A Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack is a malicious attempt to disrupt the normal functioning of a network, service, or website by overwhelming it with a flood of internet traffic.
You can prevent a DDoS attack by:
- Developing a denial of service response plan.
- Securing your network infrastructure.
- Filtering routers at the edge of your network to spot and drop DDoS connections.
- Blackholing the site that is being DDoS’d.
Learn More: How To Prevent Cyber Attacks
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What Is A Distributed Denial Of Service (DDoS) Attack?
A Distributed Denial Of Service Attack (DDoS) is an attack on a system that is launched from multiple sources and is intended to make a computer’s resources or services unavailable. DDoS attacks typically include sustained, abnormally high network traffic.
Example Of A DDoS Attack
The Mirai Botnet launched a DDoS attack against the internet service provider Dyn causing outages for popular websites including Airbnb, Amazon, CNN, HBO, and Reddit.
It did this by connecting and controlling thousands of wireless internet-connected devices and using their resources to power the attack against their servers.
How Do You Prevent A DDoS Attack?
You can prevent a distributed denial of service attack by:
- Developing a Denial of Service Response Plan: This involves creating a comprehensive strategy to respond to potential DDoS attacks. The plan should include procedures for identifying an attack, steps to mitigate its impact, and protocols for recovery and post-attack analysis. It’s also important to have a communication plan to inform stakeholders about the situation and the actions being taken.
- Securing Your Network Infrastructure: Implement robust security measures to protect your network. This includes installing firewalls to block malicious traffic, configuring your system to close unnecessary ports, and keeping all software and hardware up-to-date to ensure you have the latest security patches. Regularly auditing your network for vulnerabilities can also help you stay ahead of potential threats.
- Filtering Routers at the Edge of Your Network: Use routers and other hardware devices at the edge of your network to identify and drop DDoS traffic. This can be achieved by configuring the devices to recognize patterns typical of DDoS attacks, such as unusually large volumes of traffic or traffic from suspicious IP addresses.
- Blackholing the Site That Is Being DDoS’d: In extreme cases, you might choose to “blackhole” the targeted site. This involves rerouting all traffic to the site, including legitimate traffic, to a “black hole” (an invalid address). While this does stop the DDoS attack, it also makes the site inaccessible to everyone else, so it’s generally considered a last resort.
Remember, the best defense against DDoS attacks is a proactive approach that includes regular monitoring, timely updates, and a well-practiced response plan.
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