networked resources including IoT devices to launch these attacks.
Why are DDoS Attacks Popular among cyber criminals?
DDoS attacks can cripple a website or network almost instantly and affect the entire online user base that relies on it. This makes it a popular tool among hacktivists, extortionists, and cyber vandals who are looking to create chaos or further their own agendas. Repeated attacks or short-bursts of DDoS attacks can cause lasting damage, especially to businesses which lose revenue, consumer trust, and suffer long-term reputational damage.
IoT Devices and DDoS Attacks
As more and more devices are interconnected via the Internet of Things (IoT), DDoS attacks have increased multifold in magnitude. The lack of strong security postures in IoT devices makes them highly vulnerable to compromise and exploitation, often without the knowledge of its owners. The attackers leverage these vulnerable IoT devices by infecting hundreds of thousands of them to carry out large-scale DDoS attacks.
FAQs
What is the objective of a DDoS attack?
The primary objective of a DDoS attack is to make the website, server, or network unavailable to its intended users by overwhelming them with an avalanche of traffic from multiple sources, causing it to crash or become unresponsive.
Can a DDoS attack be prevented?
While it can be difficult to prevent a DDoS attack, it can be mitigated by maintaining strong security postures, conducting security assessments regularly, and leveraging the services of a Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP).
How long does the impact of a DDoS attack last?
The impact of a DDoS attack can last for days, weeks, or even months as the organization tries to recover from the damages inflicted. The attacks can lead to lost revenue, erode consumer trust, and cause long-term reputational damage.
Conclusion
DDoS attacks remain a significant threat to businesses and organizations of all sizes. With the increasing interconnectedness of devices through IoT, the magnitude of DDoS attacks is likely to increase further. Maintaining strong security postures and leveraging the services of an MSSP can help organizations mitigate the effects of a DDoS attack and protect their valuable assets.
