A distributed denial of service (DDoS) attack is a form of large-scale cyberattack aimed at a website or network with the ultimate goal of shutting down its services and resources, either temporarily or permanently. Unlike a DoS attack, which is launched from a single computer and internet connection, a DDoS attack originates from hundreds of compromised computers.
How does a DDoS attack work?
DDoS attackers typically start by remotely taking control of unsuspecting computers. Usually by spreading malicious and Trojan-infected software. Infected users typically have no idea that their computers have been compromised, which is why it’s super-important that you regularly check your computer for malware.
Compromised computers under the attacker’s control are commonly referred to as “zombies” or “botnets.” You can think of them as a mindless digital army, which can be deployed by the attacker to assault an unsuspecting target using a custom program. Due to the sheer number of compromised computers involved in a DDoS attack, it’s extremely difficult to stop it.
The goal of a DDoS attack, as mentioned, is to bring down a website or network, typically done by overloading it with traffic. In the case of an e-commerce website, the attack will force it to attend to an insane amount of traffic and fake requests. Once rendered incapacitated, real users won’t be able to access the website. In other cases, a DDoS attack’s goal is to force the target to exhaust its bandwidth.
The former example is called a traffic attack, while the latter is a bandwidth attack. These two are common forms of DDoS attacks, along with the application-layer attack, which aims to disable a specific feature or service.
What are the effects of a DDoS attack?
A DDoS attack can lead to a number of totally-not-cool consequences. It can disrupt online services, which can lead to revenue loss. Real users barred from accessing the website for an extended time might get pissed off and jump to a rival website (customer loss, in short). It can also hurt the company’s name because people may think it has weak security.
Most companies these days use the internet as part of their daily operations. A DDoS attack can easily disrupt said operations, leading to productivity loss. E-mails and other communication lines will also get compromised, along with databases where sensitive information are stored.
A DDoS attack can last several days up to several months. For a website that heavily relies on daily traffic to produce revenue, that’s downright crippling.
How to fight DDoS attacks?
Prevention is better than cure, as they say. It is paramount that you constantly monitor your website or network for any suspicious spikes in traffic. That way, you can immediately detect an attack and act accordingly to minimize the damage.
You can get a third-party service (outsourcing) to help help you prevent or fight off DDoS attacks, especially if you’re a non-techie. Another way to help fight DDoS attacks is to make sure you have extra bandwidth. This will be helpful against bandwidth attacks. Having extra space to “accommodate” the attack will buy you significant time while you shut down the attack.
DDoS attacks are nothing to laugh at. So make sure that your internet-reliant business is always ready and protected. Concerned about your website’s security? Contact us today.