As part of this series on information security, we’ve been talking about the types of threats. We covered types of malware, types of phishing, and today we’re going to cover the types of denial of service attacks.
In our modern world where everything is connected to the Internet, the threat of cyber attacks looms large. Among the most disruptive of these are Denial of Service (DoS) and Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks. Let’s delve into what these attacks are and how they work.
What is a DoS Attack?
A Denial of Service attack is a malicious attempt to disrupt the normal traffic of a targeted server, service, or network by overwhelming the target or its surrounding infrastructure with a flood of Internet traffic. DoS attacks achieve effectiveness by using a single internet-connected device, like one computer, to flood a target with requests until normal traffic is unable to be processed.
The Mechanics Behind a DoS Attack
- Exploiting Vulnerabilities: The attacker finds a vulnerability in a target system that can be exploited. This could be as simple as a web server that crashes under too many requests.
- Flood of Requests: Once the vulnerability is identified, the attacker sends a large number of requests to the server, more than it can handle. Think of a mailbox that is too stuffed with letters that no new ones can be delivered.
- Service Disruption: As a result, the server is unable to handle legitimate requests, leading to denial-of-service to regular users.
What is a DDoS Attack?
A Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack is a more complex, powerful version of the DoS attack. Here, the attack is launched from multiple compromised devices, often distributed globally. These networks of compromised devices are known as botnets.
Understanding DDoS Attacks
- Building a Botnet: Attackers infect multiple devices with malware, turning them into bots. These devices can range from computers to IoT devices. You might think that you’re safe because “who would want your information?”. The truth is that your computer, computing power, and bandwidth are still a pretty valuable commodity.
- Coordinated Attack: The attacker then uses this botnet to send a massive number of requests to the target simultaneously.
- Magnified Impact: The distributed nature of this attack makes it more difficult to stop since it comes from multiple sources and can generate more traffic than a single source. Stopping it isn’t as simple as blocking an IP Address or IP Range.
The Implications of DoS and DDoS Attacks
The impact of these attacks can be extensive. Businesses can experience service disruptions, financial losses, and damage to their reputation. In severe cases, critical online services like banking, healthcare, or government services can be affected.
Protecting Against DoS and DDoS Attacks
- Robust Infrastructure: Organizations should invest in robust server infrastructure that can handle high traffic volumes.
- Security Measures: Implement security measures like firewalls – including next-generation firewalls (NGFW) – and intrusion detection systems (IDS) to identify and mitigate attacks.
- Monitor Traffic: Regular monitoring of network traffic can help in early detection of unusual patterns that signify an attack.
- Response Plan: Have a clear response plan in place to quickly address and mitigate the impact of an attack.
Aside from Ransomware, DoS and DDoS attacks represent some of the most significant threats to network environments today. They are capable of bringing down websites and other services. Understanding these attacks is the first step in defending against them and it is crucial for individuals and organizations alike to be aware of these threats and to take proactive measures to protect their digital assets.
