What is a DDoS Attack?
DDoS (Distributed denial of service) is a cyber attack resulting in users being unable to access their systems and network resources, essentially disrupting internet services.
The purpose of a DDoS attack is to make online services or websites crash by bombarding them with unwanted traffic from multiple systems.
For an attack to be successful, the Cyber attacker will secretly install malicious software on to vulnerable computers by using infected emails and attachments. This in turn, will create a network of infected machines – called a botnet.
The attacker will then ultimately instruct and control the botnet, commanding it to overwhelm a site with traffic: so much traffic that its network cannot cope, taking the site offline.
BredoLab is by far the largest recorded botnet to date, as it combines the resources of over 30 million computers around the world.
Why hackers choose DDoS attacks?
DDoS attacks can take down any website, from major corporations, to startup sites. The reasons for these attacks can vary from politics, to fun, to financial gain.
DDoS attacks can also be purchased. So anyone can request a site is taken offline, and pay for its execution. In this case often revenge is the motivation.
It’s worth noting that Cyber attackers might want to blackmail an organisation for money, holding their site to ransom until they pay.
How would your business stand up against a Cyber attack such as a DDoS?
